Bison, Deer, & Bighorn Sheep Hunting to Be Allowed on Antelope Island

03.12.2010 by Whittney Evans

(KCPW News) An attempt to stop the state from selling permits to hunt bison, deer and bighorn sheep on Antelope Island failed in the Utah legislature last night. The hunt would have the potential to bring in up to $200,000 for the park, but opponents say it’s a bad idea to sell off trophy animals. Republican Representative Paul Ray said hunting on Antelope Island would be like hunting at the zoo.

“Obviously these state parks need money, but selling off the trophy of the herd is what we’re talking about. The reason people come to Antelope Island is to see these trophy animals out there,” he said.  “Quite honestly, it’s not going to be you or I that are going to purchase those permits to go out and hunt. It’s going to be wealthy people from out of state doing that. We don’t need money on Antelope Island bad enough to sell those off.”

The language allowing the hunt on Antelope Island was added to a budget bill, which passed both the House and Senate with that provision still included.