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By Dan Kibler

For the Clemmons Courier

One of the most-interesting events in North Carolina hunting circles runs out of Albemarle over the next three days.

The 11th annual Carolina Coyote Classic — initially organized to draw attention to a quickly increasing population of song dogs across the Tarheel State, and how to slow it down — has turned into a regional mecca for the best predator hunters.

Run by 704 Outdoors, the C3, as it’s known, will begin at 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, and finish at noon on Sunday, Feb. 11, with a final “weigh-in” between 9 a.m. and noon at American Legion Post 76 on US 52 in Albemarle. Teams of up to three hunters can kill as many coyotes as possible in the Carolinas and any border state: Georgia, Virginia or Tennessee.

Teams will be competing in two basic categories: the derby — for the most coyotes killed — and the Fat Dog division for the heaviest varmint killed.

Last year, the C3’s Derby attracted 24 teams, which killed 424 coyotes, led by Team Red Lights with 27. The Huntersville Predator Control team won the Fat Dog contest with a 44.86-pound coyote.

This year’s C3 will feature a purse of better than $10,000, including a guaranteed $3,000 for the Derby. Entry fee for Derby teams will be $200. Entry for 4-man Fat Dog teams is $40 per man. The Fat Dog grand prize is a predator hunting rifle package.

For more information, email c3@704outdoors.tv.

 

Mid-Atlantic Boat Show takes center stage in Charlotte

There’s no hunting and fishing involved, but at least there will be plenty of boats to look at when the annual Mid-Atlantic Boat Show cranks up today for a 4-day run at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The show runs from Feb. 8 through Feb. 11. Times are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Fly-fishing workshop scheduled

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has a workshop on tap this Saturday in the Sandhills.

The commission will hold an intermediate fly-fishing workshop at the Pechmann Center in Fayetteville from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pre-registration (at www.ncwildlife.org) is required and ends at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9. For information, email  nick.stamates@ncwildlife.org. The only prerequisite is completion of a basic or introductory fly-fishing course and to be at least 13 years old.

This workshop will involve higher-level casting techniques to develop better casting distance and accuracy. Fly-fishing equipment will be provided, and instruction will involve the Pechmann Center’s stocked ponds.