The Nevada Wildlife Commission voted Saturday, Nov. 8 to legitimize coyote killing contests, after a nearly decade-long effort to ban the events, which are opposed by a majority of Nevadans. The move, some say, illustrates the cultural divide between urban and rural residents of the state.

Commissioner Tommy Caviglia, who represents sportsmen on the nine-member Wildlife Commission, said at Nov. 8's commission meeting in Washoe County that he opposed sanctioning the events, where the person who slaughters the most coyotes wins cash and prizes.

Until now, coyote killing contests in Nevada have been unregulated – neither prohibited nor sanctioned by the state. Ranching and hunting enthusiasts contend that the wanton killing reduces the population, lessening the volume of coyotes preying

See Full Page