These Kids Could Make Big Bucks Killing Animals

This State Is Paying Kids to Kill Animals and Lop Off Their Tails. Sign to Stop This Ridiculous Program. Sign Now Dear friends, On April Fool's Day, the disturbing new animal extermination program was launched in South Dakota, and it's sadly not a joke. Until the end of August, residents young and old will receive $10 for each tail of a raccoon, striped skunk, opossum, badger or red fox they hand in to the state Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). The purpose of the so-called “Nest Predator Bounty Program” — which the GFP started without a public hearing — is to protect the nests of pheasants and ducks. But in reality, the only thing the pheasants and ducks need protection from is us. Nest predators help keep a natural balance in the ecosystem. What tips that balance one way or the other are human activities, like using chemical fertilizers and draining wetlands, which are much more of a danger to pheasants and ducks than small predators. The GFP and supporters of the Nest Predator Bounty Program say it will bring back South Dakota's outdoorsman and trapping traditions by getting more young people involved. But it's the 21st century, do we really want to encourage cruel trapping? Yes, kids (and adults) should be excited about being outside—to respect wildlife, not to destroy it. Please sign and share this petition urging Gov. Kristi Noem and the GFP to end the Nest Predator Bounty Program. Thank you,   Andrew M The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. Killing animals isn't a game. Sign the petition.