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Elko County backs advisory board in opposing new regulations on coyote‑calling contests
Summary
The county advisory board to manage wildlife recommended opposing regulatory changes proposed by a state subcommittee that could limit or require permits for coyote‑calling competitions. The county commission reaffirmed Resolution 2021‑07 to support continuing contests.
Jim Cooney, chairman of the Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, briefed the commission on recent activity at the Nevada Board of Wildlife and a subcommittee considering regulations or bans on wildlife “killing contests,” referred to in testimony as coyote‑calling contests.
Cooney said testimony at the state level varied markedly by region and that rural voices urged caution before broad regulation. The contest committee discussed options ranging from outright bans to regulation such as licensing participants, imposing seasons, requiring permits, setting quotas, requiring insurance, and specifying carcass and fur disposal. The subcommittee did not reach a final recommendation; Cooney said an action report was expected to go to the state wildlife commission at its next meeting.
The Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife met locally and voted unanimously (4‑0) to oppose regulatory changes that would limit coyote‑calling contests. Cooney asked the county commission to reaffirm Elko County’s prior position. Commissioners referenced Resolution 2021‑07, which the board adopted in 2021 supporting continued coyote‑calling contests and calling out predator control’s role for livestock-protection programs.
After discussion, the commission voted to reaffirm the earlier resolution and to include the advisory board’s recommendation in materials for the state commission. “We could re-pass a resolution to support the CAB’s decision,” a commissioner said on the record; the motion to reaffirm carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: The issue pits animal‑welfare advocates who have called for restrictions on contests against rural and livestock interests that view predator control events as part of broader livestock‑protection and cultural practices. Potential state regulations could change licensing and season rules for predator hunting if the wildlife commission or legislature acts.
What’s next: Staff and the advisory board will forward the county’s reaffirmation and the CAB’s unanimous vote to the state wildlife commission and will monitor the state subcommittee’s report at the commission meeting next week in Reno.
