PREDATORS -- The Northeast Washington Wildlife Group's 2014 Coyote Derby in Stevens, Spokane and Pend Oreille counties began Feb. 4 and runs to March 31.

Derby organizers say the annual event is in an effort to help relieve the predation of the deer herds in the Tri-County Area. 

Coyotes killed by participants can be taken into check stations in each county and hunters will be issued a raffle ticket for each coyote presented at the check station. A raffle for prizes will be held at the conclusion of the season.

The derby is authorized under a special permit issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters must possess a small or big game license in order to hunt coyotes. Coyotes may not be hunted with dogs, per WDFW regulations.

Coyotes are classified as a nongame species in Washington and can be hunted year-round with no limits.

Note: Wolves, which are found in this region, are protected.  You could get a ticket of another sort if you shoot a wolf.

The derby is being sponsored by Clark’s All Sports, the Lake Roosevelt Walleye Club, Stevens County Cattlemen, Pend Oreille County Cattlemen, Arden One Stop and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Big R.

Check stations include:

• Clark’s All Sports, 557 South Main, Colville, 684-5069, open 7 days a week.
• 395 Tractor & Implement, Deer Park, 276-5674, Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm,.
• Fruitland Service Fruitland, 5369 Hwy 25, 722-3525, open 7 days a week.
• Pend Oreille Sportsmans, Oldtown Newport, Mon-Sat.
• Valley Fuel, Hwy 231 Valley, 937-2230, open7 days a week.