Ban Animal-Killing Lawbreakers from Wildlife Management
641 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Utah’s wildlife faces a grave threat from those exploiting animals for profit. Protect our natural heritage by holding violators accountable.
Utah’s rich wildlife and natural beauty are treasures we all cherish, but those entrusted to protect these resources must act with integrity and responsibility. Unfortunately, recent events have revealed a troubling betrayal of this trust by Wade Heaton, a former member of the Utah Wildlife Board, who has been charged with multiple offenses related to illegal big game baiting on his ranch1.
The Allegations
Heaton, who also serves as a Kane County Commissioner, is accused of orchestrating an illegal baiting operation at his hunting business, Color Country Outfitters.
Investigations have uncovered evidence of corn feed being used to lure mule deer into specific areas, making them easy targets for paying clients. These hunts, which could cost up to $48,000, took place on Heaton’s property, part of the Alton Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU)2.
Despite the state’s ban on big game baiting in 2021, Heaton and his guides allegedly continued this unethical practice, exploiting Utah’s wildlife for profit3.
A Betrayal of Public Trust
As a former member of the Utah Wildlife Board, Heaton’s actions are particularly egregious. His role was to help guide the state’s wildlife management policies, yet he stands accused of blatantly violating the very regulations he helped oversee. This betrayal not only undermines the principles of fair chase, which are central to ethical hunting, but also damages public trust in the institutions that manage and protect our wildlife4.
Why It Matters
Baiting wildlife is illegal for a reason. It disrupts natural behaviors, creates unfair advantages, and increases the risk of disease transmission among animals. Such practices are in direct conflict with the ethical standards that hunters in Utah and across the country hold dear. Allowing those who violate these laws to continue participating in hunting or holding positions of authority within wildlife management would send a dangerous message that such behavior is acceptable5.
The Call for Action
To protect Utah’s wildlife and ensure the integrity of our wildlife management, it is crucial that those who break the law face appropriate consequences. We are calling for a lifetime ban on hunting licenses and a prohibition on serving in any wildlife-related positions for individuals like Wade Heaton, who have been found guilty of such serious violations.
This is not just about punishing one person; it’s about setting a standard for how we treat our wildlife and ensuring that our natural resources are managed with the care and respect they deserve. By signing this petition, you can help send a clear message that illegal and unethical behavior will not be tolerated, and that we must hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Join us in taking a stand. Sign the petition today to protect Utah's wildlife and preserve the principles of ethical hunting for future generations.
- Dac Collins, Outdoor Life (5 June 2024), “Former Utah Wildlife Commissioner Under Investigation for Baiting Mule Deer on Outfitted Ranch.”
- Carter Williams, KSL.com (23 August 2024), “Former Utah Wildlife Board member among 7 charged in illegal hunting scheme.”
- Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune (28 August 2024), “Former Utah Wildlife Board member faces felony charges for an alleged pattern of baiting big game.”
- Jordan Sillars, MeatEater (26 August 2024), “Former Utah Wildlife Board Member Accused of Illegal Baiting.”
- Andrew McLemore, GearJunkie (29 August 2024), “Former Utah Wildlife Official Charged in Illegal Hunting Scheme.”
The Petition:
To the Utah County Attorney’s Office, Alton Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU), Kane County Commission, and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR),
We, the undersigned, call upon the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Alton Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit, the Kane County Commission, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to take decisive action in response to the recent case involving former Utah Wildlife Board member Wade Heaton, who has been charged with multiple offenses related to illegal big game baiting.
It is our belief that individuals who break the trust of the public and the very institutions they are appointed to serve should face serious consequences. Specifically, we call for a lifetime ban on hunting licenses and a prohibition on serving in any wildlife-related positions for those who engage in illegal practices such as big game baiting.
The need for humanity and compassion in the management of our wildlife resources cannot be overstated. Baiting big game violates the principles of fair chase and ethical hunting, and it undermines the delicate balance of our ecosystems. These actions not only tarnish the reputation of our wildlife management agencies but also set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further exploitation of our natural resources.
By enforcing these bans, we will send a clear message that illegal and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. It is our duty to protect the integrity of our wildlife management and ensure that those entrusted with these responsibilities act with the highest level of respect and care for the natural world.
These measures will help to preserve the sanctity of our wildlife for future generations and ensure that our hunting practices remain ethical and sustainable. By holding individuals accountable, we can create a better future for both our wildlife and our communities.
Sincerely,
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