STANLY COUNTY, N.C. -- Coyotes are a common sight in the Tarheel state.

  • Carolina Coyote Classic was started six years ago
  • For two days hunters target the animals statewide
  • PETA says the approach to remove the animals isn't effective

"They're starting to get in the urban areas and the problem is household pets are really considered an easy meal for them," says Carolina Coyote Classic organizer John Macpherson.

It's why John Macpherson, who lives in Stanly County, started the Carolina Coyote Classic six years ago. For two days hunters target the animals statewide. There's a cash prize for the hunter with the most coyotes. Last year hunters killed 67 of them.

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"The success is trying to harvest and remove as many coyotes in the shortest amount of time to see any sort of difference," Macpherson says.

But, an animal rights group says the approach isn't effective.

"It just doesn't work," says PETA emergency response division manager Kristin Rickman.

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She says not only are the killings inhumane, if the event actually impacted coyote numbers, it wouldn't have to be held every year.

"The only effective coyote control programs involve outreach and personal responsibility," Rickman says.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission does say coyotes naturally hold their population in check, so they wouldn't overtake an area. It's why PETA says theres a better approach.

"People have to understand coyotes and understand how to deter them and people need to be mindful of where they're walking their dogs," Rickman says.

Macpherson says those steps are important, but it takes more.

"That's kind of trying to put a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound. That's not really going to help it," Macpherson says.

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He says continued hunting of coyotes keeps them in check. Meanwhile coyote numbers remain high and in last year's event Macpherson says hunters took in a record number of coyotes.

The Carolina Coyote Classic is scheduled for the weekend of February 8 in Stanly County.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission does have a helpline for people who have questions about coyotes. The number is 866-318-2401.