In the news, Mass. Bans Hunting Contests Targeting Fur-Bearing Animals Like Coyotes, Foxes.
Fisheries and Wildlife Board pointed to concerns that hunting contests are unethical and contribute to the waste of animals.
Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners' Action League of Massachusetts, said the agency overstepped its authority by imposing the ban.
"They have tremendous authority when it comes to managing wildlife species and their habitat," Wallace said. "But once we harvest an animal — when, where, how, and how many — in our opinion that's where their authority ends. They have no right to manage contests."
Wallace, whose group includes members that would be affected by the ban, said he met months ago with the agency and their attorneys and said they were unable to convince him that they had the authority to take the action.
Fisheries and Wildlife Board pointed to concerns that hunting contests are unethical and contribute to the waste of animals.
Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners' Action League of Massachusetts, said the agency overstepped its authority by imposing the ban.
"They have tremendous authority when it comes to managing wildlife species and their habitat," Wallace said. "But once we harvest an animal — when, where, how, and how many — in our opinion that's where their authority ends. They have no right to manage contests."
Wallace, whose group includes members that would be affected by the ban, said he met months ago with the agency and their attorneys and said they were unable to convince him that they had the authority to take the action.