The 7th Annual Big Sandy American Legion Coyote Derby started off much better than last year. The weather was chilly, but no snow stopped all the snow mobile participants we typically see. However, it didn't slow down the calling class teams as the number of dogs they brought in in comparison to the open class was pretty crazy. We started the weekend with 29 teams for a total of 98 participants. With the milder than normal weather, not as many coyotes were killed as the previous year but teams still brought in a total of 246 coyotes through the weekend. The derby brings in people from all over Montana. We had many teams from all along the hi-line as well as Bozeman, great falls, Lewistown, and Winifred.

The American Legion raised right at $9,000 this year. Of the 246 coyotes killed this weekend, a multitude of participants donated 116 of them back to the American Legion which when sold to the fur buyer brought an additional $731 for the American Legion. Our derby continues to be a blessing that allows us to give back to this amazing community. We gave away $3,950 in scholarships to Big Sandy students. This brings the total to $19.900 in scholarship awards that we have been able to create since the derby's creation. A program we plan on continuing for many years to come.

First Place in the Open Class went to the Fresno Tavern team which included Kyle Peterson, Peyton Peterson, Shelby Wood, and Jimmy Snow who brought in a total of 26 coyotes.

Second Place went to the 406 Outlaws which included Cooper Jenkins, Jade Van Wechel, Glenny Phillips, and Jace Lewis who brought in a total of 23 coyotes.

Third place went to Team "Removed from study" which included Connor Wines, Jesse Darr, Levi Morgan and Morgan Wines with 14 coyotes

First place in the calling class went to Team Whiskey: Jeremy Hofer, Chris Kolstad, Ben Richmond, and Brandon Stahl with a whopping 44 coyotes.

Second place went to Merle the Pearl: Merle Young, Todd Alisch, Cory Brothers, and Austin Ouellette with 36 coyotes.

Third place went to the Busch Light Killas: Eli Hinebaugh, Garrett Powell, Tanner Pronto, and Trent Jones with 24 coyotes.

This event would not be possible without the incredible sponsors, our community and the amazing participants that come year after year. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved to make this event such a huge success.