Growing Pressure on Arizona to Ban Dog Pack Hunting of Mountain Lions and Bears

Arizona is facing increasing calls for reform regarding the controversial practice of using dog packs to hunt mountain lions, bears, and other species. With conservation groups and animal rights advocates leading the charge, there’s a growing push for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to impose a ban on this practice, which they argue is harmful to wildlife and public safety.

Understanding Dog Pack Hunting

Dog pack hunting is a practice where hunters use a group of trained dogs to track, corner, and catch large mammals such as mountain lions, bears, and bobcats. The dogs are typically equipped with GPS collars, allowing hunters to track their movements remotely and often follow the dogs from vehicles. This hunting method has faced backlash for its ethical implications, as it can make the hunt less of a challenge for the hunters and increase stress and harm to the animals being hunted.

Petition for a Ban

In response to growing concerns, the Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation groups have filed a petition urging the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to ban the use of dog packs for hunting. These organizations argue that the practice disrupts local ecosystems and poses a threat to endangered and at-risk species. The petition also points out that the method violates the principle of fair chase, a foundational aspect of ethical hunting practices.

The Impact on Arizona’s Wildlife

The petition emphasizes the detrimental effects that dog pack hunting has on Arizona’s wildlife. Mountain lions are the primary targets, with hundreds killed each year using this method. Additionally, the practice poses a risk to other vulnerable species such as jaguars, ocelots, and wolves, which are slowly re-entering the region after years of being driven out. Conservationists fear that this hunting practice could undermine ongoing recovery efforts for these species.

Statistics on Dog Pack Hunting

Recent data from Arizona Game and Fish reveals that between 2020 and 2023, hunters using dog packs killed 748 mountain lions and 323 bears. With an estimated population of 1,166 to 1,715 mountain lions in the state, this hunting method is significantly impacting the species. Critics argue that the practice is unsustainable and could lead to the further decline of mountain lion populations in the region, raising questions about the long-term viability of hunting these animals in this manner.

Public Safety and Ethical Concerns

Beyond its impact on wildlife, dog pack hunting raises concerns about public safety and the ethical treatment of animals. Hunting dogs can pose a danger to hikers and other individuals using public lands, as the dogs are sometimes left to roam freely in large areas. In addition, the dogs themselves suffer from injuries, exhaustion, and sometimes abandonment if they are deemed ineffective by their handlers, raising serious ethical questions about the treatment of animals used in hunting.

A Call for Reform

Supporters of the petition argue that banning dog pack hunting would bring Arizona’s wildlife management practices into alignment with more sustainable and ethical hunting standards observed in other states. They believe that such a change would ensure the protection of Arizona’s wildlife, while still allowing for responsible hunting practices. Additionally, a ban would also help to preserve the state’s public lands and provide a safer environment for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The Future of Arizona’s Wildlife Management

As the petition for a ban gains momentum, Arizona’s Game and Fish Commission faces increasing pressure to reconsider its policies on dog pack hunting. If the ban is implemented, it could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. The growing support for wildlife protection reflects a shift toward more ethical and sustainable wildlife management, where the welfare of both animals and people is prioritized. For now, Arizona’s decision on this matter will be closely watched by conservationists, hunters, and lawmakers across the nation.