Governor Kathy Hochul Friday signed legislation ending wildlife killing contests for coyotes, foxes, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, crows and other species in New York. The new law prohibits competitive events during which contestants compete to kill the most, the heaviest, and the smallest animals for cash and prizes.
The legislation excludes contests for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys and bears, as well as fishing contests, which are carefully regulated by the state.
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.
Governor Kathy Hochul Pressroom
