The Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County held their 14th annual statewide coyote contest on February 4, 5 and 6, 2022. 394 hunters participated in the contest. Timothy Kautz of Jeffersonville, NY won the contest with the heaviest coyote, a male weighing 48.85 lbs, hunting in Sullivan County. Timothy’s first place prize was $2,000.

Taking 2nd place honors was Matthew Wabshinak of Verbank, NY hunting in Dutchess County, took a male weighing 48.05. Matthew’s 2nd place prize was $500.

Taking 3rd place was Matthew Pelletier from Pine Plains, NY, who took a male weighing 45.00 lbs, while hunting in Dutchess County. Matthew’s 3rd place finish netted him a prize of $250.

$200 was awarded each day of the 3 day contest to the lucky hunter who brought in the heaviest coyote for the day. Friday- Timothy Kautz 48.85 lb male, Saturday- Matthew Wabshinak 44.20 lb male and Sunday- Matthew Wabshinak again with a male 48.05 lb.

Ryan Burgher of Olive Bridge, NY hunting in Ulster County won the Youth Hunter Award of $100 for getting the heaviest coyote of all the youths with a 38.10 lb male.

Brittney Engler of Walton, NY hunting in Delaware County won the Female Hunter Award of $100 for getting the heaviest coyote of all the female hunters, a 38.25 lb female.

There were 66 coyotes entered in the contest. Thirteen on Friday, 23 on Saturday and 30 on Sunday.

Winners of the 2022 raffle prizes were:

1. .243 Savage Axis Rifle & Scope with a box of ammo was Wayne Hanson, Stephertown, NY.
2. 20 gauge Mossberg Maverick #88 Shotgun, Matthew Fritachi, Honesdale, PA.
3. CVA Black Powder Muzzleloader & Kit, William Erdman, Cochecton, NY.
4. PSE Crossbow Kit, John Lennon, Jeffersonville, NY.
5. Coyote Call-Jim Boyles, Pine Plains, NY.
6. Trail Camera-#OV18K, Mike Sorge.
7. Trail Camera-#HPX20, Paul Lobdell, Averill, NY.

Although hunter participation was the lowest in 14 years that the coyote contest was in existence, president of the Sportsmen’s Federation John VanEtten said the low hunter attendance was due to the pandemic virus, but he was happy that it turned out to be a successful contest.