NY ends certain wildlife hunting contests, not including fish, deer, turkeys and bears

Hochul signs legislation banning contests for coyotes, foxes, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, crows and other species

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

File photo by Tom Rivers: Derrick Bradley, wearing a skunk costume on Feb. 22, 2014, joins local residents as they respond to protestors who opposed the “Squirrel Slam” fundraiser in Holley.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation ending wildlife hunting contests for coyotes, foxes, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, crows and other species.

The legislation signed on Dec. 22 doesn’t include fishing and hunting. Legislation S.4099/A.2917 amends the environmental conservation law to make certain hunting contests, competitions, tournaments, and derbies that allow for the take of large numbers of wildlife unlawful.

“Protecting wildlife is critical to fostering the integrity and resilience of our environment and our outdoor recreation economy,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “This legislation establishes strong safeguards for our state’s precious wildlife species and protects our important fishing and hunting traditions.”

The new law makes it unlawful for an individual to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition, tournament or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes, inducement or entertainment. Any wildlife killed during these activities become the property of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The law specifically helps prevent the taking of significant numbers of animals, often coyotes, crows, squirrels and rabbits, in contests held for prizes and entertainment rather than the targeted management of wildlife populations. The legislation excludes contests for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys and bears, as well as fishing contests, which are carefully regulated by the state. By enacting this legislation, New York joins a national trend of states banning such contests.

State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “With the signing of this legislation, we are sending a clear message that the wanton waste of one of our state’s most treasured resources will not continue. The indiscriminate, inhumane killing of our shared wildlife in exchange for cash prizes is a waste of life, and I am proud that New York State is taking the lead in outlawing these contests. Thank you to the dozens of organizations and countless advocates who supported this legislation, and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”

Humane Society of the United States New York State Director Brian Shapiro said, “With Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship, New York is now the tenth state to end wasteful cash-for-wildlife competitions. We thank and appreciate Governor Hochul for upholding sound policies that protect and celebrate our state’s precious wildlife resources.”

New York State Animal Protection Federation Executive Director Libby Post said, “With her signature, Governor Hochul is safeguarding wildlife in New York State. With this action, the Governor has shown herself to be a true champion for New York’s animals. Assemblymember Deborah Glick and State Senator Tim Kennedy, the bill’s sponsors, stood strong in the face of opposition and made sure one of our most precious natural resources—wildlife—is protected. A number of the Federation’s shelters help to rehabilitate wildlife. Banning wildlife killing contests means wildlife wantonly killed for cash and prizes won’t end up in a dumpster—which is exactly what happens.”