But even here in Utah, there should be a few places where animals are allowed, for the most part, to wander freely, and where people can enjoy the sight of them, not through the sights of a rifle, but through the lens of a camera, telescope or binoculars.

Antelope Island, a state park on Great Salt Lake, is such a haven. It got its name from antelope that crossed from the mainland during early drought years. A herd of bison has long been part of the landscape. Bighorn sheep climb the island's rocky hills, and a variety of smaller mammals and rodents, spiders and insects inhabit the island in innumerable burrows, crevices, bushes and trees.

Flocks of birds nest there and fly overhead in migratory mode. Mule deer herds can be seen up close by hikers and cyclists who criss-cross the island in most seasons. The deer are nearly tame since hunting has not been allowed since at least 1981.

Now shooters seeking trophies want to change that.

Senate Bill 187 would require the Utah Wildlife Board to sell permits to shoot two mule deer and two bighorn sheep annually on the island. Hunters are already allowed to kill two island bison. Sponsoring Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, himself a hunter, says the permits would sell for thousands of dollars.

That would be a pittance if the Legislature goes through this shameful effort to sell off one of the state's few remaining places where wildlife can be observed in peace. Allowing more animals to be shot would shatter the island's quietude and make the deer more afraid of the humans who aren't there to kill them.

How sporting is it to kill deer and sheep that live in a small area where they have been protected for many years and don't have far to flee? Officials of Utah State Parks and the Utah Wildlife Board agree there is no biological management reason to kill the deer. The herd is kept in balance and does not need culling.

SB187 is not the first attempt to allow shooters on the island. But public opinion has been vehemently against it. In 2000 the proposal was presented at five Regional Wildlife Advisory Council meetings. Three of the five voted against it, and in the northern region, where Antelope Island is located, it was voted down 11-1. But at a Senate committee meeting Thursday the park's biologist was not even allowed to speak.

The people who love Antelope Island for its serenity, its stark beauty and its abundant wildlife and who visit the island to hike, ride horses, sail and cycle don't want the quiet disturbed by hunters seeking trophies. They should tell their legislators to take aim and shoot down SB187.