BLM approves predatory derby near Salmon

After reviewing over 40,000 public comments, the Bureau of Land Management has approved a special recreation permit for a predatory derby on public lands near Salmon. The Bureau found that competitive hunts are allowed by the state and no federal law forbids the activity.

“We are aware of the social controversy regarding the event,” said Joe Kraayenbrink, Idaho Falls district manager. “However, from our analysis, we could not find significant conflicts with other environmental resources that would prohibit the competitive event from occurring.”

Wildlife populations are tracked and managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. BLM said that competitive hunts are allowed by the state and determined that other resources such as cultural, vegetation, air, water and soil will not be significantly impacted by participants.

Specifically, the bureau analyzed whether up to 500 people recreating on 3.1 million acres of public land would negatively impact the resources. The BLM determined a finding of no significant impact.