California wildlife board bans coyote hunting derbies

California wildlife officials on Wednesday banned coyote hunting contests that have sparked a culture clash by offering cash and other prizes to marksmen who killed the most animals. It was the first ban of its kind in the U.S., according to Camilla Fox, executive director of Project Coyote, which petitioned the state to end the popular contests that occur almost every month in California or nearby states. The vote by the state Fish and Game Commission allows hunters to shoot as many of the predators as they wish year-round, but stops the awarding of prizes...more