NM shooting range cancels coyote killing contest

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A shooting range and gun store has canceled a two-day contest to see who can kill the most coyotes in New Mexico.

Will Hogsett, general manager of Calibers Shooters Sports Centers in Albuquerque, said Friday that the range got too much hate mail from around the country after news of the contest went viral.

KOB-TV reported that Calibers was set to hold the hunting challenge for two-member teams beginning Dec. 1. The grand prize: a pair of Bushmaster AR-15 rifles.

But Hogsett says Calibers received angry calls and emails from people, including residents of San Francisco, Miami, and Texas, about the scheduled competition.

Coyotes have no protection under New Mexico law.