California: Ban Wildlife Killing Contests For Good

As someone who is concerned with issues surrounding animal welfare and wildlife, I was thrilled to learn that the Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to consider a statewide ban on wildlife killing contests earlier this month.

Regardless of the species involved in these types of contests, the so-called hunters who continue to support this culture of violence are completely ignoring the inherent value of the wild animals they're so bent on destroying. It's been well established that coyotes, and other predators, play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, coyotes, who are a popular target remain pitifully unprotected, without even so much as a bag limit in the state to determine how many can be killed.

It's clear that these contests are not about wildlife management or even hunting, but about glorifying the senseless killing of wild animals for fun and personal gain. If those who participate in these contests were really interested in working towards balancing wildlife or protecting livestock, these contests and the the mass slaughter that ensures would not be taking place.  

Continued threats to those who speak out for wildlife and a serious injury to a 73-year-old conservationist at the Coyote Drive in Modoc County also provides more evidence that these events support a culture of violence that needs to end.  

I sincerely hope that the Fish & Game Commission will put an end to these barbaric contests for good and take steps to ensure that all wildlife management decisions are based solely on the best available science in the future.