At least 27 predator hunts scheduled across Pennsylvania through February
The Liberty Township Sportsmen’s Association, near Blanchard, will hold its eighth annual coyote hunt Feb. 28-March 1. This is the only predator hunt that is headquartered in Centre County, although this county can be hunted during all but two of the many other winter contests.
After six years of relatively low participation, the Liberty Township hunt came of age last winter when 206 hunters brought in 38 coyotes. The previous year, they had 120 hunters register and only one coyote was weighed in. They have altered the rules and hope for even more hunters this year.
At least 27 other predator hunts will be held in Pennsylvania this winter. These hunts provide added incentives to get out, enjoy the outdoors and extend one’s hunting season.
The action started last weekend with the Southern End Boys hunt in Lancaster County and will end on March 2, with the Liberty Township Sportsmen’s hunt.
The hunts are split evenly between the 14 that begin in January and an additional 14 slated for a February start. Most contests are three days long, but others dare to be different. The Trout Run Fire Hall Predator Roundup is less than two days long, the Mummasburg Sportsman’s Pennsylvania Fox Hunt lasts four days and the Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club’s contest lasts a full week. You can hunt for eight days at the Port Clinton Fish & Game Association event, while the PA State Hunters Organization’s contest is 10 days long.
Thinking outside the box — and new this year — the Johnsonburg-centered Rolfe Beagle Club’s fourth annual Winter Coyote & Fox Hunt is being held over two separate weekends.
“Because many hunters like to enter two or more hunts, we decided to hold our hunt over two, three-day weekends that coincide with other nearby hunts,” organizer Mary Hosmer said. “It will be judged as one contest, but entrants have two weekends to hunt. It’s like getting two hunts for the price of one, plus this could also minimize the effect of bad weather.”
The larger, well-established hunts, such as Mosquito Creek Sportsmen, PA Trappers Association District 9 and Cresson Sportsmen, have kept their rules and prizes pretty much the same for 2020. However, the District 9 hunt at Tunkhannock made the decision to raise their entry fee this year.
Other hunts keep tweaking their rules, trying to find the best fit. The Trout Run Predator Roundup added bobcats to the quarry list. Liberty Township Sportsmen changed their pay-out structure so that the hunters with the top three coyotes will get larger prizes. The RFS Predator Rundown split their fox category into red and gray — this will increase the number of prizes and winners.
Hunters should read the rules for each hunt carefully and be aware of the check-in times. Some hunts weigh predators every day of the hunt, while others have limited weigh-in times.
The Distant Area Volunteer Fire Department will not hold a winter hunt this year. It has suffered from low turnout in the past.
“We just can’t compete with other area hunts, so we are moving our coyote hunt to the fall,” said Heather Mann, fire department treasurer. “Check our website later in the year for details.”
2020 Predator Hunts
Jan. 3-5 — Southern End Boys Third Annual Predator Hunt, Holtwood, Lancaster County. Hunt all of Pennsylvania and Maryland for foxes, coyotes and raccoons. No hunting with dogs or trapping allowed. Hunt in teams for points to win prizes. Weigh-in is held at the Lancaster Sportsmen Club. Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information or call Jon Fryberger at 717-327-1882.
Jan. 16-19 — Pennsylvania Fox Hunt — Mummasburg Sportsman’s Association, Gettysburg, Adams County. Entry fee includes hunt hat and refreshments on Jan. 19. Prizes $200, $100 and $50 for the three heaviest foxes of each species, plus prizes for largest and smallest each day. $200 for heaviest coyote. For more information, call Tim Kane at 717-778-5042 or Wally Kane at 717-321-5321, or visit www.facebook.com/MummasburgSportsman.
Jan. 17-19 — St. Clair-Tremont Trap and Field Club 19th Annual Predator Hunt, Johnstown, Cambria County. Hunt entire state. Cash prizes for the three heaviest coyotes, heaviest red and gray foxes, raccoon and bobcat. Raffle prizes on Sunday 1-3:00. For applications call Jeanie at 814-254-4611 or visit the Facebook page.
Jan. 17-19 — Springville Coon Hunters 15th Annual Coyote & Fox Hunt, Springville, Susquehanna County. Hunt in 14 northeastern counties — $2000 top prize for heaviest coyote, second prize $400, and $50 per coyote turned in. Other prizes include $200 for heaviest each day & separate largest female coyote. The fox contest is $10 extra. Contact Bob Brown at 570-836-5047, Jerry Croasdale at 570-942-6487, or www.endlessmountaincoonhunters.com for more info.
Jan. 17-19 — United Sportsman Camp 271 — 18th Annual Coyote Hunt, Huntington Mills, Luzerne/Columbia counties. Hunt the entire state — $1,000 for the heaviest coyote, $500 for second place, $100 for heaviest coyote each day, and $50 for each coyote entered. There is a separate smallest coyote pool, plus all-you-can-eat Sunday breakfast. Coyotes must be weighed the day shot or have a body temperature of at least 65 degrees. Visit www.facebook.com/United Sportsmens271/ for more info.
Jan. 17-19 — Paul’s Trading Post 5th Annual Coyote, Bobcat and Fox Contest, Kane, McKean County. Trap or hunt the entire state. Prizes paid for top three heaviest coyotes, plus heaviest female and fox prizes. Bobcat requires extra entry fee. Contact Peggy or Paul King at 814-945-6504 for more info.
Jan. 23-26 — RFS 5th Annual Predator Rundown, Punxsutawney, Jefferson County. Hunt entire state for foxes, coyotes and raccoons. No trapping. Separate entry fee for each species and 100% of entry fees paid out as prizes — extra entry for heaviest female contests. Top prizes were over $1,000 each last year. A dinner will be offered on the 26th, with proceeds going to the Perry Township Fire Department. Contact Beverly Rugh at 814-938-7831, or visit www.facebook.com/RughFarmSupply-llc for more information.
Jan. 24-26 — Jerome Sportsmen 12th Annual Adam Deist Memorial Hunt, Somerset County. Hunt or trap the entire state for coyotes, foxes and raccoons. Three places in each category by weight. Over $2500 paid out to winners last year. Contact Paul Deist at 814-483-0084 or www.JeromeSportsmen.org for more information.
Jan. 24-26 — Lake Edinboro Sportsmen’s League Tri-State Coyote Hunt, Cambridge Springs, Crawford County. Hunt Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York for coyotes. Minimum $1000 prize for heaviest coyote. Heaviest female contest included. Hunting with dogs or by calling, only. Visit www.edinborosportsmen.org for application and more information.
Jan. 24-26 — District 9 PA Trappers Association Northeast Regional Coyote Hunt, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County. Hunt eight northeastern counties — $2,000 for heaviest coyote, bonus $250 prizes for heaviest coyote each day and $100 each coyote. Free weigh-in dinner 1-3 p.m. for participants. For more information, call 570-885-9224, or email pricee0503@hotmail.com.
Jan. 24-26 — Woodcock Valley Sportsman’s Association 10th Annual Predator Hunt, James Creek, Huntingdon County. Hunt the entire state for foxes and coyotes — maximum three of each. Additional fees to enter biggest raccoon, opossum and bobcat. Contact Jairus Sheffield at 814-599-7141. Rules and application at www.facebook.com/Woodcock-Valley-Sportsmens-Association.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2 — Little Valley Sportsmen’s Predator Hunt, Saxton, Bedford County. Hunt the entire state for coyotes, foxes, racoons and crows. Separate fees for species other than coyote. Visit www.facebook.com/littlevalleysportsmans/ or call or text Chad Ayers at 814-932-9259 for more information.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2 — Orbisonia Rockhill Sportsman’s Association Predator Hunt, Huntingdon County. Hunt the entire state for foxes, crows, coyotes and bobcats (with permit) — bobcat, coyote, red and grey fox prizes awarded by weight. Hunting with dogs not permitted. Contact Rick Doyle at 814-259-3605.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2 — Three Springs Fire Company Predator Hunt, Huntingdon County. Hunt the entire state for foxes, crows, bobcats (with permit) and coyotes — bobcat, coyote, red and grey fox prizes awarded by weight. Hunting with dogs not permitted. Contact Joe Myers at 814-448-3085.
Feb. 1-2 — 2nd Annual Trout Run Fire Hall Predator Roundup, Trout Run, Lycoming County. Hunt entire state for coyotes, foxes and raccoons. Each species has a separate $20 entry fee per one or two-person teams. Payout 75% of all entries, with 25% benefiting the fire company. Contact Tim Frey at 570-419-2666, email PredatorRoundUp@gmail.com for more information, of visit their Facebook page.
Feb. 1-8 — Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club 6th Annual Coyote and Fox Hunt, Scenery Hill, Washington County. Hunt 9 states. Hunters allowed to enter one male and one female coyote — cash and prizes by drawing. Separate contest for trappers — prizes based on participation. Entry fee includes awards dinner on Feb. 8. Top prizes at least $1000 each for coyotes by drawing. Extra heaviest male and female coyote contests — prizes dependent on entries. Foxes added this year. Contact Chad Strennen at 724-825-2883, Mike Lehman at 724-255-4592, or visit www.esc15360.com for more information.
Feb. 7-9 — Cresson Community Sportsman’s Association 14th Annual Coyote and Fox Hunt, Cambria County. Hunt the entire state -- $5000 minimum guaranteed prize money. Prizes for heaviest coyotes, smallest coyotes and 15 chance drawings, top prize $1000. Extra cash prize drawings for coyotes and foxes turned in Friday and Saturday. Contact www.cressonsportsmans.com for more information.
Feb. 7-9 — Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, New York, 13th Coyote Hunt, White Sulphur Springs. Hunting and trapping allowed. Top prize $2,000, $500 second, $250 third and a $200 daily prize. $100 for top youth and female hunters, plus $80 guaranteed for each coyote. Registration includes free dinner and gun raffle ticket. Pennsylvania hunters hunting in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Tioga, Wayne or Susquehanna counties welcome, also in New York. Contact Jack Danchak at 845-482-4987, or visit www.sportsmensfederation.com for more information.
Feb. 14-16 — Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Association 14th Fox & Coyote Hunt, Sinnemahoning, Cameron County. Hunt or trap entire state -- 60% of prize money for heaviest coyote, the remainder divided equally. Fox and heaviest female coyote have separate fees and prize pots. Contact 814-546-2835, or check the club’s Facebook page for more information. ($12 + membership, + $5 heaviest female, + $5 fox entry)
Feb. 14-16 — Colver Sportsmen’s Club Coyote Hunt, Ebensburg, Cambria County. Hunt entire state. Prizes: 50 percent of the pot for heaviest coyote and the remainder divided evenly among all coyotes entered. All successful hunters receive money. Contact 814-948-6081, or visit the club’s Facebook page.
Feb. 14-23 — PA State Hunters Organization 15th Annual Central PA Coyote and Fox Hunt, Newport, Perry Co. Hunt the entire state -- no weighing. Equal prize money for all entered coyotes and foxes. No fox hunting on Feb. 23. Find registration and hunt rules on Facebook: PA State Hunter’s Organization.
Feb. 14-16 & Feb 21-23 — Rolfe Beagle Club 4th Annual Winter Coyote & Fox Hunt, Johnsonburg, Elk County. Hunt entire state. Equal payout for all coyotes and foxes entered, with the heaviest getting 10 percent more than the others. Includes “ghost raffle” for 50% of entry fees. Separate entry fees for species and heaviest female contests. Contact Rich Schlimm at 814-594-2652 or richieschlimm@yahoo.com, or Mary Hosmer at 814-512-2101 or wlhab@windstream.net for more info.
Feb. 15-22 — Port Clinton Fish & Game Association 17th Annual Coyote & Fox Hunt, Schuylkill County. Hunt the entire state – up to 20 prize winners – maximum of 1 prize per hunter. Separate fee for foxes and coyotes. Weigh in dates: February 16, 19 & 23 – see website for hours. Call Greg Boltz at 610-562-3220 or Jeff Guldin at 610-914-9975 for more information or visit www.portclintonfishandgame.com.
Feb. 21-23 — Mosquito Creek Sportsmen’s 29th Annual Coyote Hunt, Frenchville, Clearfield County. Hunt entire state. Largest prizes — over $48,000 paid out last year. $12 (includes heaviest female) plus $15 membership. Polygraph for the top four hunters and top two heaviest female coyote entrants at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23. Contact 814-263-4510 or www.mosqcreek.com for more info.
Feb. 21-23 — St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club 16th Annual Size Doesn’t Matter Coyote Hunt, Elk County. Hunt the entire state. Equal payout per coyote. Many door prizes. Contact 814-834-4375 or www.stmaryssportsmen.org for more info.
Feb. 21-23 — Laurel Highlands Predator Hunt, Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County. Hunt or trap the entire state for coyotes, foxes and raccoons. Three places in each category by weight. Prize tickets given for each harvested animal. Entry fee $15 for one category, plus $5 each thereafter ($5 used for admin). Only Sunday weigh-ins 1-6 p.m. Contact Adam Fabian at 724-455-5217 or 724-640-5217, or visit www.facebook.com./Laurel-Highlands-Squirrel-and-Coon-Hunters-Club for more info.
Feb. 21-23 — Sullivan County 17th Annual Coyote Hunt, Laporte. Hunt the entire state. Proceeds benefit Laporte and Mildred fire companies. $2000 guaranteed top prize, lightest coyote $200 prize, optional heaviest female each day, and $50 per coyote up to three. Free lunch for hunters on Sunday. Contact Daniel Morrison at 570-506-2911 or Sean Thibodeault at 570-637-1905, or visit their Facebook page for more info.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 — Liberty Township Sportsmen’s Association 8th Annual Coyote Hunt, Blanchard, Centre County. After subtracting a small administration fee, half of the registration money will be paid out for the heaviest coyote, 30 percent for second place and 20 percent for third. All entry fees collected for the separate heaviest female contest will be awarded to the winner. Flea market at club Saturday and Sunday. Contact Butch Hanley at 814-280-3015, or go to www.libertysportsmen.com.
Mark Nale, who lives in the Bald Eagle Valley, is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com.
This story was originally published January 11, 2020 at 8:00 AM.
