The largest coyote contest held in New York State, sponsored by the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County, NY, will start today Friday, February 7. The statewide 3-day contest attracts hunters from all over the state plus six counties in neighboring Pennsylvania.

The 3-day coyote contest will end on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. Weigh-ins of coyotes will take place at the White Sulphur Springs Firehouse, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to come and view the weigh-ins.

On Sunday the Coyote Banquet will be held at the firehouse and the White Sulphur Springs firemen will again prepare and serve a delicious roast beef dinner for registered hunters and their guests. This banquet is gaining popularity every year and we do expect a full capacity seating crowd.

Doors will open at 1PM and hunters and their guests can view the displays of prizes, the gun raffle items, items made out of genuine coyote fur and gift certificates prizes. Also coyote contest caps and t-shirts will be available for purchase. The lucky winners and the stats of the 3-day contest will be announced.

Chairman of the event Jack Danchak said, “It is just great to see the enthusiasm for coyote hunting and the support of hundreds of hunters participating in this coyote hunt and celebration banquet. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the coyote banquet.”

Purple Paint

means no trespassing!

Pennsylvania's Governor Tom Wolf recently signed House Bill 1772 into law. Landowners who post their property in Pennsylvania now have the option of using purple paint rather than using signs to alert others that these lands are private and trespassing isn't permitted.

The bill adds language to the section of state criminal trespass. Under the law a person is considered a “defiant trespasser,” which carries enhanced penalties, if he or she enters or remains in any place where notice against trespassing is given by actual communication or lawful posting or fencing.

Vertical purple lines painted on trees or posts must be at least 8 inches long and one-inch wide. The bottom of the mark must not be less than 3 feet or more than 5 feet from the ground. And painted marks must not be more than 100 feet apart.

The new law also authorizes unarmed persons to go onto private property for the sole reason and purpose of retrieving a hunting dog.

Defiant trespass is a third-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania and punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines.

jack danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.