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 20, 2012
As Seen on TV: HSUS Team Brings Animal Advocacy to Tinseltown
The HSUS Hollywood office works with entertainment industry to spotlight animal-related issues
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April 18, 2012
Animal Advocates Lobby New York Lawmakers on Animal Protection Legislation
During the 2012 New York State Humane Lobby Day, more than 150 citizens from across New York met with lawmakers at the Capitol and urged them to pass legislation to protect animals.
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April 5, 2012
Federal Rule Limiting Captive Hunting of Endangered Species Goes Into Effect
The Humane Society of the United States welcomes a rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cracking down on unrestricted captive hunting of three critically endangered antelope species at U.S. game ranches – the dama gazelle, addax, and scimitar-horned oryx – that went into effect yesterday.
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February 27, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Issues Statement Regarding Poaching Arrests at Indiana Hunting Facility
Andrew Page, senior director of the Wildlife Abuse campaign for The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement in response to Thursday’s raid of an alleged illegal hunting operation in Clay County, Ind.
Our Victories
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May 7, 2012
Tricksy Beavers, Foxy Babies: HSUS Wildlife News Bulletin
The latest on all things wildlife, in 200 words or less.
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March 27, 2012
Maryland Senate Passes Bill to Ban Shark Fin Trade
The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International applaud the Maryland state Senate for passing landmark legislation that will end Maryland’s contribution to the cruel, wasteful and unsustainable trade in shark fin.
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March 1, 2012
The HSUS and Predator Defense Institute Commend OSU Decision to Deactivate Snares
The HSUS, Predator Defense and Oregon State University alumni commended the decision by the university to deactivate lethal snares set around its sheep research facility in Corvallis, Ore.
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September 6, 2011
California Legislature Passes Bill Banning Shark Fin Trade