On Feb. 6, House Fish & Game and Marine Resources Committees consider HB 1100 which would prohibit coyote hunting during the first five critical months of pup-rearing. Currently, NH coyotes are hunted 365 days a year, which allows for the killing of coyote parents while they are raising pups. This egregious unlimited killing of coyotes breaks apart coyote families, violates the principles of “fair chase” hunting, and fractures the fragile social structures of Eastern Coyote families, potentially causing an increase in coyote reproduction over the long term. This is biologically unsound, a poor excuse for ‘conservation’ of a species and is ethically indefensible.

Coyotes are characterized by highly developed cognitive, emotional and social capabilities which carry ethical implications for their treatment. They also play a crucial role in ecosystems, regulating rodent populations, enhancing songbird diversity, and contributing to ecological balance. Coyotes have evolved mechanisms to limit their population growth so hunting, especially during denning and rearing often results in more pups the following year rather than reducing the pack size. No other “furbearer” in the state is subjected to a year-round open season or is allowed to be hunted during the period when their offspring are reared. Closing the coyote hunting season during their pup-rearing period aligns coyote hunting regulations with the management of other canid species, such as red fox and gray fox, promoting consistency and fairness. Please urge members of the House Fish & Game and Marine Resources Committee to support HB 1100

Edward Coppola

Keene