Hunters Should Recognize Predators as Allies, not Competitors

by Ted Williams
“Predator cleansing,” a term hatched not long ago by independent wildlife researchers, doesn’t mean what it sounds like, that is, the ancient tradition of killing predators in a vain attempt to create more and better game.
Traditional predator cleansing is a fool’s errand still widely practiced by people who call themselves “hunters” and compete in predator-killing contests legal and popular in 41 states. Traditional predator cleansing is even practiced by some game and fish agencies.
I asked Dr. Rick Hopkins, who has researched cougars for 45 years, what science supports Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s claim that cougar hunting is necessary to create more mule deer. “None,” he replied. “For years game and fish agencies have made such claims, but when pushed to provide evidence, they can’t.”
My son, Dr. Scott Williams, is a deer biologist in Connecticut where wolves and cougars, the main predators of deer, have been eliminated. If traditional predator cleansing worked, his research areas would be rife with large, robust animals. Instead, they’re overrun with stunted deer that nuke wildlife habitat—including their own—and are infested with ticks that spread dangerous diseases to humans, wildlife and pets. READ MORE…