Cochecton

To the editor:

Thanks are due Jack Danchak for sharing, from the Pennsylvania Outdoor News, that the coyote hunting contest ban was pushed by animal rights groups. It’s in his August 11th article.

In doing a little research I found the following regarding bill A2917 / S4099.

In comments regarding the bill’s passage the Humane Society expressed disappointment that the bill, in its final form, did not include banning contests for whitetail deer, turkey, etc. They indicated it was a compromise so the bill could get passed. They expressed that the coyote hunt contest ban is a good start.

It matters not whether you’re for or against the ban of coyote hunting contests. What matters is that you understand where the bill came from and what it’s truly about. It is an anti-hunting piece of legislation sponsored by none other than a Democrat Manhattan politician. I saw not one Republican cosponsor on the nys.gov website. Meanwhile the bill is being touted by some as bipartisan. 

Ask yourself. What will their next step be? Laws banning all hunting contests? That was the original intent of the bill according to the Humane Society. Laws banning hunting completely? It’s not far fetched given the state of New York’s political climate and its one party rule. As well as that of the nation. Witness the Biden Administration’s Education Dept. And the recent denial of federal funds for schools that offer hunter education classes. Be they deal with hunting with firearms or bow and arrow. 

All in the name of humanity and conservation. Don’t be fooled. Their end game is to put an end to hunting. With little self awareness in regards to the thousands of dogs and cats they kill. For better or worse. Under the euphemism - euthanasia.

Hunting and hunters are a huge necessary part of conservation. Hunting, whether participating in a contest or not, is a legitimate and legal means to manage wildlife. Fish and Game Laws, such as fair chase, must still be followed. Whether they are hunting for a prize or not. Whether they are hunting for coyotes or deer. 

It seems the Sportsmen’s organizations were blindsided by the passage of this bill. As was I, shame on me. Where were our Senator and Assemblywoman? In first learning of the bill’s passage I emailed Governor Hochul urging her to veto A2917/S4099. I urge others to do the same.