WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The biggest coyote hunting contest in the state headquartered last weekend in Sullivan County saw a record 118 coyotes brought in for weighing.
The winner was Ken Vanderpyle, of Glen Wild, N.Y., who turned in a 50.3-pound female that he shot over bait in Sullivan County, using a 22-250 rifle. He took home $2,440 -- $2,000 for the heaviest coyote, $200 for taking the heaviest coyote on Sunday and $240 for three more coyotes.
A total of 636 hunters signed up for the three-day competition that ended Sunday afternoon, which was open to competitors from across the state, in addition to hunters in six Pennsylvania counties (Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, Monroe and Tioga). Competitors were awarded more than $10,000 in cash and prizes – including $80 for each coyote turned in. The entry fee was $35.
The event, hosted by the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, was headquartered at the White Sulphur Springs Fire House. More than 300 hunters and guests enjoyed a roast beef dinner at the fire house at the end of the contest.
“118 coyotes – that was a tremendous record for us,” said Jack Danchak, president of the Federation. “The previous high was 85 taken in 2017. The weather (this past weekend) was cooperative and helped the hunters.”
Vanderpyle’s 50-pounder was not a record for the 13th annual contest.
"We had a 70 pounder in 2009,” Danchak said.
This yeear’s female division was won by Billie West, of Elizaville, N.Y. hunting in Columbia County. She bagged a 45.35- pound coyote. She took home $1,180: $100 plus a $100 check from Fur, Fin and Feather Sport Shop in Livingston Manor; $500 cash prize from the Roscoe Brewing Company and $480 for bringing in a total of six coyotes.H
The Youth Division was won by Lane Hartwell of Phoenicia, N.Y. hunting in Ulster County. He shot a 29.25-pound coyote and earned $280.
Coyotes are not native to this state. The first one was sighted in this state in 1926, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The coyote hunting season is the longest hunting season in the state (Oct. 1 to March 29) with no daily bag limits. Although they are legal, the DEC, does not endorse or sponsor competitive hunting events. Some state lawmakers have proposed laws banning such competitions..
Proceeds from the Sullivan County coyote hunt will go toward a wide variety of Federation’s activities, Danchak said, including paying for fishing derbies and sending youngsters to the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s summer camp.
MORE:
‘Holy crap, it’s huge!’ 3 amazing ice fishing tales from this winter
NY angler lands ‘monster’ northern pike on Super Bowl Sunday (video)
Upstate NY man loses arm in snowmobile crash