Wildlife Council approves $100 coyote bounty in crucial areas despite funding debate

In a recent Wildlife Board meeting held in Utah, discussions centered around the management of coyote populations, particularly in relation to bounty programs aimed at controlling their numbers. The meeting, which took place on January 9, 2025, revealed a mix of opinions among board members regarding the effectiveness and financial implications of these programs.

In the southern region, a motion was passed to increase the bounty for coyotes to $100 in crucial areas, while maintaining a bounty of $75 in non-critical regions. This decision received overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 8 to 1. The board expressed gratitude to Eric for his contributions to the discussion.

Conversely, the southeastern region sparked a more contentious debate. One board member raised concerns about the financial wisdom of the bounty program, suggesting that funds could be better allocated. A proposal to decrease the bounty to $25 in non-critical areas while raising it to $100 in crucial areas was put forth but ultimately failed with a vote of 5 to 3. Instead, the board settled on a compromise, voting 6 to 2 to keep the bounty at $50 in non-critical areas while increasing the amount in crucial areas to $100.

The meeting also highlighted a crucial point of clarification regarding the use of bounty funds. Chris, another board member, sought to confirm whether unspent bounty money could still be utilized by the division and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) for targeted coyote control efforts. This question underscored the ongoing need for effective wildlife management strategies in the region.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the board remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by coyote populations while navigating the complexities of funding and resource allocation. The decisions made during this session will likely influence wildlife management practices in Utah for the foreseeable future.