WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The 12th Annual Coyote Hunt, open to hunters across the state along with five counties in Pennsylvania, is scheduled for Feb. 8-10 with a $2,000 grand prize being offered for the heaviest coyote.

The three- day contest is being sponsored by the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County. Coyotes can be taken by hunting or trapping. The hunter/trapper who makes the kill must be present at the competition's weigh-ins, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 8-9 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 10.

Eligible coyotes must be taken during the three-day contest in New York or the Pennsylvania counties of Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna and Monroe. They can be killed either by shooting or trapping them, day or night. All other New York State hunting regulations apply.

The weigh-ins will be held at the White Sulphur Springs Fire House on Route 52 in Sullivan County. According to the contest regulations: “We suggest all coyotes be brought in on the day of the kill for weigh-in.”

“If taken after weigh-in hours keep coyote warm. All coyotes will be body temperature tested. A temperature above lOO degrees or below 68 degrees is a disqualification. Use whatever means necessary to keep the body temp above 68 degrees. Wrap the coyote in bags, tarps, blankets or put in Ice chests & don't expose the coyote to the elements before weigh-in.”

The rules are a guard against a contestant entering a coyote taken outside of the tournament dates.

Last year, a total of 611 hunters participated and a total of 61 coyotes were taken during the three-day event. The biggest coyote – a 51.10-pound male -- was turned in by Kevin Burgher from Olive Branch, N,Y. hunting in Ulster county. He earned $2,000 for the grand prize, and an additional $200 for the heaviest coyote taken on Saturday during the contest.

As in years past, on the last day, a banquet and gun raffle will be offered this year from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 10.

Along with the $2,000 grand prize, other cash awards this year will include $500 for the second heaviest coyote and $250 for the third heaviest coyote weighed. In addition, there will be a $200 prize for the heaviest coyote weighed each day; $100 to a heaviest coyote turned in by a youth hunter (ages 12-15) and $100 to the heaviest coyote turned in by a female hunter. Finally, $80 will be awarded for all other coyotes weighed in during the 3-day hunt.

A $35 early entry fee ($45 after Jan. 25) will cover the three days of the hunt, plus the dinner Sunday and a free $5 gun raffle ticket to be drawn at the dinner. Banquet only is $25.

Proceeds from the coyote hunt go toward a wide variety of Federation's activities, including paying for fishing derbies and sending youngsters to the state Department of Environmental Conservation's summer camp.

More information, including a registration form can be found on the club's website at sportsmensfederation.com. Mail registrations to the Coyote Hunt Secretary: Kay Danchak, 122 Jake Road, Swan Lake, N.Y. 12783.

For further information, call 845-482-4987.

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