Resolution would officially “oppose” contests

By Chris McKee Sunday, December 1, 2013

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – Following protests and attempted legislation, a New Mexico county is now trying to tackle the issue of animal hunting contests that could inspire some change.

Valencia County commissioners will soon review and vote on a resolution to oppose the contests. Over the last year, the state has seen several contests targeting coyotes and prairie dogs. At least four of those contests have been held in Valencia County.

Commissioner Alicia Aguilar is behind the resolution’s proposal. In a phone interview with News 13 on Saturday, Aguilar said she’s heard from several people, including a wildlife biologist, who are concerned about the contests impact on wildlife populations.

Other commissioners say residents have raised even more issues with the contests.

“They think it’s a negative look on the county promoting this contests,” said Aragon.

Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon has a background in veterinary medicine. He says he hasn’t made his mind up about which way he’ll vote on the resolution. However, he says the targeted animals are a real problem.

“It is devastating, you know these ranchers put a lot of money and time into these animals to have these coyotes just come in and just you know, ruin their entire life’s work,” said Aragon.

Aragon says despite the vote, it may be time for a change in how the hunting is done.

“Maybe they could work with some of these activist groups to kind of see how they can … just do things differently so that both sides are happy about the outcome,” said Aragon.

Commissioners will debate and vote on the resolution on Wednesday. If it passes, it won’t change any local laws but just serve as the county’s official opinion saying it “opposes animal hunting contests.”

Two of the Valencia County gun shops that have held animal hunting contests for coyotes this year say they plan to hold more in the near future.

Coyote photo Copyright Jim Robertson