Conner Clifton Memorial Coyote Hunt

By Shari Harris, Publisher

The Conner Clifton Memorial Scholarship Fund was the benefactor of an annual fundraising memorial hunt on January 25 and 26. Registration began Friday evening at Intercounty Electric Auditorium in Licking, and hunters could begin Saturday’s hunt just before daylight. Prizes were awarded to the top eight teams collecting the largest number of animals, with ties decided by weight of animals.

For this year’s hunt, 101 two-man teams signed up, and their efforts not only raised money for the scholarship fund, but also helped livestock producers, hobby farmers, and aided in predator control by killing 113 coyotes, 17 bobcats and two foxes.

The first memorial hunt took place in January of 2019, just months after the tragic death of Conner Clifton in a motor vehicle accident south of Houston. This year was the seventh annual hunt. Twenty-nine teams competed the first year, 59 the second year, 84 the third year, and over 100 in each of the last four years (including this year). Though most teams are local, some come from other parts of the state as well. There is a geographic limitation to the hunt; animals must be taken within the state of Missouri to avoid any discrepancies in state hunting laws.

In addition to the top eight prizes, cash buy-ins to four side pots were available, with over $900 for each side pot. Biggest coyote, smallest coyote, mangiest coyote, and big bobcat were the side pots.

The Conner Clifton Memorial Scholarship fund awards several scholarships to Texas County students every year, and is specific to students who will be furthering their education in a trade school.

Hunt organizer Corey Groff estimates they have raised probably $70,000 over seven years with the hunts. Other fundraisers are also held for the scholarship fund.

Groff credits his wife, Stephanie, and the Clifton family with helping him organize the hunt and process all the information, including weights, of the animals brought in. With the growth of the event, however, he anticipates he may need more hands to help out next year. At this year’s event, hunters lined up along Maple Street, waiting their turn to have their kills recorded.

This year’s first place team was Trevor Radclift and Jaryn Brown, with six coyotes.

Second place went to Mason Hayes and Andre Ridenhour, with five coyotes.

Also bringing in five coyotes were Chayton Reese and Jonathan Clifton, finishing in third place.

The top eight teams won cash prizes, and hunters on the first two teams were also awarded firearms.

A Facebook page has been established for the Conner Clifton Memorial Coyote Hunt. It is simply CCMCH, and is a private group. It keeps members apprised of the dates and information about the hunt. If you missed the hunt this year but are interested in competing next January, check the Facebook page or send Corey Groff a message at the page asking for more information.