New Mexico currently has no law against wildlife killing contests, although the contests are highly controversial, even among hunters. In the Reserve sportsmen's contest, only coyotes which are shot can be part of the body count. New Mexico does not limit the number of coyotes that can be killed, but neighboring states have restricted body count contests. In 1999, the Arizona Wildlife Commission banned the contests. Colorado has severely restricted body count contests.
Wildlife biologists say that predators play a crucial role in healthy ecosystems.
Jennings notes that the Colorado Wildlife Federation, a hunting advocacy group, opposes killing contests and has a written policy against them.