Coming back for the second year, the Georgia Coyote Challenge highlights how citizens can effectively handle nuisance coyote issues. This year, entering will be even easier, and participants can earn up to 10 entries in three separate drawings (between March and August), according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
“Negative interactions with coyotes are an ongoing issue for many citizens, from rural land managers to suburban homeowners,” said John Bowers, chief of Game Management for WRD. “While many hunters, trappers and landowners already make use of the fact that coyotes can be taken year round, the Coyote Challenge emphasizes the utility of removing these non-native predators during the critical spring-summer period for landowners concerned about native wildlife.”
The program will run from March 1-Aug. 31. There will be three drawings for a lifetime license (or the equivalent of $750 of credit for hunting and fishing licenses or a prize of similar value). Participants may submit up to 10 coyotes (creating 10 contest entries) during each drawing period. Coyotes must be taken in Georgia to be eligible.
How do you enter? Take a photo of the coyote with your phone. Email that photo to coyote.challenge@dnr.ga.gov. Photos should include the entire, intact carcass. You will receive an auto reply that will provide a link to the entry form. Be sure to fill out the form and include your email address.
What is not accepted? Road-kills, spoiled carcasses, coyotes that have been ear-notched, and live coyotes are not eligible. Metadata on all submissions will be analyzed to determine the date and location of the provided image(s).
The sponsor of the prize for the first drawing is Ace Hardware of Social Circle (www.socialcircleace.com).
For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/resources/CoyoteChallenge.