Georgia DNR is thinking outside the box with a new program that is taking predator control to the next level.
Most conservationists are well aware of the nationwide increase in coyote population. The struggle is finding a way to help control that population.
Many states have made coyote hunting year round. Some states also provide a season for night hunting. Unfortunately, coyote populations continue to increase.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has decided to try something new. An incentivized program called the "Coyote Challenge."
The "Coyote Challenge" was created in response to an increase in complaints within urban areas. Coyotes will attack pets and can reduce population of deer, turkey and other small game.
The coyote contest allows each hunter to submit up to five coyote kills each month, starting in March and running through August.
Each coyote is then entered into a monthly drawing for a lifetime hunting license (or equal credit).
Coyotes aren't known for being delicious game meat and their pelt value is fairly low. So many hunters won't bother to hunt them.
That's why programs like this are created and why we are seeing more coyote calling competitions and coyote events around the country.
The goal is to introduce coyote hunting to sportsmen that have never considered hunting these predators.
It will be interesting to see how many more coyotes are killed in Georgia. If it's successful, it could easily be replicated other states.
NEXT: WE ASKED THE WIDE OPEN SPACES WRITERS WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A KNIFE, HERE'S WHAT THEY SAID
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