Many states have killing contests for our nation’s predators, such as coyotes. Now there’s good news in ending this – at least in California.
In past posts I’ve written about the efforts of Project Coyote to promote co-existence between humans and coyotes and other predators. At their request, the California Fish & Game Commission voted unanimously to consider a statewide ban on wildlife killing contests.
“I’ve been concerned about these killing contests for some time. They seem inconsistent both with ethical standards of hunting and our current understanding of the important role predators play in ecosystems.” Commission President Michael Sutton
According to Project Coyote, newly elected Commission Vice President Jack Baylis made the motion to move forward on a formal rule making process to consider prohibiting wildlife-killing contests statewide. Commission President Michael Sutton showed his support, stating, “I’ve been concerned about these killing contests for some time. They seem inconsistent both with ethical standards of hunting and our current understanding of the important role predators play in ecosystems.”
As a result of the Commission’s vote, the issue will be on the agenda at the April 16th Fish and Game Commission meeting in Ventura, during which public testimonies will be heard before the Commission votes on whether to permanently ban wildlife killing contests statewide.
For more info:
- Project Coyote’s February 5th press release:
- Living in Coyote Country article I wrote about why predator hunting doesn’t work and research on coyotes
- To receive an Action Alert on this matter and updates in preparation for the April 16th public hearing, please join Project Coyote’s e-team by signing up at the following link
- KCET.org article on the ban
Great news! Let’s hope the ban goes through — with enough resources to ensure the killing contests stop.
Yes, good point about the needed follow-through. May this trend continue to other states.