February 10, 2026
Tell Congress: Ban Wildlife Killing Contests on Federal Public Lands
Every year, thousands of wild animals are slaughtered for cash, prizes, and bragging rights in wildlife killing contests held across America’s public lands. These brutal events turn nature into a killing field — targeting coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, prairie dogs, mountain lions, and even wolves — not for food or conservation, but for entertainment.
These contests are not science-based wildlife management. They are organized bloodsport. Participants often use electronic calling devices that mimic distress sounds to lure animals in for easy kills. Once the contest ends, animals are commonly discarded like trash — their bodies left piled up for photos and prize tallies.
Despite claims that killing contests protect livestock or control predator populations, there is no credible scientific evidence to support those arguments. In fact, indiscriminate killing can disrupt predator populations and social structures, sometimes leading to population rebounds and increased conflicts with people and farmed animals.
These events also undermine ethical hunting and responsible wildlife stewardship. Wildlife professionals and conservation groups have warned that killing contests damage public trust and tarnish the reputation of hunters who follow principles like fair chase and respect for wildlife.
Momentum is growing. Ten states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington — have already banned wildlife killing contests on state-managed lands. But on federal public lands, these contests remain legal unless Congress acts.
Legislation like the Prohibit Wildlife Killing Contests Act would finally end this cruelty across more than 500 million acres of federal public land. Congress must act now to protect wildlife, uphold science-based management, and stop rewarding mass killing for prizes.
Our wild places — and wild animals — deserve better.
Thank you for all that you do,
Mitch w/ Animal Commons
Sources:
Project Coyote | Ending Wildlife Killing Contests
Humane World for Animals | Wildlife Killing Contests
National Wildlife Federation | Why Predator Killing Contests Are Bad for Wildlife
Rolling Stone | Inside America’s Wildlife Predator Killing Contests
