Idaho Wolf and Coyote Derby Facing More Challenges

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A coalition of conservation groups and a U.S. congressman from Oregon have sent separate letters asking the U.S. Forest Service to require a pro-hunting group get a permit before being allowed to hold a wolf- and coyote-shooting contest in Idaho.

The letter sent Tuesday by Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio and another sent Monday by environmental groups cite a recent U.S. Bureau of Land Management decision revoking a special use permit for the predator derby.

The BLM on Nov. 25 canceled a permit less than two weeks after issuing it to Idaho for Wildlife to hold the January event in east-central Idaho near Salmon. The BLM cited late changes in derby rules. A federal judge ruled in 2013 that Idaho for Wildlife didn't need a Forest Service permit for the event.