Captive hunts, also known as “canned hunts,” are the very opposite of fair chase. Shooters at captive hunts pay to kill animals—even endangered species—trapped behind fences.
Animals from breeders, dealers, and even zoos or circuses may end up at captive hunts. Often the animals are hand-raised and bottle-fed, so they aren't afraid of people.
The animals are often accustomed to being fed in certain areas at regular intervals—and shooters will be there waiting. Captive hunts are so unsporting that hunting groups like Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young, and the Izaak Walton League oppose them. Captive hunts also threaten cattle and wildlife with disease, while the owners earn big fees.
There are more than a thousand captive hunts in this country.
Animal Planet Exposes Captive Hunts
If you missed the "Animal Planet Investigates" segment devoted to an HSUS investigation of captive hunts, you can see some of our undercover footage at the link below.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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April 17, 2013
Humane Lobby Day Kicks Off in New York
New Yorkers concerned about animal welfare converged on the state capitol for Humane Lobby Day to meet with lawmakers and lobby for better animal protection laws designed to strengthen anti-cruelty statues, eliminate the extreme confinement of animals on factory farms and protect sharks from the cruel and unsustainable shark fin trade.
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April 10, 2013
Humane Lobby Day Kicks Off in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians concerned about animal welfare converged on the state capitol for Humane Lobby Day in Harrisburg on Tuesday to lobby for better laws to protect pets, exotic animals and wildlife.
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April 1, 2013
Indiana House Natural Resources Committee Criticized for Passing Bill to Allow Cruel and Unsporting Captive Hunts
The Humane Society of the United States criticized the Indiana House Natural Resources Committee for seeking to legalize captive hunting operations.
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March 14, 2013
Pennsylvania Committees Criticized for Advancing Bill to Remove State Oversight of Captive Pig Hunts
The Humane Society of the United States criticized the Pennsylvania House and Senate Game and Fisheries Committees for passing legislation that would eliminate all oversight for captive hunting operations for feral pigs.
Our Victories
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May 16, 2013
California State Assembly Passes Groundbreaking Legislation to Require the Use of Non-Lead Ammunition in Hunting
Important legislation requiring the use of non-lead ammunition for hunting today passed the California State Assembly by a wide margin.
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May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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May 8, 2013
Court Upholds Calif. Law Preventing Cruel Trapping and Poisoning of Wildlife
A California court has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 4, a 1998 state ballot measure banning use of cruel traps and poisons for the purpose of killing wildlife.
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
