Some more stats of the 3-day statewide coyote contest held on February 7-9 includes a new record take of 118 coyotes -- 22 on Friday, 45 on Saturday and 51 on Sunday. Three coyotes were disqualified because they failed the required body temperature. Sixty female and 58 male coyotes were taken. Fifty coyotes were taken during daylight hours and 68 were taken in the dark.

Fifty-four coyotes were taken over bait, 33 by calling, 24 with the use of dogs and seven coyotes were trapped. Firearms used in taking coyotes: .223 cal.-40, 22-250-20, .243-16, 12 ga.-10, .22 mag.-4, .308-4, .270-4, 30.06-4, .204-3, .22 Hornet-2, 7mm mag.-2¸ 6MM-1 and 6.8 SFC-1.

Coyotes were taken from the following counties in New York State: Sullivan-27, Ulster-18, Delaware-14, Dutchess-11, Columbia-10, Otsego-8, Broome-5 Rensselaer-4, Orange-3, Cortland-3, Putnam-1, Tompkins-1, Schenectady-1 and Albany-1.

Coyotes taken from counties in Pennsylvania: Susquehanna-5, Wayne-3 and Tioga-2.

Hunters taking more than one coyote: Dan Baker-2, Adam Bissonnette-2, John Bold-2, Robert Brown-2, Keith Burgher-2, Sal Disimore-2, Wayne Elwood-3, Brittney Engler-2, Todd Faulkner-3, Jeremy Harvey-2, Ed Hatch-2, Brian Hillriegel-2, Jeannie Hillriegel-2, Tim Kautz-2, Steve Lisoky-2, Codie Nichols-2, Steve Noel-2, Bryon Otis-2, Matt Pelletter-3, Ben Prentice-2, Robert Ralph-2, Leland Rausch-2, Jack Sorber-3, Dan Vandermark-2, Ken Vandermark-4, Charlie Wacha-4, Billie West-6, Rich Widley-2, William Woolley-2 and Fred Zurn-2.

There were 108 coyotes taken from New York State and 10 coyotes from Pennsylvania. The payouts this year in coyotes and prize monies was $12,750. Total coyotes taken during the 13-years of the Federation's contests is 836.

Sorry to report there was a miscalculation by the Weigh-in Committee determining the youth winner. 15-year-old Ben Prentice of Pine Plains, NY hunting in Dutchess County is the youth winner. Ben took a 41.10 lb. male coyote.

I also want to thank Liberty Agway for their generous donation to the coyote banquet.

The coyote gun raffle winners included: 1. Mossberg 835 Camo 12 ga Shotgun was won by Zoanne Deckelman of Jeffersonville, NY, 2. Savage Axis .223 Rifle was won by Wayne Miller of Livingston Manor, NY, 3. Muzzleloader was won by Carl Sherman of Middletown, NY, 4. Bear Crossbow Package was won by Brianna Meres of Downsville, NY, 5. Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera was won by Russell George of Hawley, Pa, 6. Trail Camera was won by Fred Robterson of Monticello, NY and 7. A Coyote Electronic Caller was won by Richard Murtie of Warwick, NY.

The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County, NY and I would like to thank everyone who participated and all who supported this year's coyote contest for making it a huge success. We are already preparing and looking forward to next year's contest.

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