Wildlife killing contests seem to be popping up everywhere, but Canadians may be shocked to learn that they are happening right here. Currently, British Columbia is allowing groups to host three such events and a number of animal protection groups have signed an open letter to ask the BC government to bring an immediate end to all current contests and, prohibit them from happening in the future. Killing wildlife for fun and points has no place in our society and it is time for all Canadians to take a stand against these outdated practices. Killing predators is not sustainable, ethical or scientific – it is simply an excuse for people to satisfy their blood lust.
In a phone interview with Daily Hive Vancouver, Wildlife Defence League Co-founder and Executive Director Tommy Knowles said tournaments like the one in Creston Valley are cruel, result in the unnecessary killing of predators, and that there’s little to no science “that these contests actually have any effect in recovering ungulate populations.”
So why does the government allow these tournaments of death to continue? The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources says it “doesn’t condone or encourage wildlife-killing contests but noted there are no rules that prevent them from being held so long as hunters are properly licensed and follow the laws.” Remember, just because some is legal does not mean it is right.
DISTURBING IMAGES: Photos submitted by environmental groups show hunters posing with predators they killed during wildlife killing contests. – Global News
In addition to a wolf whacking contest a spokesperson for the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club told the Daily Hive that hunters are targeting cougars and it’s more likely that that animal would be taken out. A “predator tournament” running from March 16 to 24 sponsored by Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club has a point system for killing different animals: three points for cougars or wolves, two for coyotes and one for raccoons. They also offer cash prizes for the top three contestants.
- The Fur-Bearers have a petition for Canadians, with a form letter ready to go. Simply enter your name, address and email (please sign and share if you live in Canada)
- Conservation groups Wildlife Defence League and Pacific Wild also suggest people speak out against the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club’s Predator Tournament, and contests like it by contacting the province to voice their opposition against the event. This option is open to anyone regardless of where you live. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy may be contacted by email or phone:
- Telephone: 1-800-663-7867
EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca - Hon. George Heyman – Minister of Environment & Climate Change Strategy.
E-mail: george.heyman.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Telephone:(250) 387-1187 - Fish and Wildlife – Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
- Email: FishandWildlife@gov.bc.ca
Telephone:1-877-855-3222 - Hon. Doug Donaldson – Minster of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
Email: doug.donaldson.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Telephone: (250) 387-6240
purrandroar.com 
Hunting of species that are not at risk or endangered may be okay, but killing these beautiful predators, that are already at risk, is wrong.
Almost every species is at risk today sadly and especially predators.
That is not true of ducks and geese. But, it is an outrage what is done to the beautiful Canadian geese by the industry that kills them solely for “goose down” used in some pillows.
No killing for fun is ok by me. Thanks for all the information – emails sent x
Thank you very much for that & for sharing!