The number of hunters signed up for a coyote hunt offering cash prizes nearly doubled after media drew attention to the controversial contest, says its organizer.
“Basically, before we just flew under the radar and no one knew about us,” said Paul. CBC News has agreed not to use his last name, because of threats he has received over his involvement in the tournament.
“To me, it just boils down to misconceptions between animal rights groups, anti-hunting groups and, as they say, Alberta rednecks.”
Paul said 11 teams signed up for Saturday’s hunt on the final day of registration alone, bringing the total number to 39 teams across Alberta.
Together, the hunters killed 34 coyotes across the province, with the winning team bringing in 10 animals near Mayerthorpe.
Critics call hunting competition ‘reckless’
The tournament sparked national attention last week, after a conservation advocate called the hunt “reckless” and said the cash prize glorified killing.
But Paul disputed the criticism.
“People are misinformed as to what was actually going on,” he said.
Competitive hunts have been banned in some places in North America. In Alberta, coyotes can be killed without a license as long as hunters are on private land with the owner’s permission.
Calling the tournament a “friendly competition,” Paul likened it to fishing derbies and other contests, noting that hunters and trappers across the province already kill coyotes every day.
“We’re not eradicating any species in the area. It’s about getting out in the fresh air and doing what you’re going to do anyway, with a bit of competition between teams,” he said.
A conservation biologist told CBC News the hunt would have no impact on the province’s coyote population.
Saturday’s tournament was met with some protest with a handful of people showing up at the end of the event.
Paul said they left after being told by a bylaw officer that they were trespassing, as the event was held on private land.
Paul said most of those protesting the hunt don’t understand what damage coyotes can cause to farmers, as well as other wildlife.
