Why Its the Last Year for Sixteen Year Old Coyote Contest in New York

There is no question that hunting is a popular activity in New York. Often hunting is something passed down through families as tradition.

I have never hunted most likely because no one in my family hunts but I do know plenty of people who consider hunting something everyone should know. This is why various organization exists to pass along hunting traditions from year to year.

Sullivan County Will Hold its Last Coyote Contest in February 2024

Many hunting organizations hold events and fundraisers throughout the year to support themselves. The Federation of Sportsmen's Club of Sullivan County is one of those groups. They hold activities all year and their fundraisers help them pay for those events.

The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County will hold its 16th Annual Coyote Hunt in a Few Weeks. This year's event will be the last of its kind for the organization along with other events like it throughout New York.

SEE Also: Coyote Calls Caught on Tape in Poughkeepsie

The Coyote Hunt is held annually and is open to all hunters. Winners last year came from Livingston, Sullivan, Dutchess, and Delaware Counties. 124 coyotes were taken over the three day contest.

Coyote Contest Schedule in Sullivan County, New York

But this year's event scheduled for February 2, 3 & 4, will be the last due to a new Bill signed by The Governor of New York Kathy Hocul. Bill number S4099 makes it unlawful in New York to hold contests, competitions, tournaments, and derbys to take wildlife. This was done as an amendment to the environmental conservation law.

Learn some coyote facts from Ranger Planet

As you can imagine many people were surprised that this Bill was passed. Unfortunately for them, it is too late to have it reversed. One disappointed hunter commented that the time to have done something about this Bill has long since passed now there isn't much you can do but accept it.

Human Society of the United States Speaks Out Against Coyote Contest in New York

Organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States have been pushing to end these types of sporting events all over the United States. In 2020 the Humane Society published a paper about the Sullivan County contest and did not leave it in good light. A few states have laws similar to what New York just adopted. Other states are considering the same legislation.

Other Annual Events in New York will be affected as well. The purpose of the Bill was to make it unlawful for any person to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote, or participate in any contest, competition, tournament, or derby to take or hunt wildlife for prizes for inducement, or entertainment. (It excludes hunting for white-tail deer, turkey, bear, or fishing contests.)

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