Jeff Mulhollem, editor of the Pennsylvania Outdoor News newspaper, wrote about some facts about coyotes and coyote contests. He said Pennsylvania has more organized coyote contests than any other state, and this winter Pennsylvania will have about 24 coyote contests.

Jeff went on to say, last month New York became the 10th state to ban coyote-hunting contests. Other states include Maryland, Oregon, Washington, California, Vermont, New Mexico, Arizona, Massachusetts and Colorado. 

He said, “We heard that the Humane Society put a full-court press on the New York Legislature to pressure lawmakers there to ban organized coyote contests. We are wondering if Pennsylvania is next.” 

The coyote population continues to grow. Coyotes mate once a year between January and March. Their gestation period is between 60 and 63 days, and an average litter of coyote pups will be four to seven.

Pups remain with their mother until they are 9-12 months old. Males leave between six and nine months, the females remain with their mothers. At 12 months, they are ready to mate.

Coyotes have a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, however the majority live for three years. A female coyote will produce between eight and 14 pups in three years. 

Jeff continued to say, wildlife managers continue to tell us that coyotes don’t threaten the deer population. Although they do kill and eat lots of fawns in the spring and early summer, they say, coyotes rarely prey on adult deer. But a study by researchers published in 2011, suggested otherwise.

Over three winters researchers examined and identified artifacts from the contents of 98 coyote stomachs collected throughout most of Pennsylvania. They found that white-tailed deer was the most prominent food item for coyotes, occurring in 62.2% of the stomachs. 

Although deer appeared to be the most important coyote food item, at least during the winter, the researchers concluded, it is unclear if the pattern is entirely the result of predation or scavenging. 

PA Senator Wants to Legalize Drones for Recovery of Game!

PA Senator Jarrett Coleman released a co-sponsorship memorandum this January outlining his intention to introduce legislation that will make use of electronic aids, including drones, lawful for game recovery. Currently the practice is prohibited in Pennsylvania because drones are considered electronic devices. 

In his memorandum, he stated that tracking and recovery of downed game is one of many challenges facing Pennsylvania hunters. He added that Ohio permits drone use to recover game, while the PA Game Commission appears to be taking a hostile view on the use of drones in game recovery. 

Coleman stated in his memorandum, “Pennsylvanians deserve better. With the Advent of drones, hunters have an additional tool to use and reduce the amount of dead game that goes uncollected.”

PA Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau said, “Since legislation has yet to be introduced, the Commission hasn’t taken a position on Coleman’s proposal.”