Captive hunts are the very opposite of “fair chase.” Shooters at captive hunts pay to kill animals—even endangered species—trapped behind fences. State laws and regulations on this practice vary widely, so America needs federal legislation to stop this cruelty.
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—although they can’t escape their “pay per kill” fate.
Even when the operations have large enclosures, they lure animals with food to a place where a shooter waits. They 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. If there is one near you, please tell us.
A Break for Endangered Species
The federal court ruled that endangered species should be off-limits in captive hunts.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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June 22, 2009
Federal Court Blocks Canned Hunting of Endangered Species
In a blow to trophy hunting groups, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing sport-hunting of endangered antelopes at "canned" hunting facilities.
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June 22, 2009
Federal Court Blocks Captive Hunting of Endangered Species
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing captive hunting of endangered antelopes.
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May 7, 2009
The HSUS Applauds Federal Lawmakers for Combating Inhumane Trophy Hunting Practices
The HSUS applauded Reps. Cohen, Sherman and Whitfield for introducing legislation in the House of Representatives to ban Internet and captive hunting.
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March 30, 2009
New Yorkers Flock to Albany to Support Animal Protection Bills
Citizens from across New York are in Albany to meet with lawmakers as part of New York Humane Lobby Day.
Our Victories
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.
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June 22, 2009
Federal Court Blocks Captive Hunting of Endangered Species
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing captive hunting of endangered antelopes.