Shoot coyotes in NM, win assault rifle as prize

[October 19, 2012]  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Coyote hunters in New Mexico will have the chance to compete for a couple of high-caliber grand prizes just in time for the holidays -- a pair of Bushmaster AR-15 assault rifles.

A shooting range and gun store in Albuquerque is hosting a two-day contest to see who can kill the most coyotes, despite protests from environmentalists.

KOB-TV reports (http://bit.ly/RXlQi3) that Calibers Shooting Sports Center is holding the challenge for two-member teams beginning Dec. 1.

Susan Weiss, an advocate for the "Coexist with Coyotes" group, calls the competition "immoral and disgusting."

Caliber's owner, Ryan Burt, says he came up with the idea after he was approached by several ranchers from around the state who have been dealing with coyotes harming livestock.

Coyotes have no protection under New Mexico law.

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Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com/

[Associated Press]

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