Wow, is an understatement for this event. The competition this year was hot and heavy. We had competitors from New York to Oklahoma and everywhere in between, some new and some were returning champions. Butch Smith (SD) was our only returning Mr. Coyote champion. He was our first contestant of the day and set the bar pretty high for the others to reach.

With what seemed like nerves of steel, each competitor came to the line for their chance to become Mr. Coyote 2011. I think it is safe to say that everybody who competed was a little nervous. I had one gentleman tell me... “I don’t know why I am so nervous, I am damn near 70 years old, you would think a guy would out grow this... guess not.” After a few deep breathes, he continued on and finished well.

Now, I have said since the inception of Mr. Coyote, if you call in and kill a coyote during this competition, you win... hands down. Well, Fred Ruehman had just completed the course and guess what showed up, yep... a coyote. He ran across the range about 600 yards out. No shots were taken, but it was a first. So, with no coyote being taken, we continued on with the competition.

I would venture to say the coyotes in their areas should look out because these guys are good.

At the end, the scores were high and very close. The calling and shooting ability from each competitor was outstanding. I would venture to say the coyotes in their areas should look out because these guys are good. Our new 2011 NIKON Mr. Coyote champion is Kelly Jackson (OK). Kelly put up a big number early for the others to chase and chase they did. But in the end, his number prevailed.

A BIG thank you goes out to Tony Martin with NIKON for sponsoring this event. He is a great guy and a huge supporter of VHA. Tony has also committed to our calling contests in December. Please be sure to thank Tony and NIKON for their continued support.

I can’t forget these guys either, our judges for the day were: Bob Warne, Richard Siedschlaw and Steve Thompson. These guys had their hands full with all the great calling that went on. And last but certainly not least, Randy Roede. Randy has been a huge help to me and VHA for many, many years. Thanks guys!!!