Wyoming Community Divided Over Coyote Hunt as Predator Control

A recent coyote hunting event in Sublette County, Wyoming, has sparked debate between wildlife advocates and local ranchers, Jackson Hole News&Guide reports.

The event, called the “Song Dog Shootout,” drew both support and criticism as participants defended it as a necessary measure to protect livestock, while opponents questioned the ethics of such contests.

Held in Marbleton, the three-day event was organized by local bartender Amy Busselle and centered around culling coyotes to mitigate threats to cattle during calving season. Ranchers argue that controlling coyote populations helps prevent livestock losses, particularly in the spring when newborn calves are most vulnerable.

Participants, who paid entry fees to compete, weighed their kills at the Waterhole #3 bar, where the event was hosted. The winning team killed 48 coyotes over the weekend, while others struggled to find any.

For many, the event was not just about predator control but also a social gathering that brought the community together.

“This was just supposed to be a get-together for people to bring business in and also take care of the population,” Busselle said.

The event drew significant backlash from wildlife advocates and animal rights activists, both locally and internationally. Critics argued that turning predator control into a competitive event undermines ethical wildlife management.

Kristin Combs, executive director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, expressed concern over the “gamification” of killing animals.

“Killing anything shouldn’t be made into a game. For me, that’s the issue that pulls the ethics out of it,” she said.

Some biologists also question the long-term effectiveness of large-scale coyote hunting. Research suggests that removing coyotes indiscriminately can lead to population rebounds, as the species compensates by increasing reproduction rates. Experts like Joe Holbrook, a professor of carnivore and habitat ecology at the University of Wyoming, note that targeted removal of problem coyotes is more effective than mass culling.

Many local ranchers insist that coyote hunting is a necessary tool for protecting livestock.

“We’re not here to try to eradicate them or torture them,” said Zachary Flint, a ranch worker in the county. “It’s just keeping the populations in check so they’re not causing us more issues.”

Some ranchers also argue that while coyotes play a role in the ecosystem, their numbers must be managed carefully to prevent excessive predation on livestock and local wildlife such as pronghorn and mule deer.

Opponents of the event advocate for non-lethal deterrents, such as using livestock guardian dogs, herders, and fencing to protect calves. Combs believes that killing coyotes should be a last resort.

“There’s a whole toolbox of tools that are not getting used by most people,” she said.

Despite the controversy, the Song Dog Shootout saw increased participation after receiving online criticism. Many locals viewed the backlash as an attack on their way of life and doubled down in support of the event.