Coyotes are a fascinating creature. They can adapt to just about any area, and eat just about anything to stay alive. In cities, they are pests that eat pets. In some rural areas, they are targets for ranchers and hunters. Coyotes have expanded and hunting is a way to help keep them in balance. Some states offer bounties on killed coyotes to help keep them in check. While others allow contests and calling competitions to try and kill large numbers of predators. That isn’t the case for this state anymore.
In New Mexico on state land, coyotes are not allowed to be hunted in contests. State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an executive order banning killing contests on 9 million acres of state land. Those who participate in the tournaments and even New Mexico cattle growers have voiced their displeasure with the signing of the order. Time will tell the extent of the impact of the order.
Will this closure of contests have a negative impact on the wildlife that inhabit these State Lands? What will be the effect of such an order?
