Advisory board backs leaving coyote‑calling contests unregulated after committee review

The Elko County Advisory Board on Wildlife recommended that the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners not pursue regulation or a ban on coyote‑calling contests after a two‑hour subcommittee meeting and local testimony.

A three‑member contest committee had convened to examine concerns raised by the Humane Society of Nevada about organized wildlife killing contests, particularly coyote‑calling events. The Humane Society had considered petitioning for a regulatory ban but withdrew the petition after initial responses from the committee indicated no consensus for an outright ban.

At the advisory board meeting committee members and participants discussed possible regulatory options — licensing requirements, seasons, quotas, carcass disposal and insurance. Much of the proposed compromise focused on requiring contest participants to hold hunting licenses and establishing season dates, but some board members and local outfitters argued that modest regulatory steps would not satisfy groups seeking an outright ban and would impose enforcement burdens on law enforcement.

One board member said the committee appeared to be offering concessions primarily to contest organizers, and that the Humane Society had not participated in the local meeting because of threats reported to its representatives. Henry Krenker, representing outfitters, argued that accepting small regulatory changes would invite further restrictions; he asked the board to resist incremental measures.

After public comment the board voted by voice to support the committee's apparent position against new regulation of the contests and to urge the commission to move on to other priorities.

The advisory board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners.