Dear Honorable Committee Members, Thank you for considering bill HB 589! This is a no-brainer, of course we should ban these wildlife killing contests. This is not hunting, this is unnecessary killing. I brought my 3rd grade daughter here today to the hearing. She loves animals, especially wolves and bobcats. I told her about the ban and she was so upset to learn that they were allowed in NH in the first place. I let her miss school today so she could be here and see how our government works, particularly with something she cares so much about. When I was about 7 or 8, a friend told me of a place called cat hell. Where any cat that goes there gets shot on sight. I believed my friend and the idea of it horrified me - and stuck with me. Now I knew that cats were euthanized at shelters and pounds, but that was different. The shooting on sight and complete disregard for the life of the animal was what was so horrifying. To kill for a contest in the name of wildlife control is wrong. NH is better to its wildlife than that, right? Just because something is wild and not domesticated does not mean it should be legally bound to such treatment. That is not appropriate “wildlife control”. Please, each of you on this committee, I implore you to not yield to a small minority who may want to keep these killing contests in the name of tradition or heritage (dogfighting is considered by some a tradition; and just because something was, doesn't necessarily mean it should be). Please think of what this decision says to our children and future generations. Your ability to pass legislation is such an important tool – as you all know. For example, it is past legislators and citizens we can thank for why we have laws prohibiting adults from beating their children- and that was not always the case in our history. Some of the earliest protections for children in our country arose by arguing the fact that laws existed that would have protected an animal from enduring the same treatment that the child was undergoing. How sad that children needed to be at least considered on level with an animal to get that protection, and how important having those laws on the books for animals was. We need to have basic protections from some of the worst types of treatment that are possible, even for animals. Wildlife Killing Contests squarely goes into that category of some of the worst types of treatment that are possible. Thank you for your time and your service in the NH legislature. Emily Murphy and Marc Sutherland 4 Shaws Lane Dover, NH 03820
HB589
House · 2025 sessionDemocraticKilled in HouseBanning wildlife killing contests
AIDefines and prohibits wanton waste of wounded or killed wild animals by hunters and prohibits organizing, promoting, or participating in wildlife killing contests offering prizes, with specified exceptions.
defining and prohibiting wanton animal waste and prohibiting certain wildlife hunting contests.
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 6, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
640 submissionsArgument digest · AI-generated
from 319 of 319 written submissionsHB589 would define and prohibit 'wanton waste' of animals and ban certain wildlife killing contests in New Hampshire, where participants compete for cash or prizes to kill the most or largest animals, primarily coyotes and foxes. The overwhelming majority of submitters support the bill, arguing such contests are cruel and ecologically counterproductive and distinct from ethical hunting, while a much smaller number of opponents worry the bill would end valued hunting and fishing traditions or unintentionally restrict legitimate hunting activities through vague language.
- Killing contests are cruel, unethical, and barbaricSupport230 of 319 reviewed
The most common argument is a moral one: submitters describe wildlife killing contests as inherently cruel, inhumane, and barbaric, arguing that killing animals purely for cash, prizes, or bragging rights has no place in a civilized or ethical society.
“The killing of healthy wildlife is an atrocity. That this bill is even being considered is an atrocity.”
— Alice Ward, Merrimack · #461444 — read full submission →
“It's sickening to see the killing of coyotes and other species and seeing them all stacked up on display. How crude and senseless.”
— Michelle Fransen-Conroy, Concord · #453918 — read full submission →
- Contests do not impact and are distinct from ethical huntingSupport70 of 319 reviewed
Many supporters, including self-described hunters, stress that the bill does not restrict lawful, ethical hunting and that killing contests are a separate, unsporting practice that tarnishes the reputation of responsible hunters.
“This Bill does not impact lawful hunting. This bill eliminates the wasteful, inhumane, and unsporting killing contents.”
— Kelly Marshall, Francestown · #448604 — read full submission →
“This is not about banning ethical hunting. It's about banning killing “contests” which are inhumane, unsporting, and unsportsmanlike.”
— CHRISTIE SARLES, MIRROR LAKE · #438808 — read full submission →
- Predators play a vital ecological role, including disease controlSupport60 of 319 reviewed
Submitters argue coyotes, foxes, and other targeted predators are essential to healthy ecosystems, particularly by controlling rodent populations that spread Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, so removing them undermines rather than protects public and environmental health.
“We need these apex predators to help control rodents, like rats and mice which are the carriers of tick borne diseases. Our Moose populations are being killed off by ticks!”
— Sherry Pattillo, Epsom · #458642 — read full submission →
“Coyotes in particular are a needed resource to keep rodent populations in check. Rodents transmit LYME disease, with a healthy coyote population, we reduce the spread of LYME”
— Sabine Duran, Acworth · #461468 — read full submission →
- Contests produce wanton waste of killed animalsSupport50 of 319 reviewed
Supporters tie the bill's wanton-waste provision directly to killing contests, noting that animals killed for prizes are frequently discarded rather than used for food, fur, or any practical purpose.
“Wanton waste of wildlife is irresponsible and unacceptable. Many of the animals killed in these contests are discarded like trash.”
— Kathy Roy, Milford · #459068 — read full submission →
“since animals killed have little value, their carcasses are thrown away: denying waste!”
— Vicky Morton, Keene · #432699 — read full submission →
- Killing contests are scientifically counterproductiveSupport45 of 319 reviewed
Citing research on coyote pack dynamics, supporters argue indiscriminate killing disrupts breeding pairs and territorial structure, which can increase reproduction and populations rather than control them, undermining any wildlife-management rationale for the contests.
“Research shows that indiscriminate coyote killing in wildlife contests is ineffective and can increase conflicts with humans and pets.”
— Jason Youzwak, Danville · #460242 — read full submission →
“Random killing disrupts pack structure, potentially increasing coyote populations and”
— Eric Fournier, Nashua · #454452 — read full submission →
- New Hampshire should join other states that have banned these contestsSupport20 of 319 reviewed
Supporters note that roughly ten other states, including neighboring Vermont and Massachusetts, have already banned wildlife killing contests, and cite polling showing broad public support nationally for such bans.
- Personal accounts of witnessed cruelty or wasteSupport15 of 319 reviewed
Some submitters describe specific firsthand incidents, such as discarded animal carcasses, trapped and mutilated coyotes, or animals dumped after contests, to illustrate the harm the bill would address.
“hunters inside the truck tossing over a dozen dead crows they had shot out the window of the truck and onto the street.”
— Catherine Greenleaf, Lyme · #459459 — read full submission →
“was appalled to see a pregnant alpha female with her foot caught in a trap, dragging the chain. A few days later she appeared without the trap...and without her foot.”
— Wanda Stanley, Windham · #438465 — read full submission →
- Bill would end valued hunting and fishing traditionsOppose5 of 319 reviewed
Opponents argue the bill would eliminate long-standing community activities such as deer pools and fishing derbies that bring families together, provide food, and support local businesses like tackle shops, restaurants, and hotels.
“Removing deer pools and fishing derbies would be such a loss to our outdoor community. We are apart of a deer pool ourselves.”
— Alyssa Brewster, Ctr Tuftnboro · #457953 — read full submission →
“Fishing derby’s and hunting pools encourage people to be outside and enjoying all that nature provides.”
— Amanda Walker, TAMWORTH · #459719 — read full submission →
- Bill's language is vague and could harm legitimate hunting activitiesOppose4 of 319 reviewed
Opponents warn that the bill's broad or unclear language could unintentionally restrict legal predator control, field trials for hunting dogs, or coyote hunting, and question undefined terms like 'reasonable effort' to recover an animal.
“This bill could have negative implications on beagle/hare field trials, upland bird dog field trials and hunt tests, waterfowl hunt tests and field trials”
— Diane Richardson, Georges mills · #381083 — read full submission →
“Wouldn't this bill eliminate the ability for people to shoot coyotes and leave them in the field thus resulting in increased coyote population?”
— Philip Andrews, New Ipswich · #446142 — read full submission →
- Bill is unnecessary and seen as anti-hunting overreachOppose4 of 319 reviewed
Some opponents characterize the bill as a solution in search of a problem, pushed by people opposed to hunting generally rather than in response to a demonstrated need for regulation.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 20, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Please stop this senseless killing for "contests" this is so inhumane. Leave the wildlife alone. To live their lives as should be. As who has the right what to kill and make a contest/sport out of it!!
I oppose wildlife killing contests. Please vote to support this bill, and end killing contests. These contests are a symptom of misguided wildlife governance. Myths demonize coyotes and to justify their killing. Coyotes are killed year around and at night during mating season. Killing contests are a violation of the public trust doctrine - a foundational principle mandating that governments hold wildlife in trust for the general public and future generations. Killing predators in these contests destroys healthy ecosystems. Coyotes and foxes help to control rodents thereby restricting disease transmission; they scavenge dead animal carcasses and limit other carnivores like skunks and raccoons that prey on birds and their eggs. Most ethical hunters deplore these killing contests. Responsible hunting involves eating or using what you kill and only kill what you need. Thank you for doing the right thing. Your constituent, Rebecca Hedlund (Portsmouth)
I support this because it is barbaric, senseless & not scientifically backed. These animals are sentient beings & keeps our ecosystem in balance. Thank you in advance for your time.
Please pass this bill to prevent wildlife killing contests and the wanton waste of wild animals in our state. One of New Hampshire’s most precious resources is its network of public and private wild lands supporting native vegetation and wildlife. Why would we support the purposeless destruction of the creatures who live here?
I oppose wildlife killing contests as this is cruel and unnecessary killing of wildlife. I'm all for hunting and keeping populations in check, however needless killing of our wildlife for sport is just wrong and cruel in my opinion.
Hunting parties are barbaric and throwbacks to a time when we didn't understand the critical importance of alpha predators in ensuring the balance of wildlife. I suggest you watch any of the Sir David Attenborough or Nature programs on this very subject. Respectfully, Stasia Millett
Subject: Testimony in Support of House Bill 589 – Ending Wildlife Killing Contests Dear Chair and Members of the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 589, which would ban wildlife killing contests in New Hampshire. These contests encourage the mass killing of wild animals for cash and prizes, without regard for ethical, ecological, or conservation principles. This legislation is a necessary step toward ensuring that our state’s wildlife management practices reflect modern science and ethical stewardship. Wildlife killing contests are inherently cruel and undermine the integrity of responsible wildlife conservation. Participants compete to kill the most, largest, or smallest animals, often using unethical tactics such as baiting and night-vision equipment. These events do not align with fair chase principles and turn the killing of living beings into a game, disregarding the essential role these animals play in healthy ecosystems. Furthermore, these contests have no legitimate role in wildlife population control. Scientific studies have shown that indiscriminate killing of species like coyotes and foxes does not effectively reduce their populations long-term. In fact, disrupting social structures within these species can lead to increased reproduction rates and unintended ecological consequences. House Bill 589 would bring New Hampshire in line with a growing number of states—including neighboring states like Vermont and Massachusetts—that have recognized the harm of these contests and taken action to ban them. Ending these wasteful and unnecessary events will help ensure that our wildlife is treated with the respect and conservation-based management it deserves. I urge you to support House Bill 589 and put an end to the reckless and inhumane practice of wildlife killing contests in New Hampshire. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Katie Nolan Wild Animals Campaigner, In Defense of Animals Resident of Washington, NH
Animal killing contests are a sadistic display. They serve no purpose and do not even assist in the process of management of wildlife populations.
There is no reason for any wildlife contest, it is a barbaric, wasteful, and destructive custom! We cannot afford to waste our natural resources, and wildlife is a huge part of them. Coyotes in particular are a needed resource to keep rodent populations in check. Rodents transmit LYME disease, with a healthy coyote population, we reduce the spread of LYME and other rodent transmitted diseases!
I am writing to express my deep concern about wildlife killing contests in New Hampshire and to advocate for their ban. These events promote the indiscriminate killing of wild animals for cash and prizes, turning the deaths of living beings into a game. This practice goes against the values of ethical hunting and responsible wildlife stewardship that we hold dear in our state. Wildlife killing contests serve no legitimate wildlife management purpose. Scientific studies have shown that randomly killing predators like coyotes and foxes does not control their populations long-term and can even lead to ecological imbalances that harm other species. These contests contribute to wanton waste of wildlife, where many animals are discarded like trash. This wasteful practice disrespects the essential role these animals play in our ecosystems and is contrary to responsible conservation principles. It is worth noting that ten states, including our neighbors Vermont and Massachusetts, have already recognized the unethical nature of these contests and have banned them. New Hampshire should join this growing list and take a stand against such inhumane practices. I urge you to support legislation that bans wildlife killing contests in New Hampshire. By doing so, we will be upholding the principles of ethical wildlife management and demonstrating our commitment to preserving the natural balance of our ecosystems. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I hope that you will take action to end these cruel and unnecessary contests. Sincerely, Richard Trottier
Stop the cruelty and also allow for natural predators for small rodent control instead of using poisonous rodenticides that also kill eagles, owls, fox, etc when ingested.
The killing of healthy wildlife is an atrocity. That this bill is even being considered is an atrocity. Our representatives should be ashamed to even consider it. Oppose it immediately.
We have no right to interfere with Nature, especially in such a cruel and inhumane way to coyotes —- to ANY animals. Nature takes care of itself and coyotes help the ecosystem by controlling overpopulation of rats. Wildlife “contests” have no place in civilized societies. Leave them be! Do not allow such barbaric actions.
The practice this bill targets is cruel and inhumane.
This is one of the most DISGUSTING "contests" I've ever heard about. PLEASE DO NOT PERMIT SUCH GROTESQUE THINGS TO HAPPEN IN NH!!!
Extending the off-road season would greatly help the small businesses and towns of the north country. The gap between four wheeling season and snowmobile season puts a financial stress on my towns.
I am employed in the environmental field, and recognize that the majority of species targeted in these contests are coyote, widely viewed as a nuisance animal since the extirpation of wolves from the area. However, regardless of whether we want to determine the ethics of this practice on animals as an individual, as a practical matter it is counterproductive. Coyote are pack animals with clearly defined hierarchies. Hunting them will not cause numbers to decrease but instead will cause a physiological change in their breeding cycle, causing females to produce more pups than they would have and effectively growing the population. With our collected scientific data we can surely create a more effective solution.
In this day and age these BARBARIC practices need to stop! This is inhumane and animal abuse to say the least. New Hampshire needs to stop being the free for all state where practices like these are tolerated ! Please stop this!
I certainly support this bill to protect our fragile wildlife! Karin Nelson
I am horrified at this proposal, which is very cruel, unnecessary & immoral! This wanton and needless killing of wildlife, is ignorant and MUST NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO LAW! Coyotes and wildlife serve extremely important roles in the ecosystem to control other prey animals, such as rats, rodents and keep the natural balance of wildlife. This killing MUST NOT BE ALLOWED!
I am horrified at this proposal, which is very cruel, unnecessary & immoral! This wanton and needless killing of wildlife, is ignorant and MUST NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO LAW! Coyotes and wildlife serve extremely important roles in the ecosystem to control other prey animals, such as rats, rodents and keep the natural balance of wildlife. This killing MUST NOT BE ALLOWED!
I am horrified at this proposal, which is very cruel, unnecessary & immoral! This wanton and needless killing of wildlife, is ignorant and MUST NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO LAW! Coyotes and wildlife serve extremely important roles in the ecosystem to control other prey animals, such as rats, rodents and keep the natural balance of wildlife. This killing MUST NOT BE ALLOWED!
Speech in Support of Bill 589 Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today in strong support of Bill 589, a crucial step toward ensuring ethical and responsible wildlife management. This bill will prohibit certain animal-killing contests—events where participants kill for sport, with no regard for conservation, ethics, or respect for the wildlife we share our land with. These contests are not about responsible hunting or wildlife management. They are about killing for fun, with no regard for the ecological balance or the principles of fair chase. This is not hunting; it is wasteful slaughter, and it does a disservice to ethical hunters who respect the wildlife they pursue. True hunters value conservation, sustainability, and sportsmanship. These contests undermine that tradition by promoting reckless and unethical behavior, making all hunters look bad. If we allow such contests to continue, we send the wrong message—that wildlife is disposable, that killing is a game, and that ethical hunting practices don’t matter. But they do matter. Our wildlife deserves better. Ethical hunters, conservationists, and responsible citizens alike know that we must treat our natural resources with respect and care. Bill 589 is a step toward reinforcing those values, ensuring that we protect not just our wildlife but also the integrity of ethical hunting traditions. I urge you all to support this bill. Let’s put an end to these senseless contests and stand up for responsible wildlife management. Our future generations, our hunters, and most importantly, our wildlife deserve better. Thank you.
Killing of wildlife, merely for the "pleasure" of hunters, is cruel. There is NO need for such activity. Eliminating predatory animals that keep other animals in check has proven, time and time again, to upset the balance of nature. Coyotes and other predators play essential roles in the ecosystem in limiting rodent populations, so wide-scale killing of these animals must NOT be allowed.