To answer the original question I don't think a depredation hunt is hypocritical as long as a legitimate hunt has taken place first.

I think the laws are laxed a bit on a depredation hunt to meet the objective of getting rid of so many animals with minimal hunters in the field. The reason for the stiffer laws during a normal hunting season is to lower the odds of success to give more hunters an opportunity to be in the field without wiping out a large portion of the population with some tradition and "fair chase" sprinkled on top.

Yes hunts create revenue but I still believe in my heart of hearts that the majority of that revenue goes right back into the wildlife management with conservation of a precious resource being the main objective.