We’re grateful for your efforts thus far to convince the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) to adopt a regulation banning wildlife killing contests in the Commonwealth. We must continue to push for a ban on these barbaric events, during which participants compete to kill the greatest number, the largest, or even the smallest of the target species for entertainment and prizes. Coyotes are killed in these contests every year in Granby and Hyannis (and possibly in other locations that go unpublicized).
We urge you to continue reaching out to MassWildlife to express your opposition to wildlife killing contests ~ please attend the agency’s June 18th public listening session and keep writing to the agency!
Attend MassWildlife’s June 18 Meeting
Your presence speaks volumes. You will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions; it’s important to be polite and keep your comments brief. Please focus on the cruel and ecologically destructive nature of wildlife killing contests (see talking points below). Even if you don’t want to speak, just being present shows your support!
Meeting in Buzzards Bay
What: MassWildlife Public Listening Session on Coyote Killing Contests
Where: Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admirals Hall (Harrington Building), 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm ET
Write to MassWildlife
Please write a concise, polite letter to MassWildlife by Tuesday, June 18, urging them to adopt a regulation banning wildlife killing contests in the Commonwealth. We’ve provided additional talking points below. Be sure to indicate that you’re a resident of the state and note any roles you play in your community.
Send written comments to the MassWildlife Board and Commissioner Amidon:
Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
mass.wildlife@mass.gov
And:
Commissioner Ronald Amidon
MA Dept of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Ronald.Amidon@mass.gov
Talking Points
Banning wildlife killing contests will prevent a small minority of the population from recklessly slaughtering our wild animals.
- Wildlife killing contests are ethically and ecologically indefensible. They are a bloodsport just like dogfighting and cockfighting, which have been outlawed in every state.
- New Mexico and Vermont banned coyote killing contests in 2019 and 2018, respectively. In 2014, California banned the awarding of prizes for killing nongame and furbearing species. Local governments in Arizona, New Mexico and Wisconsin have passed resolutions condemning wildlife killing contests.
- Killing contests are contrary to sound wildlife management. Randomly killing coyotes, for example, disrupts their pack structure which can increase their populations and increase conflicts with coyotes. Preventing conflicts with the use of humane, non-lethal methods is more effective.
- Killing contests damage the reputation of responsible hunters by violating fundamental hunting ethics. Countless animals are injured or orphaned during killing contests. The events put non-target species, including pets, at risk. Participants use electronic calling devices, which mimic the sounds of prey or young in distress, to lure wildlife in for an easy kill.
- Participants perpetuate myths to justify the killing. There is no scientific evidence that indiscriminately killing coyotes reduces their populations, increases populations of game animals like deer, or protects livestock.
- Wild animals play an important ecological role in healthy ecosystems. Coyotes, for example, reduce rabbit and rodent populations, keep environments free of animal carcasses, and increase biodiversity.
Learn more about wildlife killing contests here, the scientific reasons behind why killing coyotes doesn’t solve problems here and here, and the National Coalition to End Wildlife Killing Contests here.
Thank you for acting TODAY to protect Massachusetts’ wildlife!
For Wild Nature,
Katie Stennes
Programs & Communications Manager
John Maguranis
Massachusetts Representative & Animal Control Officer (Ret.)