Legislative accomplishments & Ongoing work

In 2018, Vermont Coyote Coexistence Coalition (VCCC) worked closely with Protect Our Wildlife, The Humane Society of the United States, Vermont Wildlife Coalition, and many other groups to get coyote killing contests banned in Vermont.

In 2021-2022, we worked to stop the wasteful killing of wildlife through a law that addresses wanton waste. The wanton waste law passed, which was a huge win for wildlife. However, coyotes were not included.

UPDATE: Read our petition asking the Fish and Wildlife Department to stop the open season (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) on coyotes and establish a regulated coyote season.

Why a Bill on Wanton Waste?

A 2017 poll conducted by University of Vermont's Center for Rural Studies showed that 70.5% of Vermonters polled oppose wanton waste. Wasteful killing happens year-round in Vermont where crows, coyotes, and other animals are killed for “recreation” or used as live target practice. Their bodies are often riddled with spent lead shot and left to rot, threatening raptors and other wildlife, including bobcats and bald eagles, who scavenge on the carrion. This wasteful killing also occurs with deer, bears, and other “big game” species.

“I believe it is way beyond the time that the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department needs to implement a “Wanton Waste” law. I am aware that critics may say they are just coyotes! During my career as a state game warden I have seen bears, deer and wild turkeys that were harvested, hung and left to rot. I have also witnessed numerous spring shot muskrats, pelts intact, discarded by the side of the road...I often have often wondered why other states and Canadian Provinces hold the harvest and utilization of their wildlife to a higher standard and have implemented a Wanton Waste law yet Vermont allows this type of activity to continue.”
— retired Vermont game warden in an April 2018 letter to Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department