Wildlife killing contests could be banned on public land if this House bill passes
Each year thousands of native carnivores and other wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, prairie dogs and wolves, are killed during these competitions.
More than 16 members of the House of Representatives have introduced legislation to prohibit wildlife killing contests on more than 500 million acres of U.S. public lands.
Across America, thousands of animals are slaughtered annually in "killing contests," a blood sport where contestants vie for cash or prizes in various categories, ranging from the most animals killed to the largest or smallest kill.
Animals slaughtered during these events include native North American wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs, bobcats, squirrels, wolves, mountain lions, rabbits, raccoons, and even crows and other birds.
Rep. Steve Cohen, who introduced the bill alongside other congressional leaders, called these contests "cruel and unnecessary," highlighting that they do not contribute to wildlife management efforts.
“America’s wildlife play a special role in the natural environment and in a healthy ecosystem. Killing apex predators and other targets for what some deem ‘sport’ is both cruel and unnecessary. These contests serve no legitimate wildlife-management purpose and ending them is the right thing to do.”
If passed, the Prohibit Wildlife Killing Contests Act of 2024 would require the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service to establish regulations banning the organization, sponsorship, or participation in such contests on public land within one year of the law's enactment.
“It’s shocking that these cruel and reckless contests are still allowed on our public lands,” said Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “America’s wild carnivores are so important to maintaining healthy ecosystems. They deserve better than to be targeted in these thrill-kill slaughter fests.”
Credit: HSUS
The move to outlaw wildlife killing contests across the US comes just months after New York enacted a bill to ban the practice, becoming the tenth state to do so. The decision came after years of pressure from animal and conservation groups, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has conducted multiple undercover investigations into these competitions.
The Species Unite community also voiced their opposition, with more than 8,500 people signing a petition calling on Jeffrey Dinowitz, the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Codes to support legislation to protect New York wildlife by ending killing contests in the state.
Other states that have passed similar bills include Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
“Wildlife killing contests have absolutely no place in our country, including on our public lands,” said Katie Stennes, senior program manager for wildlife protection at HSUS. “These ‘cash for wildlife’ competitions, where native species are targeted, killed, and then piled up for photos and bragging rights, is unacceptable. These animals should be respected for their intrinsic value and their key role in healthy ecosystems. We urge Congress to end senseless, wasteful wildlife killing competitions once and for all.”
The bill has been sent to the House Natural Resources Committee for review.
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