That’s a wrap on the 2023 Youth-Mentored Coyote Calling contest for The Predator Hunter Association which was held on September 23, 2023, on National Hunting and Fishing Day.

We had 16 total teams and 8 teams that weighed in a total of 16 dogs.

These kids put on the miles in the mud and rain on this wet Saturday. Memories for a lifetime and we cannot thank the mentors and families enough for being a part of this. This is why we do what we do. And why we love where we live.

🥇1st Place - Savage 22-250 sponsored by Delta Waterfowl

Dean Longbrake (mentor Rocky Longbrake) with 6 coyotes for a total weight of 152lbs. He also won little dog (16.51 lbs) with the Outpost Lodge sponsoring a $50 gift card. Dean told me that on one set, 3 dogs came in and he shot 2 👏🏼👏🏼 The longest shot he made during this hunt was just under 300 yards. Pretty impressive for this wild man.

🥈2nd Place - $150 Runnings Gift Card

Austin Jacquot (mentor Dave Jacquot) with 2 coyotes for a total weight of 66.33lbs. Austin and his grandpa Dave had a great time. These were the first two coyotes Austin has ever shot that were called in. One shot at 73 yards and the other at 120 yards. This young man is going to be one to watch. And so sweet too!

🥉3rd Place - HAWKE binoculars

Kase Lesmeister (mentor Lonnie Lesmeister) with 2 coyotes for a total weight of 62.74lbs. Silent little man, but sure a deadly aim on any coyote coming within range. We were so proud he could be part of this special day!

🏆4th Place - Red Dot Prize Sponsored by Vortex

Kolter Ferguson (mentor Jeremy Ferguson) with 2 coyotes for a total weight of 61.36lbs. Kolter had a great time with his buddies and you could just feel the energy and excitement from this guy as he pulled up to drop off his dogs. Way to go, bud!

🏆5th Place -Silencer Central Suppressor

Quinn Schiefelbein (mentor Derek Schiefelbein) with 1 coyote weighing 35.08lbs. Quinn had the time of her life out west with Derek, Chad and Kolton! This was her first ever coyote and she told me she would definitely do it again. She loved to see those coyotes come in. Lots of learning for Quinn and Kolton.

🏆6th Place - Silencer Central Suppressor

Fallyn Whitaker (mentor Nathan Auch) with 1 coyote weighing 26.84lbs. Fallyn shot hers from 120 yards and at 12 years old this was the first time she had ever gone hunting or shot a gun! Good job to Uncle Nathan for being such a great mentor.

🏆7th Place - $75 Runnings Gift Card

Kemper Longbrake (mentor Dakota Longbrake) with 1 very muddy coyote weighing 26.33lbs. Kemper definitely brought in the muddiest coyote of the day!!

🏆8th Place - Silencer Central Suppressor

Griffin Auch (mentor Randy Bauer) with 1 coyote weighing 25.84lbs. Griffin was sure pumped about his coyote! He put in a long day and was a real trooper.

And the two older boys, Bohde Kuiper and Hayden Strand, both from Platte were entered into a drawing to win their prizes. $50 Runnings Gift Card and Vortex binos.

Thanks again everyone!! I’m so glad it works out to do these. And together. As families. As communities. And as gritty, hard core, predator hunters. Much appreciated.

CONTEST RULES

1.     This is a coyote calling contest. Coyotes must be called in.

2.     Youth are the only ones that can run the guns in this contest. Youth must be 15 years of age of younger.

3.     Adults are mentors and serve as the callers only.

4.     Shooting time is half hour before sunrise. You must be checked in at weigh ins no later than 7PM CT on Saturday, September 23 at the Outpost Lodge Hoop Building.

5.     All coyotes must be tagged in the correct number tag that the coyote is harvested.

a.     Time of death of each coyote must be recorded clearly on the tag.

b.     Photo with cell phone must be taken right after tagging the coyote with the youth in the picture and in a position so the tag can also be read clearly in the photo.

c.      Please take extra photos of youth with coyotes so we can share them on social media.

6.     Each coyote that a youth harvests, is their own.

7.     This is not a team hunt. We will allow 2 youth and 2 adults to go together.

a.     Option: 1 adult is allowed to take 2 youth if youth are 12 years of age or over and have their own South Dakota hunting license.

8.     Contest winner is determined by number of coyotes harvested. Tie is broken by weight.

9.     This hunt is conducted within South Dakota state line boundaries.

10.  All South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks rules and regulations apply as well as any tribal land rules and regulations.