424 coyotes killed during 10th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic

Brian Cope Coyote, Newsletters

It’s the most ever killed during the event’s history

It was another record-breaking year for the 10th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic, held Feb. 17 – 19, 2023. Hunters participating in the event killed the most coyotes, weighed in the most coyotes, and were awarded the biggest cash payout in the history of the tournament.

Coyote Derby winners

Taking first place was Team Red Lights made up of Ryan Borum, Nathaniel Brookbank and Jay Cox. They won a total of $2500 in cash for their pile of 27 coyotes. They also won the 1st Place Custom Carolina Coyote Classic Belt Buckles. The first night, high winds made the hunting tough and they killed eight coyotes. But they really stepped things up on Saturday night, adding 19 coyotes to their list.

In second place, Team Ranger consisting of Kyle Crickenberger, Jamie Terry and Tom Fuller killed a total of 26 coyotes. They won $1500 and received 2nd Place Custom Carolina Coyote Classic Belt Buckles.

The third place team of Team Logan, Josh, Alex won $1000 and 3rd Place Custom Carolina Coyote Classic Belt Buckles for their 24 coyotes. Team members were Alex Poole, Logan Jones and Josh Roop.

Fat Dog contest

The Fat Dog portion of the contest was won by Team Huntersville Predator Control, made up of Roddy Rockholt and Kevin Turner.

Their 44.86-pound coyote earned them $750 cash, the 1st place trophy, plus the following prizes:

  • Ruger American 6.5 Grendel Predator Rifle w/ SigSauer Rifle Scope from Hal’s Pawn & Gun
  • Sniper Hog Lights 66LRX Predator Package
  • FoxPro 1st Place Winners Package – X24 Electronic Call, FoxPro Loaded Gun Mouth Calls, FoxPro Fur Taker Hand Calls, FoxPro Hats, FoxPro Decals
  • Charles Hubert Gents Watch w/C3 Tournament Colors from MacPherson’s Diamonds & Designs
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Fixed Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Slang Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 4 piece Nose Jammer Predator Spray

Second place in the Fat Dog contest was Team Creepin and their 42.32-pound ‘yote. Team members Bud Ratliff, Anthony Taylor, Dustin Horne and Brian Stone won $450 cash and the 2nd place trophy, along with the following prizes:

  • FoxPro 2nd Place Winners Package – X24 Electronic Call, FoxPro Loaded Gun Mouth Calls, FoxPro Fur Taker Hand Calls, FoxPro Hats, FoxPro Decals
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Fixed Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Slang Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 4 piece Nose Jammer Predator Spray

In third place with a 41.11-pound coyote was Team Reap, made up of Jonathan Chermak, Miles Barringer, Carl Cole and Justin Smith. They won $300 cash, the 3rd place trophy, and the following prizes:

  • FoxPro 3rd Place Winners Package – Hi-Jack Electronic Call, FoxPro Loaded Gun Mouth Calls, FoxPro Fur Taker Hand Calls, FoxPro Hats, FoxPro Decals
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Fixed Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 2 packs Fire in the Hole Slang Blade 100-grain broadheads
  • 4 piece Nose Jammer Predator Spray

DNA Firearms Systems’ Devil Dog Side Pot

The Classic also included a fun side pot for hunters entering black coyotes during the event. A total of 11 black coyotes were officially entered and were placed into a random draw via Random.org. Each winner received a $1500 gift certificate toward a DNA Firearm Systems Custom Rifle Build of their choice. The winners were Luke Hinson, Jonathan Sells and Josh Holbrook.

Coyote Derby Big Coyote Prize

The Big Coyote Prize among participants in the Coyote Derby came down to a tiebreaker. Team Dirty Dogs and Team Ranger each weighed a 43.87-pound coyote. The tiebreaker was decided in an ax throwing duel at the Armadillo Axe Throwing Vendor Booth. After the first throw also ended in a tie, the second throw was won by Team Dirty Dogs.

The win netted them a Fat Boy Tripods Traverse Carbon Fiber Tripod and Ball Head Package from DSN Outfitters.

Big Female Side Pot

Team Lynches River Mafia won the Big Female side pot with their 37.14 pound female. They pocketed $400 cash for the ‘tote.

Little Coyote Side Pot

Team Dirty Dogs took the Little Coyote side pot with a 23.14-pound coyote. They won a Porta Climb Treestands Cadillac Climber.

Event organizer John MacPherson of 704 Outdoors was excited about the outcome of the 10th rendition of this event.

Official stats from 2023 Carolina Coyote Classic

Participating teams

  • 24 Teams in the Coyote Derby
  • 57 Teams in the Fat Dog Contest
Total Cash Payout was $10,900
  • Coyote Derby Payout was $5,000
  • Fat Dog Contest was $1,500
  • Coyote Bounty $4,000 – Sponsored by Thermal Optics Plus
  • Big Female Side Pot was $400
Official Coyote Kills
424 Coyotes Killed (Video Submissions Received)
  • Day 1 – 1 Coyote
  • Night 1 – 189 Coyotes
  • Night 2 – 234 Coyotes
  • 352 coyotes brought to weigh-ins, 334 coyotes officially entered and bounty money paid per coyote.
Note: Coyotes missing from final count were due to technicalities such as video content missing or zip tied incorrectly. No disqualifications for cheating or foul play encountered at the tournament, all polygraphs passed.

“I’m still amazed at what this tournament has grown to. The 10th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic was everything we hoped it would be,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without the hunters and our great sponsors.”

Event Sponsors

Door Prize Contributors

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About Brian Cope 2745 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@sportsmannetwork.com.
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