This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Concerning the Sept. 2 article titled "Utah boosts the number of permits for hunting cougars," let us say that we defend the right of hunters who hunt for meat and who actually consume what they kill.

But trophy hunting is just another phrase for animal slaughter!

The ranchers in Utah have it pretty good.

First, they have gotten the taxpayers to pick up the tab for killing the coyotes by ensuring a $50-a-head bounty.

And now they want to increase the slaughter of cougars by expanding the number of hunting tags.

Many species are already at, or close to, extinction, which is basically what the cattle and sheep ranchers are after.

Well, this pushes me over the edge, pushes me into getting involved.

First, this "Utah Wildlife Board" should be elected rather than appointed, if not eliminated altogether.

Second, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources needs to be looking out for the welfare of animals, rather than special interest groups with access to lobbyists, taxpayer money and government subsidies.

And finally, just because it is a great "family tradition" for Utah Wildlife Board Chairman John Bair to slaughter mountain lions does not make it right.

This guy has got to go.

Jeff and Nikki Wickman

Eagle Mountain