Sent: 3/18/2012 11:21:05 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time
Subj: Mule Deer Recovery Act - Official
?I don't have a coyote problem, they have a Ted Problem? Ted Nugent speaking of his ranch in Texas. Now, that is the message in Utah, for the coyotes gig is up!
"Utah Governor Gary Herbert made it official this morning, signing two pieces of legislation that will increase coyote control funding by $1.25 Million a year. $500,000 comes from a $5 dollar license fee increase, and $750,000 comes from General Sales tax revenue from the state of Utah. In total, now nearly $2 Million annually will be invested to control coyotes and rebuild deer herds. We feel there will be enough money now to make a difference for Mule Deer recovery! SFW and others will be providing additional significant funds to this effort as well.
The event was held at Hoyt Archery and Easton Technical products facility, the world?s leader in Archery equipment, and HUGE sponsors of wildlife conservation. On hand was state Senator Ralph Okerlund and Senator David Hinkins, and House of Representative Kay McKiff, the lead legislative sponsors. A special thanks also to Sen. Allen Christensen and Margaret Dayton and Rep. Mike Noel as well. Randy and Coni Brooks, major SFW sponsors, and many SFW volunteers and chapter leaders were on hand, along with lots of Hoyt employees. A special thanks to SFW Board Chairman David Woodhouse, a passionate deer hunter!
The Utah DWR will be working with sportsmen and the department of Agriculture to get the most bang for the buck on this coyote control program. It will be centered around rural, private contractors who will be compensated on performance based new programs, and augmenting the current Aerial gunning and local county bounty programs.
Data has shown that coyotes are a major negative impact on deer survival, in spite of nearly $70 million to fix habitat, and $46 million to fence highways.
We will make sure this is the silver bullet, to finally fix Utah?s once robust deer herds. Want to thank the members of Utah Bowman?s Association, who have been a strong conservation partner with SFW and Big game Forever in attendance as well.
Finally, all the pieces to fix the deer herds, additional bear and lion control measures are next."
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chris carling
brand x communications
801.322.5552