Is it lawful to offer rewards or hold a contest for the taking of furbearers?

In California, it is unlawful to offer rewards or hold contests for the taking of furbearers. This regulation is established to promote ethical hunting and trapping practices, ensuring that animals are treated humanely and that their populations are managed sustainably. Contests and rewards could incentivize behaviors that lead to overharvesting or the indiscriminate killing of furbearers, which could disrupt local ecosystems and negatively impact wildlife populations.

This prohibition helps maintain a balanced approach to wildlife management by discouraging practices that could lead to excessive pressure on certain species. The goal is to ensure that all hunting and trapping activities are carried out responsibly and that all stakeholders respect wildlife conservation laws.