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Outraged Environmentalists and Anti-hunters Get Squirrel Hunting Event For Kids Cancelled

A planned squirrel-hunting event aimed at encouraging New Mexico families and youth to explore small-game hunting came to an abrupt halt after backlash from environmentalist groups and anti-hunters. What began as a straightforward “Squirrel Challenge” led by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) was quickly canceled due to public outcry, as reported by The Santa Fe New Mexican and Outdoor Life.

A Short-Lived Squirrel Challenge

A Short Lived Squirrel Challenge
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The NMDGF announced its Squirrel Challenge on Monday, aiming to boost interest in squirrel hunting, an often-overlooked aspect of small-game hunting. However, by Tuesday, the department had already canceled the event, citing what they described as a “misperception” regarding its intent. The contest, which was part of a broader effort to get youth involved in hunting, quickly stirred controversy from those who saw the event as insensitive or unnecessary.

Misunderstood Intentions

Misunderstood Intentions
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Darren Vaughan, spokesperson for the NMDGF, told The Santa Fe New Mexican that the goal of the event was to revive interest in small-game hunting, particularly among younger generations. Squirrel hunting, which traditionally plays a significant role in New Mexico’s hunting culture, was the focus. However, Vaughan emphasized that the event was not solely about hunting but also about appreciating wildlife, with a photography component for non-hunters.

Small-Game Hunting in Decline

Small Game Hunting in Decline
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According to data shared by The Santa Fe New Mexican, squirrel hunting has seen a decline in recent years. The 2020-21 hunting season recorded only about 1,500 squirrel harvests statewide. In contrast, hunting other small game, like quail and dove, remains more popular. NMDGF wanted to raise awareness of this overlooked practice, reminding the public of its roots in New Mexico’s culture.

Backlash From Environmentalists

Backlash From Environmentalists
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The cancellation came after swift and vocal opposition. Mary Katherine Ray, wildlife chairwoman for the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, referred to the event as “outrageous.” She emphasized that many people interact with wildlife differently now and no longer view hunting as the only way to value animals. Her words echoed a broader trend among environmental groups, which push for wildlife conservation over hunting.

Childhood Memories of Feeding Squirrels

Childhood Memories of Feeding Squirrels
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Denise Fort, a board member for Wildlife For All, was among those who opposed the event. Fort expressed her discomfort with a state-sponsored squirrel hunting contest, even though she clarified that she respects hunting for food. In an interview with The Santa Fe New Mexican, Fort reminisced about feeding squirrels as a child and questioned why the state would encourage people to hunt them. Her concerns reflect the changing values surrounding wildlife in many parts of the West.

Game and Fish Department Defends the Contest

Game and Fish Department Defends the Contest
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Despite the criticism, Vaughan defended the department’s intentions, stating that the contest was a way to highlight a traditional form of hunting. He also noted that New Mexico’s squirrel population is carefully managed through regulated hunting, ensuring the species’ sustainability. Vaughan pointed out that hunting regulations are based on scientific assessments by agency biologists, and there was no risk to squirrel populations from the event.

Misleading Comparisons to Wildlife Killing Contests

Misleading Comparisons to Wildlife Killing Contests
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Some critics may have misunderstood the Squirrel Challenge, comparing it to wildlife killing contests, which are illegal in New Mexico. Outdoor Life reported that the event was not about indiscriminately killing as many squirrels as possible but rather encouraging participants to hunt or photograph New Mexico’s four squirrel species. Participants would have received a commemorative challenge coin, not cash prizes, for completing the event.

Anti-Hunters’ Growing Influence

Anti Hunters' Growing Influence
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The rapid cancellation of the Squirrel Challenge is indicative of a broader shift in wildlife management priorities. As Outdoor Life noted, there is a growing movement to downplay the role of regulated hunting in favor of non-consumptive activities like wildlife photography. In several states, including New Mexico, advocacy groups are pushing to expand fish and game agencies’ missions to include more focus on non-game species.

Regulated Hunting as a Conservation Tool

Regulated Hunting as a Conservation Tool
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While anti-hunters may have valid concerns about animal welfare, regulated hunting has long been a cornerstone of wildlife management. In states like New Mexico, hunting fees help fund conservation efforts, making hunters a vital part of maintaining healthy wildlife populations. The controversy surrounding the Squirrel Challenge highlights a tension between traditional hunting practices and the evolving views of wildlife protection.

The Bigger Picture for Small-Game Hunting

The Bigger Picture for Small Game Hunting
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The incident raises important questions about the future of small-game hunting. As big-game hunting continues to dominate the attention of many outdoorsmen, small-game opportunities like squirrel hunting risk falling by the wayside. Events like the Squirrel Challenge aim to introduce new hunters to these accessible activities, yet public sentiment may be making it increasingly difficult to promote them.

A Missed Opportunity for Youth Hunters

A Missed Opportunity for Youth Hunters
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Ultimately, the cancellation of the Squirrel Challenge represents a missed opportunity to engage younger generations in hunting. Encouraging youth to participate in small-game hunting could foster a deeper connection to the outdoors and ensure the continuation of responsible hunting traditions. However, as societal values shift, wildlife management agencies may need to find new ways to balance conservation and recreational hunting.

A Debate Far From Over

A Debate Far From Over
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The uproar over New Mexico’s Squirrel Challenge reveals the growing divide between hunters and those who prioritize non-consumptive wildlife interactions. As states continue to grapple with these issues, it will be interesting to see how fish and game agencies adapt to these changing dynamics. For now, it seems that even well-intentioned events aimed at promoting hunting can be quickly derailed by public outcry.

Educating the Public

Educating the Public
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What do you think? Are there ways to educate the public about the benefits of regulated hunting for conservation, and if so, what methods might be most effective? How can states attract younger generations to hunting and outdoor activities while addressing the concerns of environmental and animal rights groups?