End wildlife killing contests in Massachusetts

Wildlife killing contests are inhumane, unsportsmanlike, and ineffective at population control. Killing contests glorify the slaughter of animals for prizes and entertainment, and violate the core hunting ethic of “fair chase,” which dictates respect for wildlife. They run contrary to the principles of science-based wildlife management. These contests fail to address wildlife conflict issues and, if anything, exacerbate problems. 

These cruel and wasteful contests are an embarrassment to our Commonwealth. Voice your opposition today. 

TAKE ACTION: Please attend the public listening session on coyote management and killing contests on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 6-8 pm at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admirals Hall-Harrington Building (101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA) and voice your opposition to coyote killing contests. The session will include a short presentation from MassWildlife staff, followed by an opportunity for attendees to comment and ask questions. 

Read more in HSUS' formal comments in opposition to Massachusetts' wildlife killing contests and HSUS' report on an undercover investigation into these contest in New York and New Jersey.

In addition to attending the listening session with MassWildlife in Buzzards Bay on June 18, you can provide feedback by sending a brief, polite letter to MassWildlife, asking them to pass a regulation banning wildlife killing contests statewide. Comments should be emailed to mass.wildlife@mass.gov or snail-mailed to: MassWildlife, Attn: Coyote Feedback, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Please include your name, the town in Massachusetts that you live in, and why you oppose coyote killing contests. 

If you can attend this meeting to speak on behalf of a ban on wildlife killing contests, please let us know.