Numerous records broken at 2020 Carolina Coyote Classic
The seventh annual Carolina Coyote Classic & Outdoor Show took place this past weekend, and hunters brought a record number of coyotes to the scales. Tournament organizer John MacPherson of Albemarle, N.C. said the 54 teams made up of 129 hunters set numerous records in the yearly contest. That includes a record 220 coyotes killed.
“Every year, our tournament keeps getting bigger and bigger. This year, we set records all across the board,” said MacPherson, who owns 704 Outdoors and is the founder of the Carolina Coyote Classic.
The records for this year’s Classic include the following:
- The heaviest coyote in the history of the tournament. The 46.40-pound male coyote was killed by Team Maxwell, consisting of Josh Robinson and Jerry Starr.
- The record amount of coyotes entered by a single team was also broken. Team MFK Game Calls, made up of team members Steven Davis, Colt Minton, and Doug Myers weighed in 30 ‘yotes.
- More teams than ever weighed in 10+ coyotes in the history of the tournament.
- The number of coyotes reported killed, 220, is also a record. Of those, 197 were officially weighed in and hung from the “Fur Fence,” another record.
Team MFK Game Calls, with their bounty of 30 coyotes, took first place in the coyote derby. Colt Minton of New Market, Tn. teamed up with Doug Myers and Steven Davis, both of Camden, S.C., to take the win. Minton credited the victory to the team’s efforts at scouting and putting in the time to procure places to hunt.
Scouting played big role in team’s success
“I teamed up with two of the best in the Carolinas this weekend, and we did exactly what we set out to do. These two guys are as solid as they come as friends, and in the predator world. Countless hours of scouting and getting ground paid off big,” said Minton.
Myers agreed, and added that team chemistry also played a part, as well as support from all three of their wives.
“It can be rare to find a hunting partner you click so well with. One that has the drive, willingness, and a great wife that lets him do what we love just like mine. But to have two partners just the same is epic, just like this weekend,” Myers said.
Davis was equally excited with the win, and appreciative of his teammates.
“Going into this year’s Carolina Coyote Classic, I wanted to pull another win and set the bar high. We did just that, putting down 30 coyotes. Big props to my partners Doug Myers and Colt Minton. We ran like a well-oiled sewing machine.
“Everything came together beautifully. Scouting, calling, shooting, and the weather played out perfect to make this pile of coyotes. Thanks to Sean Casey at DNA Firearm Systems for the smooth-running guns. And the MFK Game Calls had the coyotes coming,” said Davis.
Hunters give to another hunter in need
For MacPherson and the rest of the crew at 704 Outdoors, this Classic had special meaning. Kelli Gillis, the wife of friend and fellow hunter Kent Gillis, who has been involved in numerous fund raisers for a variety of causes, had a stroke a few months ago. The 704 Outdoors team decided to sell raffle tickets for guided hunts at the Outdoor Show portion of the Carolina Coyote Classic. They are donating all proceeds raised during that raffle to help with her recovery.
“I met Kent Gillis a few years ago when we worked together on a fundraiser. Kent has a huge heart, and is always doing things for his community. Over the years, we’ve had some adventures together and are lucky enough to call him a friend. One-hundred days ago, his wife suffered a stroke.
“We’d been trying to figure out a way we could help, and the raffle for all the hunts we love to do is what we came up with,” MacPherson said.
The fundraiser raffle included hunts for turkey, deer, hogs, and coyotes.
Click here to read about last year’s 2019 Carolina Coyote Classic.
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