#STOPTHEKILL
Wildlife Killing Contests.
Wildlife killing contests are organized events in which participants slaughter animals in a certain area over a set time period.
Prizes are often given for killing the most animals, the largest animal, and even the smallest or youngest animal. Sometimes killing pregnant females is specifically rewarded. Many of these contests are well-publicized and sponsored.
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Coyotes are the most common target, but bobcats, foxes, badgers, skunks, prairie dogs, rabbits, and snakes are also targeted.
In 2018, Vermont became the first state to pass legislation banning this brutal bloodsport. Other states have banned or restricted killing contests, including New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland. There is currently a nation-wide movement to ban these contests.
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"Killing contests are ethically upsetting, by virtue, for most members of society. Hunting should not be a competition, as such behavior ultimately degrades the value of life and undermines respect for the animals being hunted."
-Tony Wasley
Director of Nevada Department of Wildlife
Banning killing contests in Nevada.
On November 5th 2021, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted 5-4 to reject a ban on gruesome wildlife killing contests in the state.
The rule would have prohibited a person from participating in, organizing, promoting or sponsoring a contest to kill wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats and foxes, for cash and prizes.
The vote went against the recommendation of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and ignored public opposition to the events and the best available science.
#STOPTHEKILL
Wildlife Killing Contest film exposes the dark underbelly of wildlife killing contests. The film was produced by Filipe DeAndrade, National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker and co-owner of Comfort Theory, and Brian Moghari, a National Geographic contributor and also a co-owner of Comfort Theory.
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Watch the full Wildlife Killing Contests film here and read the media release here.
Read this interview with the film’s Director and Producer Filipe DeAndrade in the February 24 issue of National Geographic’s newsletter.
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Share #STOPTHEKILL on social media.
Help spread the word about the senseless, ecologically reckless, and ethically indefensible killing of native wildlife. You can use the circle badge for your social media profile pictures, and/or add the square frame to your related posts on Instagram.
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Click here to find images and graphics that you can easily share on social media.
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Raise awareness & speak out.
Reach out to your state legislators and state wildlife agency commissioners and urge them to ban wildlife killing contests."
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Help expose this issue and raise public awareness by sharing the infographics, film trailer, and film link with friends, family, colleagues, and through social media; download these additional resources/graphics here.
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