First, the good news: the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Board (WRC) 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.
Now It’s Time to Speak Up Again and Urge the Virginia WRC to Support a Ban on Wildlife Killing Contests!
Here’s how you can help:
1. The regulation language is available here and you can submit your comments online following the instructions here.
a. Craft your email in your own words using the Talking Points below. Please be sure to submit your written comments before July 30, 2021.
2. We anticipate that the Board will vote on the regulation on August 19. Public testimony will again be accepted during that meeting—so mark your calendars!
3. Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) of your local newspaper.
a. Encourage fellow Virginia residents to support a ban on wildlife killing contests.
b. Use the talking points below and see tips on LTEs here.
4. Share the graphic below on social media and forward this action alert asking your network to submit comments supporting a ban on wildlife killing contests.
Talking Points (please personalize):
- There is no scientific evidence that indiscriminately killing coyotes reduces their populations, increases populations of game animals like deer, or protects livestock. Randomly killing coyotes disrupts their pack structure, which can increase their populations and increase conflicts between coyotes, humans, and domestic animals. Preventing conflicts by utilizing humane, non-lethal solutions is more effective.
- Wildlife targeted by contests play an important ecological role in healthy ecosystems. For example, coyotes reduce rabbit and rodent populations, scavenge animal carcasses, and increase biodiversity.
- Eight states have prohibited wildlife killing contests. As awareness of these barbaric events spreads, Americans are increasingly demanding an end to this bloodsport.
- Killing contests damage the reputation of responsible hunters by violating fundamental hunting ethics. Countless animals are injured or orphaned during killing contests. The events also put non-target species at risk.
- Killing contests are a bloodsport. Killing coyotes for thrills and prizes—with no respect for their intrinsic or ecological value—is senseless violence and waste.
- This regulatory prohibition is not a ban on hunting and does not impact other laws. Individuals will still be allowed to hunt coyotes and other wildlife according to state laws. Following the example set by neighboring states, the language of a potential ban can make clear that it will not prohibit fishing tournaments.
- Virginia’s wildlife is managed in trust for all Virginians. Allowing individuals to wantonly kill wildlife as part of a cruel bloodsport is a grave violation of the state’s duty in this regard.
Thank you for helping protect Virginia’s wildlife!
For Wild Nature,
Camilla Fox
Founder & Executive Director
Michelle Lute, PhD
National Carnivore Conservation Manager