Legislation S.4099/A.2917 Updates Hunting Competition Laws to End Certain Contests, Competitions, Tournaments and Derbies with No Conservation Purpose
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to protect wildlife in New York State. Legislation S.4099/A.2917 amends the environmental conservation law to make certain hunting contests, competitions, tournaments, and derbies that allow for the take of large numbers of wildlife unlawful. The legislation does not ban hunting or fishing but does protect New York's rich biodiversity by prohibiting the wasteful taking of certain wildlife.
“Protecting wildlife is critical to fostering the integrity and resilience of our environment and our outdoor recreation economy,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation establishes strong safeguards for our state’s precious wildlife species and protects our important fishing and hunting traditions.”
The new law makes it unlawful for an individual to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition, tournament or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes, inducement or entertainment. Any wildlife killed during these activities become the property of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The law specifically helps prevent the taking of significant numbers of animals, often coyotes, crows, squirrels and rabbits, in contests held for prizes and entertainment rather than the targeted management of wildlife populations. The legislation excludes contests for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys and bears, as well as fishing contests, which are carefully regulated by the state. By enacting this legislation, New York joins a national trend of states banning such contests.
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