New Hampshire should ban killing contests. Senate Bill 588 aims to make that happen.
Yes, these legal, barbaric blood sports really do occur in our state, and across the country. Coyotes and foxes are usually targeted here, but in other states, rodents, rabbits and crows can also be the victims. Prizes are awarded for the most animals killed, the biggest, smallest and other categories as well.
Prizes often include cash, guns and ammunition, and of course, bragging rights. The winners post pictures on Facebook, grinning widely next to the bloody corpses.
Methods of “take” for predators rarely fit the definition of what ethical hunters call fair chase; instead they include hunting over bait, sophisticated calling devices that mimic prey animals (such as a rabbit in distress), high-powered night scopes and hounding.
The meat from coyotes is never eaten. The pelts aren’t used, as they have little value after being shot. The carcasses are simply thrown in the woods to rot.
The majority of hunters in New Hampshire recognize that killing contests make all hunters look bad to the non-hunting public, and they understand the crucial role that predators play in a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Those ethical hunters support the idea of eliminating killing contests; indeed, SB 588 was crafted with the help of hunters, and hunters are championing the bill now.
SB 588 is not an anti-hunting bill, and lawful hunting, as regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game, would not be affected.
At least six states have banned killing contests, including Arizona and Colorado. New Hampshire should ban killing contests as well.
Please call your state senator in support of Senate Bill 588.
DANIELLE ERIKSEN
Weare