Carolina Coyote Classic set for return this month

Published 8:46 am Friday, February 6, 2026

ALBEMARLE — Stanly County’s Farm Bureau Livestock Arena will once again host one of the region’s largest hunting events as the 13th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic returns to Albemarle this month.

Organized by 704 Outdoors in conjunction with the Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the weekend tournament is scheduled for Feb. 20-22 and will bring hunters, vendors and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region to the arena.

The Carolina Coyote Classic — designed to assist with coyote population control — features competitive coyote hunting alongside recreational vendors, door prizes and outdoor-themed activities.

“Years ago, we decided to organize a local coyote hunting tournament in our backyard to help with predator control, as well as a great event to bring like-minded sportsmen together,” 704 Outdoors said in an event advertisement. “The last 12 years have been a huge success and the 13th annual tournament is even bigger and better. We’re excited for this tournament to top them all with a great location and awesome prizes that have been collected.”

Based in Albemarle, 704 Outdoors is a lifestyle brand and hunting-focused television series that also organizes the Carolina Wildlife Classic hunting tournament, the AQUAFest fishing showcase, guided wild hog hunts and other outdoor experiences throughout the year.

The Carolina Coyote Classic consists of two separate tournaments: the Coyote Derby and the Fat Dog Contest. Registration for the Fat Dog Contest costs $40 per hunter, while entry for the Coyote Derby is $200 per team.

Interested participants can request a registration form by emailing [email protected] or register online at 704outdoors.tv.

In the Coyote Derby, teams compete to harvest the most coyotes during the event. The tournament includes a guaranteed minimum cash payout of $3,000 and operates as a 100% payout event, with total prize money adjusted based on participation levels. Teams in the Coyote Derby are limited to a maximum of three hunters.

The Fat Dog Contest focuses on harvesting the heaviest coyote by weight. Teams in that contest may include up to four hunters. Prize money for the Fat Dog Contest will be distributed with 50% awarded to first place, 30% to second place and 20% to third place.

The hunt officially begins at 7:01 a.m. Feb. 20 and concludes at noon Feb. 22. All harvested coyotes must be brought to the weigh-in at the Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena by noon on the final day.

Previously held at the Stanly County Fairgrounds, the event’s move to the county’s newer livestock arena allows for expanded vendor participation. Vendors scheduled to attend include Around-Back Taxidermy, Red Barn Farm, RIX Optics and Black Widow Deer Lures, among others.

“With such overwhelming support from Stanly County over the years, we are proud to host the C3 Tournament in our backyard,” 704 Outdoors said. “We are proud of our partnership with the Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau and even more pleased to call Stanly County home to the Carolina Coyote Classic.”