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ALBANY — The contests have names such as Predator Slam, Squirrel Scramble and Final Fling for Fox, sometimes challenging hunters to bag the heaviest coyote or
For well over a century, maybe two, towns, hunting clubs and various organizations across New York State, and the country, have held fundraisers that pay cash and prizes to hunters and/or trappers that bring in the largest coyote or the heaviest sack of squirrels. Now, 8 states across the nation have banned such contests and Empire State Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating signing a bill, passed by the legislature to join-in.
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Ban supporters say the best available evidence does not support casting the competitions as coyote control. Instead, the ban advocates claim contests can actually spur coyote reproduction by destabilizing packs.
The contests have names such as Predator Slam, Squirrel Scramble and Final Fling for Fox, sometimes challenging hunters to bag the heaviest coyote or the heftiest bunch of squirrels.