A lot of great comments have been made on this Petition, and here's a collection of a few I've come across. If your comment, or the comment of a friend, isn't included in this collection but should be, please comment with a link, and I'll look it up. Follow the links to your favorites, "like" them, and help them up toward the top! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377941262 I'm sick of calling brutality and blood lust anything other than what it is... The feds recently decided to make animal cruelty a more serious crime because they recognize that cruelty to pets is an indicator of and precursor to more violent behavior. What kind of twisted personalty is encouraged by this kind of brutality? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377944246?recruiter=11281266 Those disgusting human beings who kill defenseless animals for prizes are an example of Homo NON Sapiens. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377947382 Man is such a disgrace. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377972070 Proper respect of firearms and hunting ethics need to be brought back to school curricula, not this kind of ridiculous and cruel bloodsport ---- make the changes! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377972750 Too many sociopaths start out learning to 'pleasure kill' animals! What message are we sending to our citizens when we make unrestricted and unnecessary "thrill killing" a game? Please: support ethical wildlife management, not blood sport masquerading as wildlife management! Thank you! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377994242 Killing a defenseless animal just for the sake of killing it breeds a tolerance for killing, hardens the heart and dulls the conscience of the killer. It is shocking that anyone in a civil society allows this. In my opinion, it is a training ground for socio-pathic behavior. It is immoral. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377997762 I believe in God, and I know everything was put on this earth for a reason. Killing animals for "sport" is criminal. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377957314 There needs to be limits. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 "Hunters" who try to rationalize or justify that they are "doing good" for the habitat via their wanton or "sport killing" of any species--to include the smallest ones--are cowards and misfits. Our forests and plains managed themselves superbly for millions of years before there was any interference by humans and state agencies. .......The comment above promotes the natural regulation of natural ecosystems. .......The following reply addresses the need for wildlife management in modern systems. .......https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 .......Good point, Jon. On the other hand, in our current age of overpopulation, industry and agriculture, most experts agree that we don't have the option to leave the ecological balance to natural processes. We need to exercise some measure of wildlife management. We don't, however, need these wildlife-killing contests. These contests don't contribute to (in fact they detract from) effective and ethical wildlife management. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 With so many excellent and humane comments from the signers of this petition, along with the Petition itself, one has to wonder how such an archaic, barbaric, and horrific wildlife-killing event could still take place. What we need are voting ballots that include the records of candidates for their actions to protect other species. .......The comment above refers to legislative scorecards. .......For example, the following: .......Animal Protection Voters New Mexico 2015 Scorecard (including significant action on the bill, SB 253, to prohibit wildlife-killing contests) .......http://apvnm.org/scorecard/APV%202015%20Scorecard%20PDF%20for%20Web.pdf .......Humane Society Legislative Fund/MN Voters for Animal Protection 2015 Scorecards .......http://votersforanimals.org/2015/10/how-did-our-mn-legislators-do/ .......MN Voters for Animal Protection "Humane Scorecards" .......http://votersforanimals.org/humane-scorecards-2/ https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 Why do we bend over and allow the barbarians to rule? It's time to put a stop to this madness. Half of these psychopaths belong in mental institutes (and I believe it's past time to bring those institutions back). These people are, as was pointed out by another commenter, the equivalent of ISIS, cruel and barbaric!!! .......The comment above suggests inpatient mental-health care. .......The following reply suggests a less-intensive course of treatment. .......https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 .......My hope is that they (or if not, then their children) can be treated as outpatients--with ethical guidance and legal sanctions. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 Killing contests are indicative of something terribly wrong with a society... the fact that some consider this standard operating procedure ought to scare people. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 According to the Bible, we were also put on this earth by GOD as stewards to the animals. I don't call this good stewardship, not by any means. I don't want my children to think that this is ok. I bet GOD feels disgusted about this, too. Every person that hunts with their children should sign this petition to set an example, and to send a message to those who think this is ok. .......The comment above refers to faith-based stewardship of the earth. .......See also "Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship": .......https://tifwe.org/four-principles-of-biblical-stewardship/ https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 The compassion and integrity of people can be determined by how they treat animals. This kind of behavior, hunting animals for a contest, demonstrates a disconnect with the value of life. These animals have families, and are sentient beings with feelings. Hunting them for human entertainment is outrageous. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 Kill a tiger for its skin Kill a shark for its fin Kill a whale with sonic din Kill a coyote and all its kin. If there is a higher power Watching from some distant tower He must see this as a sin His patience must be wearing thin. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 Imagine a bullet going through you. That's what a coyote experiences--with all of the terrible physical pain, and all of the grief that your life is suddenly going to end. They want to live their lives, just like we want to live ours!!!!! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377254786 Heinous behavior like this is increasingly the norm. These people are the ISIS of God's animal kingdom. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377254858 As a native Minnesotan I hate to see my state characterized by the neanderthal activities of slack-jawed dog killers. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377255178 As a former Minnesotan, I'm appalled at the naked cruelty of this so-called contest. Minnesotans are better than this. Stand up and protect your wonderful wildlife! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377255738 This is not population control to solve a farm problem, nor is it ethical management. This is NOTHING MORE THAN THRILL KILLING. What's even worse is that it's an avenue to pass on this disgusting bloodsport to another generation. Shame on you, Minnesota DNR, for allowing this. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/c/377263646 It glorifies killing. First it's defenseless animals. Next? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377264250 It's ridiculous that--with today's regulations and thorough understanding of wildlife--we still allow such acts of "conservation" towards coyotes and other predators. If we are to teach conservation, then we should teach humanely practical and environmental methods. Predators are a necessary piece of the puzzle of the natural world. The planet needs predators; killing or culling even a single species has consequences in the long run against preserving this fragile ecosystem. The human species is the one with the least understanding. It is through environmental studies, an informed public and government that we can tie up the loose threads here, and put an end to this absurd practice once and for all. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377264882 These animals are not trash. They are living beings trying to coexist in a violent world. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377265826 Coyotes are important predators in ecosystems. There is nothing charitable about killing animals. Americans should be better than this. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377267458 Por favor, juntem-se a mim para invocarmos o Minnesota DNR para proibir este bloodsport e proibir concursos de matar animais selvagens em todo o estado. .......English translation of the comment above: Please join me to call on the Minnesota DNR to ban this and other bloodsport contests, killing wildlife throughout the state. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377270158 It's become increasingly clear to me that animals are like us. They go about their job of surviving and providing for their young. They have "families". They have relationships. They feel fear and other emotions like affection. They are innocent creatures. We should only kill them out of clear need. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377270226?recruiter=11281266 Killing for fun is NEVER a good idea, and animals are just as sacred to our planet as humans are. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/377270898 The barbarism needs to stop...let's spend money to investigate and implement non-lethal ways to control out of control populations--including the "human kind." https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376596138 Because it's stupid. If people think this will help cut down on coyote populations, they are dead wrong. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376629222 As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I love our beautiful wilderness and all of the creatures within. I find such contests absolutely appalling. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376642490 My pet dog is half coyote and she's the best dog I've every had: intelligent, curious, and obedient, with eyes that stare into your soul. I hate to think of her ancestors being killed for fun. It's just cruel. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376670982 Please stop killing these innocent animals, we need them, the earth needs them and they need us to protect them. <3 God bless you. <3 In Jesus name, Amen. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376712642 Great. Just what we need. More narcissistic sociopaths running around with guns. Practicing for their human prey. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376727314 This sounds like a "Bundy" generated idea, yep! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376730770 It's outrageous, unerhical and sad. Having a contest where the worst person wins..? Where is the moral in that? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376507302 I thought this stuff only happened in less civilized and less educated states. MY STATE OF MINNESOTA???? We're supposed to be one of the most educated and civilized states in this country. Who are these "backward" people, who are running this? DNR? This is what my extra eco dollars on taxes and specialty license plate for the DNR go to? NO MORE! This is an atrocity and inhuman. Inhumane. I am disappointed, disillusioned, and distressed. Governor Dayton?????? .......The comment above refers to MN DNR Critical Habitat license plates: .......http://dnr.state.mn.us/features/plates/index.html https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376510058 Killing for food or to protect self and family certainly is accepted by rational people ... but, killing for "fun," how bloodthirsty do people have to be before we collectively say "NO?" https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376517322 Targeted, limited pest control is fine. "Clear-cutting" of predators disrupts what natural balance there is. Lose the contests. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376531814 We need to protect natural resources, not promote this barbaric "sport"! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376541230 We R to protect God's creations, not hurt them for sport. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376544670 I'm a hunter, and I'm offended by the routine killing of animals for no other purpose than gaming or killing. We eat what we kill, or the critter is killed as a matter of resolving a specific nuisance; not because we generically disregard the inherent value of other species. Grow some conscience. Be a steward, instead of being a rapist of the Earth https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/376546202 If you really want to "save the birds," save the habitat. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/c/376565058 Why are we doing this??? Coyotes help us to control sickness and disease in their prey. Stop this! https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/c/376567050 I come from a hunting family, although I don't hunt myself. It's one thing to harvest animals to be consumed as food, but it's another thing entirely to kill animals for entertainment. I think coyotes, in general, have gotten a bad rap. Competitions like this are barbaric and pointless. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375939146 Killing for fun is wrong. We need to be giving prizes for rescuing, not killing. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375851490 So many killers in Minnesota. I gave up on that State after hearing that Cecil the lion's killer lived there. Maybe we should make all the animal haters move to Minnesota, so at least we know where they are. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375856686 Hunting is intended to feed a family, not for joy killing. These contests are great ammunition for those pushing gun control. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375876278 Death is not a contest... https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375887954 As the species who are "set apart" by our "intelligence" we have the power to choose the way we treat other living creatures. We can choose to be barbaric idiots, or we can come together to find other solutions to help advance the world and teach compassion for our fellow creatures. Here's hoping these misguided tournaments get banned ASAP. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375898490 My family hunts for food. It is not a sport or a training ground. Killing contests in any state are vile & don't teach hunting ethics. They seem to be just a chance for idiots with guns to go shooting for the sake of killing. This is not hunting--this is not an American value. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375904394 This must be stopped!! Some people actually have no conscience in regards to animals, as if they are inanimate objects. They will not, cannot, stop themselves, as they don't see a reason to. We must stop them, and enlighten them to the truth: that animals are thinking, feeling beings. Asking the careless to care is dicey, though, at best. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375742646 With respect, brutalizing animals is not a game. Nor is it a positive lesson to be taught to young people. "Charitable gambling"? No, it's killing. And it's not any kind of specific, targeted, professionally and humanely conducted form of animal control either. When you kill some coyotes, it just backfires by creating more room for them to fill-in, and even expand, their niche. Increasingly, States are banning this sort of practice. Minnesota is a great State, and shouldn't count itself among the dead-enders that persist in promoting this brutal, ineffective pseudo-contest. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375753042 I am a gun owner and a hunter, and I teach my kids to use every part of the animal, and to respect that you've taken a life to sustain your own. These contests are unnecessary, cruel, and disgusting!! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375755678 Killing for sport, or killing for "fun" is strictly forbidden by Talmudic law. There is a very real reason for this: the taking of any life should never be perceived as a source of pleasure. Killing for food is unavoidable, and is part of nature. But if we begin to take pleasure from such killing, we start down a very slippery slope. The planned "Save The Birds" Coyote Hunting Tournament fits into the category of killing for fun, and should be banned. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375760646 This kind of thing should not happen! People take risks, like the 17 year-old who shot at a coyote from the road, in a truck, houses in view, his bullet hit a man and killed him. The man was shoveling his driveway. Now the boy and his father are in big trouble, and many lives are in turmoil. [Shooter from La Crosse, happened in Glen Flora, Rusk County, WI.] Get this coyote-hunting contest shut down! It is time for MN to wake up when it comes to animal treatment!!! .......The comment above refers to the case of coyote hunter Ryan Korish of La Crosse, WI, who is up on homicide charges for the reckless use of a firearm. .......References: .......http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Korish-will-go-to-trial-on-homicide-charges-363873301.html .......http://www.leadertelegram.com/News/Front-Page/2015/06/17/Tears-flow-over-shooting-death.html https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375760758 Introduce sportsmanship to young hunters?!?! That's like teaching children from a young age not to value life, in particular not to value animal life. Some of those children grow up with a lack of value for human life, as well. Besides that, these killing contests are cruel, inhumane, and senseless. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375760922 Predators and other animals are vital to the health of the eco-system. That humans think this sort of behavior is fun and entertaining is sickening and offensive to most of the human race. People that partake of these activities are barbaric and do not belong in civilized society. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/375377618 I guess I just don't get it. What kind of thrill do people get out of this barbaric form of entertainment? Why would any adult want to introduce a child to such savagery? Why not take them on nature hikes and teach them compassion for animals instead?! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/374844750 The Native Americans of long ago, who took care of this land and lived with it, would be so shocked at this treatment of our animal brothers and sisters. There is no respect in these contests. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/374416962 Killing animals this way is just "blood sport". We should not be doing killing just for sport, or teaching our young people to do the same. It is just killing for pleasure! If an animal is causing a nuisance to a particular farm or neighborhood, it may be justified. But this is just killing for the pleasure of killing! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/372645646 I am a hunter and fisherman, but I eat and store what I kill. A true sportsman never kills for fun. Drives me nuts when people kill just for the sport of killing. If animals endanger livestock or the lives of people, then I can understand. But to make a contest out of how many animals you can kill is simply wrong. Makes me sad to think that society has deteriorated to this point. This needs to stop. There's not much difference between doing this and hunting wolves from airplanes with automatic weapons. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/368508982 This is inhumane and encourages cruelty. This should not be allowed in a civilized society. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/369711506 Encouraging the killing animals for fun demonstrates not only a concerning failure of empathy, but a disturbing lack of understanding of how ecosystems work. Instead of encouraging ignorance, bloodlust and a lack of understanding and respect for wildlife and ecology; why not encourage a responsible and ethical appreciation for plants, animals and ecosystems through activities like habitat restoration? Why not have contests that have a positive effect on our wild places and on people's environmental intelligence and ethics? Especially in this time of human-caused global warming and other environmental degradation that's already stressing plants and animals to the point of mass extinction; we should be doing all we can to repair our relationship with the natural world, not perpetuating this wanton and ignorant extraction and domination. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/366378306 No killing contests here! Not in my great state of Minnesota! We are better than this. We are smarter than this! We are ethical stewards of wildlife; not backyard, third world, barbaric throwbacks! No, not here! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/378665002 As a former resident of Minnesota, I am appalled at the cavalier attitude of the DNR on this issue. I did research in Voyageurs NP for my PhD., volunteered many hours at the Raptor Rehab Center at the Univ of Minn, and worked out of Morris, MN in the Wetlands Management District. It is this level of stupidity in state game & fish departments that marks the beginning of the end. I predict that most states will go the way of CA in how wildlife is managed: for all citizens & for all wildlife. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382074950 I'm signing because blood sport and trophy hunting are disgusting and barbaric practices that need to be put to an end. We need to stop acting like we're the most important species in this planet and, like we have a right to be killing others for fun. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382075458 Debemos amar y cuidar a los que no tienen voz y no matarlos por diversión. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382077882 I think killing for sport is immoral. It goes against our human duty as stewards of the earth. We are meant to care and nurture so life can thrive. Destruction and death rarely have a positive effect. Humans who kill for sport are equal in mentality to a serial killer. Thomas D. Mangelsen, Jackson Hole, WY "When people raise their guns as an emotional expression of hatred toward a species, it is not hunting." https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/381476586 I'm embarrassed to read this of my native Minnesota. I'm pro-hunting, but NOT pro animal genocide. https://www.change.org/p/prohibit-wildlife-killing-contests-in-minnesota/u/15011042 This is completely senseless killing, all for the thrill of it; it is also the wrong message to teach our children. Bloodsports are unethical, they teach our children that wildlife has no value in and of itself, only the value that society places upon it; they teach that tyranny over the weaker and most vulnerable among us and the misuse of power by humans is okay. Bloodsports teach that we are predatory, which we are not--we were created to care for and protect the earth and the animal kingdom. But we've taken a different direction. We mismanage our duties, and make a mess of the planet. We are not united as a people and won't put down our swords; we destroy one another as well as the animals and the earth. This is NOT okay. Please follow other states who are banning these practices. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -—Martin Luther King, Jr. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/380520526 Killing animals for fun is different than hunting. Animals hunted for consumption is different and sends a different message. Our society has enough violence as it is. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/380526086 Another disappointing display of 3rd world barbarism still sanctioned - worse, celebrated - in the US. Minnesota, stop the senseless killing of these beautiful creatures! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/380570134 Why do people have to wreck everything? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382099230 I hate the cruel murder of any living being. People are losing their ability to "feel" pain and suffering. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382098302 I don't mind hunting that is humane and not wasteful, but this is rapacious, gratuitous, and ugly. This kind of thing makes more people 'anti hunting'. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/382140982 Here are a couple of the good articles from the NWTF website about wild turkeys, predators, and habitat. They recommend a focus on habitat and a coexistence with predators. http://www.nwtf.org/.../wild-turkeys-predators-problem http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/coexist-predators https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384894034 This is criminal. It is a callous horror perpetrated for entertainment and profit under the guise of 'save the birds'. We all have our place in God's plan. This is not God's plan for Coyotes. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384817630 In cases where animal/pest/predator control is needed, there are better ways to accomplish it. To the contrary, encouraging free-for-all style, no-bag-limit hunting and killing is the complete antithesis of responsible sportsmanship. It is even worse when this sort of indiscriminate hunting is paired with money and prizes. Bingo, Powerball, scratch-off tickets...that is gambling and gaming. These killing contests are not. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384800858 Killing an animal should only be necessary when: * In self-defense; * For needed food; * To protect property; (but scare the animal first). * To "put it out of its misery." Never should we have to kill a predator to save another species of animals. There's something called a food chain. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384745914 Brutal, senseless behavior to those who share this planet is no longer tolerable. The extermination of innocent wildlife for prizes is sinful, yes sinful. An act of brutality that will haunt the perpetrators later in life, or in the afterlife. If you are a perpetrator of these crimes, reconsider your behavior, and seek redemption by helping wildlife, and restoring your humanity, empathy, and sympathy. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384526726 No life should be another's sport! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384467810 Es un ser vivo y es parte de la creación. The coyote is a living being, a part of creation. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384410398 If you have fun killing animals ...some part of you is a monster. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/384396742 Killing for game is one thing, this... this is genocidal. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389603214 I'm a proponent of kindness and a foe of stupidity. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389527862 Sou contra qualquer crueldade ou maus tratos aos animais "I am against any cruelty to, or mistreatment of, animals." Ingryd Reigado, Taubate, SD https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389525094 I am so sick of killing being associated with being manly! People are getting so desensitized to murder & death that the violent crime rates are growing exponentially. Think about it when the next child is killed because he/she was in the wrong place. Wake up!!! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389347498 There's just nothing that screams "human idiocy and IN-Human behavior" more than activities such as this, that encourage the torture, maiming and killing of animals. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389202982 Es enfermo. "It's sick." https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/389158138 Killing contests are a sick form of entertainment for the uneducated minority who has no respect for wildlife. These contest need to be banned and ethical hunter education should be the rule of thumb. It is one thing to take an animal's life for food, but these killing contests are a disturbing result of disrespect for life. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/392243566 We should be looking more long-term, how to allow more creatures to remain living as part of the ecosystem, rather than a "solution" that is cruel and short-visioned. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/391983446 Some people just need to get a life and learn to leave nature alone. Have these sorry excuses for human beings not got anything better to do with their time ? They will all claim to be good Christians too - they obviously don't read the bible ! Ecclesiastes 3:19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/393612594 This competition is absolutely disgraceful, based on an argument that it scientifically unsound and morally indefensible. The wholesale, unregulated slaughter of wild animals is something out to the dark ages. STOP THIS NOW https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/391528210 I want to save the lives of wildlife animals because killing animals for tournaments is a senseless act. It shows the lack of reverence towards the life force of God's creation. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/390824678 You don't like terrorism? You're worried about loved ones getting shot for no reason? So why are you letting bubbas terrorize coyotes, mammals like us? What goes around comes around. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/394305694 Wildlife-killing contests are cruel, unnecessary, and at odds with Minnesota's most deeply held values. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/394321810 This event is an embarassment for Minnesota and degrades our reputation. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/395415818 I strongly oppose Minnesota's allowance of wildlife killing contests. Such contests are offensive in their wanton waste of wildlife and their disregard for the vital ecological roles of coyotes and other predators. Blood-sport contests are conducted for profit, entertainment, prizes, and for the "fun" of killing. They degrade the reputation of ethical Minnesota sportsmen, and perpetuate a culture of violence, sending a message to succeeding generations that certain species of animals are "disposable." That their lives do not have value. We need to intercept that message before it's sent. Please bring your leadership to the process of prohibiting wildlife killing contests in Minnesota, and continue the national trend toward more responsible, science-based, and ethical wildlife stewardship. It is time to develop comprehensive regulations and policies to reform and modernize predator management in Minnesota. These regulations and policies should reflect current science, conservation biology, and the ecological principles of ecosystem-based management. Those areas of knowledge are, after all, the most likely to yield the best outcomes for wildlife and people. Thank you for considering these concerns. I look forward to hearing from you. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/394390518 I think hunting should only be for food purposes https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/394403346 This type of event is outrageous and represents killing defenseless animals as a fun family event. Is this how the state wants to children to think? The next step is gangs, drugs, guns, drive-by shootings. Oh yeah that is commonplace now isn't it? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/394468286 I live in Minnesota, and have lived near coyotes for most of my childhood. Killing them for sport is absolutely barbaric and entirely unnecessary. Stop this madness! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/395270374 Minnesota is better than this. Please stop this practice. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/405520757 This practice makes no sense. You are not putting food on your table. You are simply killing for the thrill of it. A disgusting practice. This is not sportsmanship. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/404176070 Just disgusting the lies that are spread and the cruelty that ensues. Please ban these contests. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/403080318 Cruelty should not become a sport https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/402166334 A free for all on any animal species is next to criminal insanity. I for one think coyotes are beautiful & very misunderstood creatures. To exterminate them at will is just wrong. Please cease this disturbing hunt. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/401787238 Animal-killing tournaments encourage a blatant disregard for life in the wild and show no respect for nature and its many intricacies & connections. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/400693778 They are not just the hunters'; they belong to all of us. I vote "No kill," let them live. Why can't gunless people vote on this? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/400615218 Wildlife killing "contests" encourage the wanton slaughter of animals, because it is a competition in which each participant kills as many animals as possible within a certain time frame in order to win prizes. These contests are an affront to all stakeholders of the state's resources, and should not be legal. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/407794841 "I don't hold animals superior or even equal to humans. The whole case for behaving decently to animals rests on the fact that we are the superior species. We are the species uniquely capable of imagination, rationality, and moral choice - and that is precisely why we are under an obligation to recognize and respect the rights of animals." - Brigid Brophy. Competitive killing is not only incredibly disrespectful to life but is completely irresponsible and goes against our call to be stewards of nature. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/408356948 These creatures are part of a successful ecology designed by Nature. We are uncaring and stupid when we destroy any section of our planet's ecology. We are working toward our own ultimate destruction. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/407553173 Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention. I successfully submitted your resolution, with passage, to the Lake County DFL Caucus on 3/2/16. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/407224103 Killing contests? These people watched Hunger Games too many times... https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/409233539 If you believe in God, then you just naturally respect the life that God creates. No other options, no more self-deluding, pretending you don't know the Truth. No horseshit rationalizations. No hiding your sexual or emotional inadequacies behind a rifle. You're either "life" or you're "less than alive." You're either "life" or you're "punk-ass mean" and heartlessly cruel. You're either "life" or else your own death will take you into the ground — and nowhere else. When you go "hunting," or "murdering for laughs," you have a weapon, and the critters don't. How far is your cowardice going to go, before you see it with your own heart and your own eyes? How soon are you going to take your middle finger out of the face of Jesus Christ? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/416069237 We need a federal law banning the killing of any predator like the Birds of Prey protection act that was passed because people used to kill any bird of prey that they saw because they considered them varmints. The idiots are still out there but now they kill predators and use the excuse that they are protecting other wildlife. They don't understand or won't understand the balance of nature. These are just cruel, stupid people. Unfortunately state game agencies are so pro-hunter that animals are butchered to satisfy hunting and ranching interests without any concern for ethics or morality. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/415698461 Serial killers take pleasure out of killing animals, why would you encourage sadistic behavior then are shocked when these types of people commit the same crimes on humans! Freedom and equality for all living beings regardless of the body their Spirit's in! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/417797402 Is there no end to the suffering of Animals for the pleasure of feeble minded people! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/417225083 Barbaric and cruel. The people who do this for fun must be heartless, human beings. This is bloodsport which teach youngsters who participate how to devaluate animal life. This will lead them to badly treat pets and their fellow human beings putting us all in danger. People who get their jollies slaughter wild animals in mass are not likely to treat other animals humanely or have much compassion for their fellow human beings. These contests are banned in other states. There are other, more humane ways to control wildlife populations. Please have a heart and do the right thing. Most Americans love animals, they don't want to see them brutually slaughtered in a contest. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/421428140 When I lived in Minnesota, one of the things I valued the most was the amazing variety and health of the ecosystems and wildlife. Wildlife-killing contests, no matter what their stated goal, is reprehensible. I expect better from MN DNR! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/421390982 This is so sick and unnecessary. Sounds more like ISIS than USA. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/421261253 I hunt. I eat what I shoot. Not for fun. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/420997538 Such action is horrible insane stupid cruel terrible. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/420875141 Killing for survival is one thing, killing for ego is shameful. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/420829907 I'm a native Minnesotan, who happens to enjoy seeing coyotes in the wild. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/419892500 How we treat animals we share the air, land and seas with, is a reflection on us, mankind. We dishonor other living beings, we dishonor ourselves. This is an unbreakable law. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/418316204 Humans are suppose to be the smartest of the species. Let's figure out a more humane method of dealing with animal control. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/422831711 This is barbaric. What is wrong with people? Action, reaction. The senseless killing-off of an animal species will wreak havoc with the ecosystem, and send a message of grand disrespect to the youth who participate. I ask again, whatnot's wrong with people? Why is this ok to do? How can one look the other way? https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/422601521 No es humano suprimir ninguna forma de vida. (It is not humane to negate any form of life.) https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/422013875 Let them live out their lives. Might have babies out there. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/426068279 I am signing because this is disgusting to me. These are beautiful creatures. They have as much right to be here as you & I. Please stop this senseless killing! You guys are sick: this is not hunting for survival, it's a blood sport, and I'm ashamed that this goes on in America. I'm ashamed to be an American. Read the Damn petition. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/425656541 Who deemed these hunters' lives more important than animals?? A soul is a soul, and you don't have the right to extinguish a soul for fun. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/424200674 Killing animals for prizes??? You are a bunch of desensitized, sorry human beings. Our creator will deal with you. You can explain your actions to him. Tell him what fun you had killing his creatures!! https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/423842699 I'm signing because I am tired of wildlife being exploited by human ignorance and depravity. It's not sport, it's stupidity https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/423833849 It's a horrible precedent to set for young children. Wildlife has a place in our ecosystemand and their lives should be valued. Contests like this demean the animals existence and needed role that anyone who understands Nature would know. Ignorance is not bliss in this situation, it's destructive. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/423717143 I can understand the need to reduce overpopulation but this sounds like a massacre. It certainly does not seem like a good lesson for the youth. Killing for killing's sake isn't good for adults either! Inhumanity, cruelty and cold bloodedness are not things to be encouraged or condoned. https://www.change.org/p/5261454/c/423648347 As a hunter, I am offended that hunters participate in what amounts to a blood sport lacking in any dignity or grounded in any semblance of conservation practice. I challenge you to cite a single reputable peer-reviewed study showing a scientific basis for such "tournaments." I further challenge you to find a moral basis for any dignity in organizing gambling activities around a body count. Every day, responsible hunters conduct themselves with a morality focused on the dignity of nature; this is not hunting... It is the behavior of rabble led by their baser nature.