30-18-16: Coyote; killing contests prohibited; definition; penalties.

A. It is unlawful for a person to organize, cause, sponsor, arrange, hold or participate in a coyote-killing contest.

B. As used in this section, "coyote-killing contest" means an organized or sponsored competition with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.

C. Organizing, causing, sponsoring, arranging or holding a coyote-killing contest consists of a person knowingly:

(1) planning, organizing or enticing a person to participate in a coyote-killing contest; or

(2) providing the venue for a coyote-killing contest.

D. Participation in a coyote-killing contest consists of a person knowingly taking part in a coyote-killing contest.

E. A person who organizes, causes, sponsors, arranges or holds a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a misdemeanor.

F. A person who participates in a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from protecting a person or property or the state game commission [state wildlife commission] from carrying out the statutory authority allowed by Chapter 17 NMSA 1978 in a non-coyote-killing contest setting.