Update March 2, 2008. Coyote Hunting for 2007-08 is almost over in Massachusetts. Thank God. Being a coyote researcher can be very frustrating as I often receive correspondence (maybe 1 out of 20 emails) by people that deliberately target and kill them. Some people, like the letter below, actually respect this creature unlike some that advocate for an unlimited slaughter on the species. However, I feel that they are slightly uninformed as killing a predator like a coyote (rather than an animal that they might eat like a rabbit or a deer) is different since you can’t really use their body except for their pelts.   These people have no idea (or maybe they do) of how they can deliberately ruin a researcher’s study by targeting and killing our study animals. Worst of all, the state of Massachusetts and the town of Barnstable has done nothing to help ensure that collared coyotes do not get shot. In fact, all I am asking is to protect coyotes from being shot in only 1 of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns (as well as surrounding areas around Barnstable). If only someone had the moral conviction to help us with our work, then life would be grand. I see our research on Cape Cod as helping to educate people nationwide about coyotes and their true ecology.  Unfortunately, the apathy that elected officials have shown to our research is daunting (note: some may care but are incapable of initiating change for whatever reason - like being low in the totem pole). That is one reason why I have a legislative links section on my webpage, so you the reader can speak up and make your voice heard.   Thank god coyote hunting is almost done for this year in Massachusetts (it ends at the end of this week). The fella below, and others, will have to wait 7 months before they try to kill my study coyotes (unless someone actually does something and stops this needless practice). Read my recent correspondence with an individual from eastern Massachusetts. I repeatedly say that it is amazing what one can do (i.e., killing animals) if they choose to. Additionally, I always find it interesting when I am called a "liberal" because of my viewpoints toward coyotes.  To me, that obviously implies that their conservative viewpoint isn't subject to change.   -------------  Emailer: I just wanted to tell you that I have found your coyote research page to be incredibly useful. You have invested a great deal of time and resources in researching a very elusive predator, and I would like to thank you. I found your web page to be well done, and very informative. Coyotes are often very elusive, traveling mostly at night. I have found it difficult at times to locate coyotes depending upon hunting pressure, availability of food, etc. However, Since I do a great deal of coyote hunting in the eastern part of Massachusetts I am able to utilize your web updates to frequently locate groups of coyotes to hunt. I have not yet encountered a coyote that was collared, but if I should happen to in the future, is there a number I should call to inform someone that I have killed a collared coyote? Also, is there a reward for the return of a collar once the animal has been dispatched? Again, I thank you for your contribution to the sport of predator hunting. ------------   Myself: Hello, thanks for your email. I am not sure if you are serious on part of the email b.c I can't think of a more non-sporting thing to do than to target collared (research) coyotes. I spend a great deal of time and energy on this research and to use my webpage to try and kill these animals is an insult to my research and in short, it pisses me off. I am trying to get coyote hunting in Barnstable banned so people don't target them. I wish more people could enjoy this remarkable predator. It is pointless to shoot it and should not be done, in my strong opinion. I certainly won't be giving any rewards, if you are actually serious. -------------   Emailer: Dear Mr. Way,     First I would like to assure you that my email was not sent in jest. Furthermore, my intent was not to upset you, but rather to illustrate my sincere gratitude for all of your hard work and effort. I would like to add that I have never targeted collared coyotes. Most sportsman, myself included, are far more respectful than that. However, your campaign to end coyote hunting in Massachusetts causes as much grief to myself as the targeting of collared coyotes does you. Personally, I feel that ending hunting is just another Moonbat idea that ranks right along side gun control. Ignorance at it's peak. Coyote hunting is a long standing tradition in my life. I enjoy a great deal of time with my closest friends and children enjoying the sport of predator hunting. My children learn many valuable life lessons from hunting.  Among other things, they learn to respect nature, and the animals we hunt. Though I wouldn't expect a brain damaged liberal to understand these things, it is the truth. No Sir, I would never target a collared coyote. In fact, I would be more inclined to fully respect your research, and avoid hunting the areas that you are tracking collared coyotes in. I only wish that rabid liberals like yourself could understand the meaning of respect well enough to stop trying to strip me of the very rights that I hold so dearly. Why must you people always stomp around like spoiled children, always taking, and never giving anything of real value in return? Throwing a tantrum when you don't get your way. Before I get caught up in a rant, I would like you to know that I DO respect your work. I DO respect the coyote. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, and all that mother nature has to offer us. I am an honest, hard working, tax paying, God fearing man with strong morals and family values. I try my best to raise my family right. Your ideals and fantasies of a utopian society in which all creatures great and small live together in peace and harmony is utterly ridiculous. Please respect MY rights, as I respect yours. Good day Sir.    p.s   Just in case, where shall I send those collars?