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LD 1293

An Act To Prohibit Coyote-Killing Contests In Maine

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Boyer and 7 co-sponsors

Maine bill prohibiting organized coyote-killing contests failed committee vote; died in legislative files without advancing to full chamber consideration.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#contests #coyote #hunting
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Bill Summary · LD 1293

Legislative bill overview

LD 1293 would prohibit organized contests in Maine where participants compete to kill coyotes for prizes or recognition. The bill targets the practice of coyote-killing competitions, which have become controversial in several states as wildlife management tools.

Why is this important

Coyote-killing contests reflect broader tensions between wildlife management philosophy and animal welfare concerns. Maine's decision on this issue signals whether the state prioritizes traditional pest control methods or newer approaches emphasizing non-lethal management and ethical treatment of wildlife.

Potential points of contention

  • Wildlife management authority: Supporters of contests argue they help control coyote populations that threaten livestock and pets; prohibitionists counter that contests are indiscriminate and ineffective compared to professional management
  • Animal welfare vs. practical necessity: Critics view contests as cruel spectacle; proponents see them as legitimate predator control aligned with hunting traditions
  • Regulatory scope: Question of whether competitive killing differs meaningfully from standard hunting, and whether banning contests creates enforcement complications or establishes meaningful policy distinctions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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