Whether it be Arizona, New York, Florida or anywhere in between, a small group of folks continually register adolescent glee about holding shooting contests to destroy coyotes, snakes and any animal they deem "undesireable"........As NFL Quarterback, Michael Vick was jailed for aiding and abetting dog fighting, so must we have laws that come down hard on yahoos who insist on destroying wild creatures outside the boundaries of "fair chase" and sound habitat Science

 

Contest targets coyotes, brush wolves

Cornwall, Arizona — By the sounds of it, almost no one gives hoot about Wile E. Coyote as dozens of hunters plunk down their registration fee for a local brush wolf contest."When we went to put up posters, not one person came out and said they were against it," said John Locke, co-owner of the Fence Depot, which is spearheading the Coyote/Wolf Contest. "I said, sure, I'd be happy to get rid of them; we've had lots of troubles with (coyotes killing deer) fauns," Locke said, of the hunt, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28.

Fence Depot not only has a large clientele of rural residents, but the store also carries a large selection of hunting and fishing gear. Since word spread of the hunt, Locke said he's gained plenty of support from a local sheep farmers association and he is partnering with the South Lancaster Fish and Game Club. An even larger club, based in Prescott, will also be meeting with Locke and his organizers soon. Coyotes have expanded their menu in recent years to include farmers' livestock, prompting a controversial wolf hunt contest to spring up last winter by the Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club. So far, Locke's received about 40 registrations. "If I get 100 I'm going to be happy," he said. "But I'm pretty sure I'll get over 100." Registration is $15 and prizes will be awarded for largest/smallest male and female, and to the oldest and youngest entries who bag a coyote.

Locke said the South Lancaster club will have a role in mentoring younger hunters. There will also be Coyote/Wolf Fest on March 11 at the Spot Light Hall at City Limits. "We're going to put a curtain up and have a coyote calling contest. We're going to pick out judges and have some fun with it — it should be a hoot."--This is barbaric and sick--Blogger Rick
One Glen Walter hunter, Lana Kovinich-Kirkwood, won't be entering. "Although I appreciate the need for predatory animals population control. I am also aware that the targeted animals are not a part of our food chain," Kovinich-Kirkwood said in a letter to the editor. She added she hunts "for traditional reasons — not for awards." Kovinich-Kirkwood is also concerned the contest could fuel irresponsible, even illegal hunting practices. "Hunters have illegally hunted, trapped and baited privately owned properties in the Glen Walter area, where I and many others recreationally walk our canines. "This illegal activity has recently resulted in the death of of one of my dogs," Kovinich-Kirkwood wrote. She asked that contest entrants refrain from going onto private lands and also make sure they properly identify their prey before killing an innocent pet.
Locke, for his part, doesn't think the contest will draw novice hunters."You need to be a true hunter to know how to go about doing it," he said. "You just can't go ahead and pop off — you'd never have a chance."