Coyote killing contests still allowed in Nevada

CARSON CITY – A divided state wildlife board has voted against enacting a ban on coyote hunting tournaments, a practice deemed cruel by animal rights groups and opposed even by some hunting advocates for being increasingly out of step with public sentiment on hunting and conservation.

The Wildlife Commission board voted 5-4 not to proceed with an amendment to state code after more than two hours of debate, discussion and public testimony Friday.

The proposed ban aimed only at contests that award participants prizes for the most kills. It would not have prohibited hunting or trapping of coyotes, which are an unprotected species in Nevada.

The competitions are known as calling contests – not culling – with coyotes lured or “called” by sounds imitating prey animals in distress.

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