RENO, Nev. (AP) — Wildlife advocates in northern Nevada are petitioning the state wildlife commission for rule changes that would outlaw coyote hunting contests.
California became the first state two months ago to ban contests that award cash or other prizes for killing coyotes. State lawmakers in New Mexico have discussed a similar proposal.
Nevada Board of Wildlife commissioners are scheduled to discuss the idea at their March 20 meeting in Reno.
Don Molde of Nevadans for Responsible Wildlife Management told the Reno Gazette-Journal the contests amount to the "willful killing of wildlife just for the fun of it."
Hunters say it's a legally protected sport that may help keep in check a soaring coyote population that threatens livestock, pets and sometimes even people. They say drought is bringing more coyotes into populated areas.
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