FFA Predator Hunt returning Feb. 12
By Everett Brazil, III
The Newkirk Herald a journal
NEWKIRK — Coyotes have long been a problem for both livestock producers and homeowners, as they are known to prey on livestock and pets, especially with an overpopulation of the animals. Avid hunters and outdoorsmen are invited to help control the predator population as the Newkirk FFA Chapter is holding the annual Predator Hunt Saturday, Feb. 11 -12, with proceeds to help support the FFA shooting sports club.
The event has been held for the past few years to help raise funds for the chapter while also working to control the predator population.
“A lot of people in the community have issues with coyotes and bobcats killing chickens and pets,” said FFA Advisor Bailey Reinart. “They’ll even be bold enough to kill calves.”
A high coyote population also can be a detriment to the animals themselves, as there may not be enough prey for them to hunt, leading to malnourishment and starvation within the population.
“Some are badly malnourished because the population is too big, and they get put out of their misery with the hunt,” Reinart said.
Participants may enter in teams of three and compete either as FFA students or adults. Registration will be from 5 – 8 p.m. inthe Ag. Building Feb. 11. Registration for adult teams is $120, and $90 for FFA teams.
All Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hunting regulations will be enforced.
All animals must be harvested that day using calling methods. No dog or trap hunting will be allowed. All out-of-state bobcats must be tagged.
A complimentary dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at the Ag. Building for hunters. Non-participants will be charged $5.
Weigh-in will be at 7:30, with Kay County Game WardenSpencer Grace on hand for verification.
Each coyote will receive 1 point, with a tie-breaker of heaviest coyote. Bobcats receive 2 points.
There will also be $10 side pots, including heaviest and smallest coyote and bobcat, ugliest coyote, prettiest coyote and bobcatand heaviest string, with three coyotes.
Sixty percent of proceeds go to first, second and third place teams, and 40 percent benefitting the chapter.
“The more teams there are, the more money is going back to the shooting team for ammunition, clay targets, entry fees and other supplies for the team,” Reinart said.
For more information, contact Bailey Reinart at breinart@newkirk.k12.ok.us.
