Illinois House passes bill to end wildlife killing contests
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — In February 2023, more than 400 coyotes were hunted in one weekend at a contest held by an outdoor equipment store in western Illinois. Winners received part of a prize pool of $15,000.
The Humane Society of the United States called this contest “an atrocity” and “a disgrace”.
According to the organization, ten states already have banned similar contests. Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) wants Illinois to be the first state in the Midwest to join the ranks.
“Wildlife killing contests glorify violence and celebrate animal cruelty,” Moeller said in February 2024. “They’re a blood sport akin to dogfighting and cockfighting, which are outlawed in Illinois. This bill does not prevent responsible hunting or agricultural practices.”
The bill bans anyone from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting, or participating in “any contest, organized competition, tournament, or derby that has the objective of taking any fur-bearing mammal” for cash or prizes. Violators could be fined between $500 and $5,000.
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Mammals that would be protected by the state law include coyotes, foxes, badgers, beavers, bobcats, minks, muskrats, opossums, and raccoons.
The bill passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday 62-45. Five Democrats, Anthony DeLuca, Jay Hoffman, Dave Vella, Larry Walsh and Lance Yednock, joined the Republicans to vote ‘No’ on the bill.
Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) said his constituents often complain coyotes kill their livestock.
“Hunting competitions help control the overpopulation of coyotes and racoons, but HB2900 labels these competitions as inhumane,” Rosenthal said. “Hunting coyotes is legal year-round in Illinois, yet holding competitions that raise funds for local charities is frowned upon by those who live in the suburbs who are not adversely affected by coyotes.”
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He also notes the Annual Squirrel Bowl, held in his district, has raised $200,000 for local charities. The hunting contest in Carlinville would be directly impacted by the bill, Rosenthal said.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will be sponsored by Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).
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