The first competitive wild wolf shoot held in the continental United States since 1974 is set to occur at the end of this month in Idaho. The tournament, which offers cash prizes and trophies to two-person teams for feats like killing the largest wolf or the most female coyotes, has sparked an outraged backlash from conservationists, who have called the event "an organized killing contest." Says Reuters:

The so-called coyote and wolf derby is slated for the weekend of December 28-29 in the mountain town of Salmon, Idaho, where ranchers and hunting guides contend wolves and coyotes threaten livestock and game animals prized by sportsmen.

The so-called coyote and wolf derby is slated for the weekend of December 28-29 in the mountain town of Salmon, Idaho, where ranchers and hunting guides contend wolves and coyotes threaten livestock and game animals prized by sportsmen.

While Idaho opened wolf hunting to sportsmen two years ago, some worry that the gray wolf population has not recovered enough to withstand hunting barrages like this one. The species only occupies a third of its former range and is still protected from hunting in some states. But hunters maintain that the season should be open:

The upcoming derby is being sponsored by Idaho for Wildlife, a nonprofit whose aim is "to fight against all legal and legislative attempts by the animal rights and anti-gun organizations" to impose restrictions on hunting or guns, according to the group's website.

Children as young as 10 are allowed to participate in the hunt, angering opponents like Lynne Stone, director of the Boulder-White Clouds Council, an Idaho conservation group. "Stacking up dead animals and awarding children for killing them has no place in a civilized society," she said.