Although only 7 percent of the U.S. population are "sport" hunters, they kill over 200 million animals every year. And, sadly, another 25 percent of that number escape maimed or wounded.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, hunters have helped to wipe out dozens of species. In Utah alone, grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines and lynxes are among the extinct. Soon the list may include cougars, black bears and kit foxes.Deer hunters justify their "sport" by claiming that it prevents overpopulation. But hunters also gun down predators every chance they get. And wildlife management/boards assist them. An example is Utah's 1994-95 increase in cougar hunting permits, which has been viewed by many as a huge mistake.
Hunters constantly use the aspect of "winter starvation" as an excuse to hunt. During winters with heavy snowfall, starvation is bound to occur. However, the death of one creature offers life to another. Deer carcasses are critically important food for some animals who rely on it to make it through the long winter. (This would apply only if there was not a great loss of habitat and the animals demanding the carcasses were not extinct.) Also, the old, sick and weak animals would naturally die during the winter, not the young, healthy ones that the hunters slaughter.
Nationally a mere 7 percent minority of the public - the hunters - has 100 percent control of our wildlife. It's time we 93 percent non-hunters get involved in how our wildlife is treated.
Linda Jenkins
West Valley City