Coming back for the second year, the Georgia Coyote Challenge highlights how citizens can effectively handle nuisance coyote issues.

The program will run from March 1-Aug. 31, with three drawings for a lifetime license or the equivalent of $750 of credit for hunting and fishing licenses or a prize of similar value.

Participants may submit up to 10 coyotes, creating 10 contest entries, during each drawing period. Coyotes must be taken in Georgia to be eligible.

“Negative interactions with coyotes are an ongoing issue for many citizens, from rural land managers to suburban homeowners,” says John Bowers, chief of Game Management for Wildlife Resources Division.

“While many hunters, trappers and landowners already make use of the fact that coyotes can be taken year round, the Coyote Challenge emphasizes the utility of removing these non-native predators during the critical spring-summer period for landowners concerned about native wildlife.”

To enter, take a photo of the coyote with your phone. Email that photo to coyote.challenge@dnr.ga.gov. Photos should include the entire, intact carcass. You will receive an autoreply that will provide a link to the entry form. Be sure to fill out the form and include your email address.

Road-kills, spoiled carcasses, coyotes that have been ear-notched and live coyotes are not eligible. Metadata on all submissions will be analyzed to determine the date and location of the provided images.

The sponsor of the prize for the first drawing is Ace Hardware of Social Circle (www.socialcircleace.com).  

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/resources/CoyoteChallenge.