Legislation introduced in New Hampshire by State Senator David Watters would ban wildlife contests. Senate Bill 588 has been referred to the New Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee where it awaits a hearing.
Take Action Today! New Hampshire sportsmen should call their state senators and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 588. New Hampshire members can contact their senators by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Directory.
SB 588 is part of a national trend started by animal-rights groups, such as the Humane Society of the United States, to outlaw lawful hunting activities. The Sportsmen’s Alliance has fought similar legislation in a number of other states, and works to stay ahead of these coordinated attacks on common hunting practices across the country.
Current New Hampshire law allows for wildlife contests, such as big buck competitions and sporting dog field trials, to legally take place in the state. Under this broadly written bill, nearly any organized hunting that involves two or more people, where even only a ribbon is awarded, would be a criminal act.
The new language in SB 588 would charge any person or organization involved in a contest that takes or hunts wildlife for prizes or entertainment with a B-level misdemeanor, which carries a fine up to a $1,200. As a result, any hunter who buys dinner for another hunter for the most rabbits, ducks or the biggest deer harvested would be in violation of the law.
Additionally, SB 588 will also outlaw nearly any competition related to hunting, including hunt tests and field trials for dogs, as prizes are often awarded to the winners of such competitions. Hunters depend on quality dogs, and a ban on these competitions eliminates the system through which superior genetics, bloodlines and abilities are put to the test.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.