Bill banning prize money hunting passes in Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Illinois House has voted in favor of banning contests that involve hunting animals for prize money.

This is, in part, a response to  last year’s contest by an outdoor equipment store in which more than 400 coyotes were killed. There was a cash prize pool.

The Humane Society of the United States called it “an atrocity” and “a disgrace.”

State Rep. Anna Moeller, a Democrat from Elgin, wants to see these events banned.

Republican Wayne Rosenthal of Springfield said the Annual Squirrel Bowl, held in his district, has raised $200,000 for local charities.

“Hunting competitions help control the overpopulation of coyotes and racoons,” Rosenthal argued.

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