MONTPELIER, Vermont—Yesterday, Vermont enacted H.636, effectively banning coyote killing contests throughout the state. A passionate and persistent coalition of landowners, biologists, farmers, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and concerned citizens overcame opposition from paid lobbyists and Vermont’s own Fish and Wildlife Department to usher this momentous bill through the legislative process. Project Coyote, Protect Our Wildlife Vermont, the Humane Society of the United States, and other conservation organizations campaigned vigorously to help get the bill passed through the House and Senate, and to encourage the Governor to sign it into law. Special thanks go to Rep. David L. Deen, who sponsored the bill, and to Rep. Carol Ode, who helped write the bill.

Wildlife conservationists hailed the bill’s passage as a victory for Vermont’s wildlife. Camilla Fox, Executive Director of Project Coyote, stated, “We…