ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A southeastern New Mexico gun shop is drawing criticism for hosting a coyote hunting competition.

KOAT-TV reports that Larry's Gun Shop in Roswell is sponsoring the “Third Annual Great Coyote Hunt” this week and says it will help ranchers and dairy farmers get rid of the predators.

But Phil Carter, of Animal Protection of New Mexico, called the event a thrill-killing contest that celebrated the death of animals.

Under the rules, the two-member team that kills the most coyotes wins two assault rifles.

Several coyote hunting contests were held in New Mexico in last year in which firearms were awarded as prizes for those hunters killing the most coyotes.

Those contests also sparked protests among animal rights advocates who said the practice gave New Mexico a bad reputation.

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Information from: KOAT-TV, http://www.thenewmexicochannel.com/index.html