The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Board recently voted 10-1 to advance a regulation prohibiting wildlife killing contests to a public comment period. Many thanks to those of you who have thus far spoken up in support of the proposed regulation.
One of our greatest challenges at Project Coyote is tackling the myths and assumptions humans make about coyotes, their behaviors, and intentions: “I saw a coyote during the day, he must be rabid!” or “Those coyotes were trying to lure my dog away so they could eat her.” Perhaps familiarity really does breed contempt or, perhaps more accurately, unfamiliarity breeds assumptions that are not necessarily accurate or favorable (but that phrase doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily).
As a Project Coyote supporter, you’re aware of our nationwide efforts to ban Wildlife Killing Contests—a barbaric practice in which contestants compete for prizes and cash to kill the most or largest of a target species such as coyotes, wolves, bobcats, or foxes. But although friends of wildlife know of the prevalence of these lethal “contests,” most people have no idea that wildlife killing contests are taking place in their home state—and that this deadly bloodsport is perfectly legal.
President Biden made news late last month when he revealed his grandchildren’s well-founded concerns about the fate of America’s wolves—concerns he professed to share and promised to address.
The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC) will soon discuss wildlife killing contests for a second time and may provide direction to the Nevada Department of Wildlife to consider a regulatory prohibition on contests across the state.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering regulations to align their already deplorable wolf hunting season with the even more egregious recent legislation calling for an all-out war on wolves. Increased bag limits, liberalized trapping seasons, and snaring on private lands are all on the table. Please speak up NOW before it’s too late!