The unprotected by Karine Aigner, US. Winner, photojournalist story award

‘Big business’ contestants line up to have their bobcats weighed in the March 2022 West Texas Big Bobcat Contest, the highest-paying predator-hunting contest in the US. There are a number of prizes, one of which is for the heaviest bobcat. In 2022 the winner of that category took home US$35,530 (around £28,000). Portfolio Story: Karine Aigner documents the annual hunting competitions in Texas, US. For some people in the US, hunting wildlife is a pastime. In Texas, while there are strict regulations covering ‘game’ species, certain predators such as bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes have no protection and can be killed at any time. In this portfolio, Karine delves deep into the contests and festivals that celebrate the killing of these unprotected and maligned species, exploring their relationship with humans.

Photograph: Karine Aigner/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year