California's Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to consider a ban on hunting contests such as this weekend's secretive coyote drive in Modoc County, with one Commissioner suggesting such contests are unethical.

The 4-0 vote launches a formal rule-making process, during which public comment will be solicited as the Commission considers a ban on such contests in California.

"This is obviously not about sport or fair-chase," said Camilla Fox, whose wildlife group Project Coyote proposed the ban to the Commission on Wednesday. "Wildlife killing contests are conducted for profit, entertainment, prizes and, simply, for the 'fun' of killing. No evidence exists showing that such indiscriminate killing contests control problem animals or serve any beneficial management function."

Fish and Game Commission President Michael Sutton spoke in favor of the motion before the vote. "I've been concerned about these killing contests for some time," said Sutton. They seem inconsistent both with ethical standards of hunting and our current understanding of the important role predators play in ecosystems."

http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/rewild/hunting/state-may-ban-hunting-contests-for-coyotes-and-other-wildlife.html