Wyoming permits snowmobilers to chase wildlife, sparking international backlash and potential legal status.

Don Hall, a resident of Riverton, Wyoming, has a unique winter hobby that sets him apart from traditional snowmobilers. Instead of seeking out deep powder in the mountains, Hall prefers to ride his snowmobile in lower elevations near the snow line where he can run coyotes. This unconventional activity, which Hall picked up about five years ago, provides him with a thrilling challenge as he chases after these elusive animals.

Running coyotes with a snowmobile is not for the faint of heart. Hall describes it as a rough and intense experience, as the coyotes he encounters are often wheeling — running at full speed in an attempt to escape. Despite the difficulty, Hall finds joy in the pursuit, even though he acknowledges that about two-thirds of the coyotes manage to evade him.

When Hall does catch up to a coyote, he uses his snowmobile to corner the animal before shooting it in the head. While he admits that the act of killing the coyotes is not something he enjoys, he sees it as a form of hunting that is legal in Wyoming. The state’s laws permit the use of motorized vehicles to kill predatory species such as coyotes, wolves, and foxes without the need for a license.

The practice of running over wildlife with snowmobiles, often referred to as „coyote whacking,“ has been a controversial topic in Wyoming for some time. While some view it as a recreational activity, others condemn it as cruel and inhumane. Calls to ban this practice have been made in the past, but legislative efforts to criminalize it have not been successful.

The issue gained international attention when a Wyoming man brought a dying wolf into a bar after running it down with a snowmobile. The incident sparked outrage and led to demands for legislative reform. Animal rights groups, hunting organizations, and concerned citizens called for stricter regulations to prevent the mistreatment of wildlife.

In response to the public outcry, the Wyoming Legislature formed a Treatment of Predators Working Group to address the issue. The group is tasked with examining potential changes to the law regarding the treatment of predatory animals, including the use of snowmobiles to kill them. However, the group’s discussions have been met with challenges, particularly from agricultural interests who view snowmobiling over animals as a necessary tool for predator control.

As the working group continues its deliberations, the future of recreational snowmobiling over wildlife in Wyoming remains uncertain. While some lawmakers are considering introducing legislation to ban the practice, others are hesitant to make changes that could impact ranchers and livestock producers. The ongoing debate reflects a broader conversation about ethics, animal welfare, and the balance between wildlife management and recreational activities.

Ultimately, the fate of running over wildlife with snowmobiles in Wyoming will depend on the decisions made by lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public. As the state grapples with this contentious issue, the debate surrounding the treatment of predatory animals continues to evolve, highlighting the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in the modern world.