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Opposition to Coyote Hunting Contest Grows

Adam Krajewski / Online Producer at The Albuquerque Journal

Opposition to end a coyote hunting contest being held by a Los Lunas gun shop is growing.

According to a report from The Albuquerque Journal, more than 28,000 people have signed a petition to end the competition being held by Gunhawk Firearms. Those against it say killing animals for the purpose of a body count is cruel and that it’s a risk to public safety.

But supporters of the program disagree, saying it’s their right to hold the contest, and that it will help control the predatory coyote population.

Mark Chavez, the owner of Gunhawk Firearms says he decided to hold the competition when a gun shop in Albuquerque called off their coyote hunt after receiving angry calls and e-mails from the public.

He says the winner of the contest will receive either a Browning Maxus 12-gauge shotgun or two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles.

Six teams of either one or two people have already paid the entry fee for the coyote hunt that begins this Saturday.