It was disgusting to read about Bass Pro's coyote hunting class. The management of Bass Pro should be ashamed of themselves for promoting this blood sport. Since there is going to be a coyote killing contest this month, it may be assumed that Bass Pro is in favor of targeting this poor creature for “killing for fun and prizes.” Ms. Baity said it all when she said that she first was out for blood when she started hunting coyotes.

All these types of contests amount to is wanton and wasted killing. The animal is not utilized and it actually has to be lured out to kill. It's ironic that they would use crow calls since crows are noted for warning other animals of hunters, but they also signal when there is a food source. It is unspeakably cruel to lure a hungry animal out and then kill it. The only reason that this happens is because the DEC looks the other way when it comes to certain species and caters to the whims of the hunters. What a horrible message to send to our young people when we have enough violence in our society.

All animals, including humans, have to eat to live. It's time we sent a message to those who think coyotes and other animals decimate the deer herds. Wake up and realize it is bad management by humans of the deer herds, killing off of the predators, destroying of deer habitat that is the crux of the problem. If the coyote have taken some deer in Buffalo, they need to for food and are helping to naturally regulate the deer population.

Hunters, you can't have it both ways, complaining about coyotes and the number of deer they eat and then complaining about too many deer. The excuses that hunters come up with to justify the killing of wildlife just doesn't cut it any more with the majority of the public.

Call your local legislator and tell them you want killing contests made illegal. And tell Bass Pro how you feel. It's time to tell those that carry out or promote cruelty, it won't be tolerated any more. I'm sure that Ms. Baity and her sidekicks could come up with some other fun event to get together that wouldn't involve killing of innocent creatures.

Rita Sarnicola

Auburn