Wildlife Group Blasts Northern Wisconsin Coyote Hunt

Animal protection groups are raising concerns about what’s being called a “predator hunt” this Saturday in northern Wisconsin.

Pro-hunting groups near Argonne in Forest County have organized a coyote-killing contest. It’s a legal event for anyone with a small game hunting license. But Melissa Smith of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf and Wildlife said the contest is a show of bloodlust.

“These wildlife-killing contests, they’re not about respecting coyotes or respecting wildlife. Is there anything out there that doesn’t deserve respect?” she said.

Smith said she fears hunting dogs will be allowed to fight coyotes, and that gray wolves, which are once again an endangered species, may be harmed, too.

The Department of Natural Resources said similar events have been held over the years. The agency said it will have its usual number of wardens in the area and will check some hunting licenses. Fines are possible for anyone who shoots a wolf or allows a dog to kill a hunted animal.