Wildlife Killing Contests Fact Sheet

Policy Options

1. Prohibit or Limit Awards and Prizes for Killing Animals: Some states have taken comprehensive action against different types of wildlife killing contests. In 2014, California became the first and only state where it is unlawful to offer a prize or other inducement as a reward for the taking of a game bird, mammal, fish, reptile, or amphibian in an individual contest, tournament, or derby.  In 2021, Washington prohibited all wildlife killing contests that allow an unlimited bag limit (the number of animals that can be killed) and capped prizes at $2000. 

2. Prohibit Contests for Certain Species: States can also take targeted action to increase protections for specific carnivore species against wildlife killing contests. Maryland SB200 (Enacted, 2021) prohibits sponsoring, conducting, or participating in a killing contest for coyote, fox, or raccoon for prizes or monetary rewards. The state wildlife commissions in Arizona and Massachusetts both voted to ban contests targeting predator and furbearer species in 2019. New Mexico S.B.76 (Enacted, 2019) and Vermont H.636 (Enacted, 2018) banned coyote killing contests. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to ban killing contests that target most furbearer species and certain small-game species in 2020. 

3. Local Resolutions: Cities and counties in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Minnesota, and other states have passed resolutions condemning killing contests.