It’s a long ways out still, but Wolf Patrol is calling on all our Wisconsin supporters to get organized and involved in promoting this important legislation that would end forever wildlife killing contests, not only on national forest lands, but across the entire state.

Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) is introducing a bill that would ban cruel wildlife killing contests in Wisconsin! You can read the full text of Sen. Risser’s co-sponsorship memo below.  This is an amazing first step, but we now need to keep up the momentum!

What’s needed and how you can help:

1)  This bill needs lots of co-sponsors from both the Senate and Assembly! ACTION: Contact both your state Senator and Representative and say, “Please sign onto LRB 1453/1 relating to: prohibiting contests for killing wild animals and providing a penalty, sponsored by Senator Fred Risser.”

2)  This bill needs an Assembly companion bill sponsored by a Republican!  ACTION: If your state Representative is a Republican, contact him/her with this message: “Please co-sponsor a companion bill for LRB 1453/1, related to prohibiting wildlife contests and providing a penalty, sponsored by Senator Fred Risser.”

Look up your state Senator and Representative here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/

Talking Points: 

 

• They are at least 26 wildlife killing contests all across Wisconsin, targeting coyotes, bobcats, foxes, crows, raccoons, and rabbits, many of these contests take place in federally protected gray wolf habitat, where hunting dogs have been killed repeatedly by wolves protecting their families.
• Wildlife killing contests are inhumane, unsporting—often using high-tech game calling and night-vision devices, spotlights, and hounds to find their terrified quarry—and are counter to the principles of modern, science-based wildlife management.
• The mass killing of vital native carnivores like coyotes will not reduce their population, will not mitigate conflicts with people, pets, or livestock, and will not increase numbers of game species like deer or turkeys. It’s just killing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights, which is counter to the humane values of the vast majority of Wisconsinites.
• Wisconsin has laws against “wanton waste of wildlife” yet these contests often lead to the animals being dumped without any meat or fur being consumed. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation also states that, “commercial hunting and the sale of wildlife is prohibited to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations.” yet hunters regularly sell their pelts from contests on the international fur market.

 

If you are one of Senator Risser’s constituents, please thank him!  Email address: Sen.Risser@legis.wisconsin.govand phone (608) 266-1627.

Ending wildlife killing contests is within our reach Wisconsin, but it’s gonna talk everyone getting involved. Call your family members, share this post on Facebook and write letters to your local newspapers voicing support for Rissler’s legislation now. We can stop these senseless slaughters, but not without your help!