A Case Against Coyote Killing Contests in Nevada • Nevada Current

The first time I saw a coyote was at Pyramid Lake. It was dawn and the sun was peeking out – illuminating a mother coyote and her two pups. The family trudged slowly along the coast. I was impressed by how beautiful and content they were. Suddenly, one of the pups noticed rapid movement in the tufas and set off to do what coyotes do: hunt rodents. I still fondly remember the time the sight of the famous Nevada coyotes in their natural habitat took my breath away, and I have been an advocate for coyotes and other wild carnivores ever since.

Coyote-killing contests have gained notoriety in Nevada, raising ethical questions and heightening tensions between hunters and conservationists. These contests, which reward participants for killing the most coyotes within a set time frame, are not only inhumane, but also harmful to the ecosystem. It is past time for Nevada to ban these contests.

At the heart of the issue is the ethical dilemma surrounding wildlife management and animal rights. Often labeled as pests or nuisances, coyotes play a critical role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. As top predators, they play an important role in our ecosystems. Killing contests undermine this natural balance and encourage the indiscriminate killing of these animals without regard to the wider environmental consequences. Doesn’t exist a state agency in Nevada that recognizes coyote-killing contests as feasible Scientific management tool. Not even the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Additionally, these competitions often promote a culture of violence against wildlife. Participants are encouraged to view animals not as integral parts of the ecosystem, but as mere targets for the sport. This mindset can desensitize individuals to the suffering of living beings and promote a dangerous disregard for nature. Hunting has its time and place, and certainly Nevada natives have been hunting since time immemorial, but coyote-killing contests are unsportsmanlike and completely inconsistent with the natural circle of life. The Sierra Club supports “Regular regular hunting and fishing where based on sufficient scientific evidence biological data and when this is compatible and necessary with all other administrative purposes complete protection of certain species or populations.” Coyote killing contests are not based on sufficient scientific data exists or is necessary for the survival of a species.

Public opinion is increasingly leaning toward compassion and respect for wildlife. A survey A poll conducted earlier this year shows that a majority of Nevada voters support a ban on coyote-killing contests. Instead of supporting events that promote killing for sport and thereby blatantly disregard the will of most Nevadans, the state should focus on education and fostering a culture of respect for all living beings. Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington and Vermont have all banned wildlife killing contests.

After years of back-and-forth discussions about coyote-killing contests, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, where hunters represent the majority of commissioners, will meet again on Nov. 14 to rehash the issue. In 2019 and 2023, the Nevada Legislature is

had the opportunity to ban these contests once and for all, but the bills failed both times. Since then, activists, including myself, have been continually disappointed by the Commission’s failure to ban these cruel competitions. At a 2021 wildlife commission meeting, Tony Wasley, former director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said these contests do not provide effective control of coyote populations.

Coyote killing contests in Nevada represent a troubling trend that contradicts the principles of ethical wildlife management and protection. Not only do they damage ecosystems and promote violence against animals, but they also endanger the state’s reputation as a pioneer in environmental protection. As a society, we must advocate for policies that prioritize compassion, sustainability and coexistence. It’s time to put an end to coyote-killing contests and embrace a future where wildlife is respected and humanely managed.