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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July 8, 2011
The HSUS Reacts to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Proposed Rule Eliminating Exemptions for Captive Hunting of Endangered Species
An HSUS lawsuit over the sport-hunting of endangered antelopes at captive hunts, also known as “canned” hunts, has resulted in a new proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prohibit the shooting of these species without individual permits.
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June 21, 2011
New Undercover Investigation Reveals Tame and Drugged Animals Shot for Trophies at Captive Hunts
Posing as hunters, The Humane Society of the Unites States’ undercover investigations unit traveled to captive hunting ranches in Texas and New York and to the live exotic animal auctions that supply these operations. The unethical and cruel practices were detailed in the television special, “Animal Planet Investigates: Captive Hunting Exposed,” which aired June 20.
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June 17, 2011
The HSUS Applauds Introduction of Federal Bill to Combat Captive Hunts
The HSUS commends Congressmen Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and Brad Sherman, D-Calif., for introducing legislation in the House of Representatives that cracks down on the inhumane and unsportsmanlike practice of shooting exotic animals penned inside fences.
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April 20, 2011
Oregon Court of Appeals Upholds Captive Hunting Rules
The Oregon Court of Appeals has issued a decision confirming the state’s authority to regulate the possession of captive wildlife, and to stop the trophy shooting of tame animals trapped inside fenced enclosures.
Our Victories
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September 6, 2011
California Legislature Passes Bill Banning Shark Fin Trade
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June 30, 2011
Federal Court Upholds Endangered Species Listing for Polar Bears
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January 5, 2011
Shark Conservation Act Signed into Law to Curb Cruel Shark Finning
The HSUS, HSI and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud President Barack Obama for signing an important bipartisan bill that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
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December 21, 2010
Shark Conservation Act Wins Final Congressional Approval
The HSUS, Humane Society International and the Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. House for giving final congressional approval to legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.