Does Nevada permit coyote killing contests?
Despite pressure from state Democrats, Nevada still permits coyote hunting tournaments.
Last Friday, Nevada's Wildlife Commission board voted 5-4 not to adopt an amendment that would have ended the practice. The proposed ban applied only to contests that award prizes for the most kills; hunters could still trap and kill coyotes, which have no species protections and can be killed without licenses. Hunters make up 2.35% of Nevada residents, according to Nevada Wildlife Department director Tony Wasley.
Opponents of the ban claim the contests serve as free predator control that the state would otherwise have to pay for and protect wildlife, livestock, and pets from coyotes.
Proponents argue the contests are too sporadic to contribute to population control and that coyotes provide ecosystem services such as eating rodents.
Since 2014, eight states have banned coyote killing contests.