The full New York Assembly will vote on a ban on wildlife related contests on May 31. Assembly Bill 5746, which is aimed at banning coyote contests, would ban any competition where the goal is to take wildlife for a prize or entertainment.

The bill includes exemptions for field trials and other canine performance events, as well as contests for deer, turkey or bear. Animal-rights groups have focused heavily on coyote contests as a justification for the bill even though their numbers are uncontrolled resulting in livestock and pet losses.

“While we’re pleased to see protections for some hunters and field trailers, AB 5746 criminalizes events that are a major help in reducing problem wildlife populations,” said Barto. “Focused hunting of coyotes during calving seasons greatly reduces predatory losses of both domestic livestock and wildlife.”

About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.