Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Trophy hunters disrespect nature

The June 14 editorial “Unregulated trophy hunting not only cruel but also bad for the environment” overlooked a salient point: How can self-described trophy hunters claim they are wildlife conservationists when their overriding objectives are trophies, self-aggrandizement and profit?

Oversight hunting and trapping has been for many decades been dominated by trophy hunters and trappers. They have zero concern for wildlife’s best interests, as shown by maximized killing quotas.

Many of the state Wildlife Department’s employees are trophy hunters. The nine-member state Wildlife Commission has a statutory majority represented by wildlife-killing promoters. The actions of both bodies tell a long-term story of carnage and destruction.

Hunting and trapping are readily allowed on supposed wildlife refuges.

Nevada has 96-hour trap inspection, the 47th-worst inspection interval in the country. Target and nontarget species are finished off after enduring excruciating pain for fur sales or casual disposal.

Bears are killed for hunter bonding, rugs and wall trophies, not human sustenance.

We mercilessly round up wild horses with helicopters, imprison them, and when it is too inconvenient to care for them, send them off to slaughter.

For several years, vendors at the Safari Club International conventions have sold endangered species’ body parts, with no enforcement of state legislation prohibiting such transactions.

We need a major change in the way Nevada’s wildlife is treated, yet state government refuses to act. Ask those who want your vote how they plan to help.