BLM Receives Over 38,000 Comments on Salmon Predator Derby

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently reviewing over 38,000 public comments concerning Idaho For Wildlife's special recreation permit request for its Predator Derby in Salmon, Idaho. This event, which involves hunters targeting wolves, coyotes, raccoons, and skunks, has sparked significant public interest and debate.

After extending the comment period by seven days, the BLM is now tasked with organizing and assessing nearly 40,000 letters at its Salmon field office. Many of these submissions are form letters facilitated by activist groups, allowing individuals to easily participate in the feedback process.

Public Affairs Specialist Sarah Wheeler noted that the BLM will soon determine whether the participation of 500 hunters will adversely affect the 3.1 million acres of land involved. Although the BLM cannot regulate hunting activities directly, denying the permit would prevent animals killed on BLM lands from being entered into the competition.

"A lot of the comments we're receiving, it's an emotional issue," said Wheeler. "They're saying, 'How can you allow these animals to be killed,' and I think people need to step back and realize we are a land management agency, so we're not looking at the actual action. What we're looking at is is it going to impact the environment."

Last year, Idaho For Wildlife failed to apply for a permit in time, resulting in animals killed on BLM land being excluded from the competition. That year's derby resulted in the killing of 21 coyotes and no wolves. The application for the upcoming derby lists January 2-4, 2015, as the event dates.

Originally posted by KIDK.