Marc Ayers/the HSUS

Help ban cruel killing contests in Illinois

Wildlife killing contests are a cruel blood spectacle that damage healthy ecosystems and run counter to sound wildlife management principles.

During these events, participants lure animals into gun range using electronic calling devices, which mimic the sound of dependent young or prey in distress. They then shoot them with high-powered rifles often fitted with night vision and thermal imaging scopes.

These extreme competitions based on cruelty are unacceptable. We should not allow the slaughter of wild animals for cash, prizes and bragging rights.

During a recent undercover investigation at a wildlife killing contest in Mendon, Illinois, shooters killed more than 400 coyotes for cash and prizes. Young children helped carry and weigh their bloody bodies. At least 16 wildlife killing contests took place in Illinois in January and February of this year. Ten states have banned killing contests and it's time for Illinois to do the same.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite call to your state senator. Look up their phone number here. You can simply say: "As your constituent, I’m calling to urge you to please pass HB 2900 and put an end to killing contests in Illinois."

After making your call (please do not skip that crucial step!), fill in and submit the form below to send a follow-up message. Be sure to edit your message so it stands out.

This action alert is for U.S. residents. International advocates, please visit Humane Society International.

Your Message

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Dear Senator, 

At least 16 wildlife killing contests took place in Illinois in January and February of this year. They are held across the state and target foxes, coyotes, raccoons and bobcats.  

During wildlife killing contests, participants compete over one or two days to kill the most, the heaviest, or even the smallest wildlife species for cash, prizes and bragging rights. Hundreds of animals may be killed at a single event. After the killing is over, the animals are typically dumped like trash—they are not killed for their meat and even their fur is often rendered useless for sale by the high-powered rifles.  

The best available scientific research finds that indiscriminate killing of coyotes, such as occurs during killing contests, does not reduce coyote populations, prevent conflicts with livestock or boost numbers of game species like deer or turkey. Wildlife management professionals across the nation agree that killing contests are unethical and not an effective management tool.  

This bill would not reduce opportunities to hunt coyotes or other wildlife species or prevent farmers and landowners from using lethal control to protect livestock or property.  

Ten states have banned killing contests in recent years and it's time for Illinois to do the same.

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