Each year the Rocky Fire Department plan a controlled hunt as a way to raise funds and a way to protect our delicate environment in which we live. The volunteer firefighters who protect Rocky and other towns in Oklahoma are firm believers in conservation. They understand that strict adherence to hunting regulations and quotas is crucial to ensure the sustainability of predator populations. They also know hunting is needed to keep populations of top predators in check.
Balancing the needs of communities and wildlife conversation is a challenging risk which these firefighters know well from fighting fires.
Rocky’s Predator Hunt was held this year on the first week of February with thirty-seven (37) teams participating.
When the Rocky Fire Chief was questioned why the Rocky Fire Department holds a Predator Hunt (their name for the hunt) Rocky’s Fire Chief, Kolt Gray commented, “Coyote and bobcats abound in this area and we like to do our part to control the population and raise money for the fire department, plus enjoy good fellowship.
This year we had people coming from as far away as Hollis and Lawton to hunt. We all enjoyed a team spirit in our effort to enjoy the outdoors and win a little prize money. The team members all believe in preservation and protecting the natural environment and wildlife.
The food source for predators in late winter is at its lowest point of the year, and that makes the predators easier to fool. If a predator hears a rabbit squeal or a pup distress call that brings them running. Coyotes and bobcats abound in cattle ranching areas. Usually, we hunt in and around Rocky on hundreds of acres of creek bottoms, draws and grassland.
Hunting predators like coyotes and bob cats is not an easy task. Hunters have to practice hitting their target because in many cases they may have only seconds to make the shot.
Coyotes are savvy and clever. Rural Oklahomans aren’t strangers to these predators since they often lose chickens and livestock to a hungry coyote or bobcat. Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat whatever is available, but they prefer fresh kill.
Coyote hunting season in Oklahoma is year-round and there is no daily, season or possession limit. However, it is unlawful to use artificial light or the aid of a sight dog to hunt or shoot coyotes from dark to daylight.
I believe our Predator Hunt is doing the landowners a favor by reducing the predators that prey on their farm animals. Not only did we raise money from the hunt, but all the hunters had genuine camaraderie for each other. I would say Rocky’s Predator Hunt was successful and I look forward to next year’s camaraderie.”