Canned hunt is a controversial and often criticized practice in the world of hunting, where animals are confined within a controlled, fenced-in area, making it significantly easier for hunters to track and kill them. The term "canned" refers to the fact that the outcome of the hunt is almost guaranteed, as the confined space limits the animal's ability to escape or hide. This method of hunting is often viewed as unethical, as it takes away the fair chase aspect that is typically a cornerstone of traditional hunting practices.

In a canned hunt, the animal is typically raised or brought into the fenced area, where it has no access to the larger wilderness. This environment makes it much easier for hunters to locate and kill the animal, often at very close range, which contrasts sharply with the challenges of hunting in natural, unfenced environments. While proponents of canned hunting argue that it can help control populations of certain species or fund conservation efforts, critics view it as exploitative and argue that it offers no challenge or sportsmanship to the hunter.

Canned hunts are particularly controversial when they involve endangered or exotic species, where animals are bred or imported solely for the purpose of being hunted within these confined spaces. This practice has led to widespread calls for stronger regulations and ethical hunting standards, as many believe that hunting should be based on principles of conservation, respect for wildlife, and the challenge of fair chase. As a result, canned hunting is banned in many countries or regions, with many ethical hunting organizations distancing themselves from this practice.