COMANCHE — Bragging rights among volunteer firefighters has grown into a popular fundraiser for the Comanche Fire Department, and the most successful harvest during Saturday’s Predator Hunt will win the best prizes.

Volunteer Fire Capt. Bobby Bowen said this is the fourth year for the Predator Hunt, noting that the 2011 hunt generated over $1,800 in funds for the fire department. One of four fire captains for the volunteers, Bowen said the department has four paid firefighters and about 20 volunteers.

“Every year, the hunt has grown and made a good annual fundraiser. There are many local and area businesses that donate to our hunt allowing us to make that much more,” Bowen said.

With wildfire season starting, fire departments have various events for fundraising purposes, from pancake breakfasts to chili suppers. The Predator Hunt is just a different way to raise money for a small rural department, Bowen noted.

“With the weather we’ve had in the past couple of years, the hunt serves two purposes; it allows us to make money to battle the wildfires, and it allows the farmers and ranchers some peace of mind knowing some of the predators have been taken out,” he said.

The funds generated help maintain equipment, purchase new equipment and pay for firefighter training.

In its second year, the hunt was opened to the public. In its third year, there were 30 two-person teams paying a $60 entry fee.

Bowen said predator hunting is a fastest-growing activity nationwide. “One of my loves is predator hunting. It’s more exciting and thrilling then deer hunting. It’s fast paced and always on the move.”

Getting the word out about the CFD sponsored event hasn’t been difficult, with both conventional public relations and social networking helping spread the news.

“We’ve had calls from Dallas to Tulsa,” Bowen said. “Comanche Fire Department has a Facebook page, with over 1,400 friends. Some of us are members on predator hunting forums, and just by word of mouth. We have heard we will have at least 40 teams.”

The event begins with registration and a chili supper at 7 p.m. Friday, at the Comanche Fire Department station, with registration closing at 7:45 p.m. Teams must have at least one member at registration.

Hunting begins early Saturday morning, with teams being provided the rules and a start time. Hunters must abide by Oklahoma Game and Fish regulations and the hunt is for coyote and bobcat calling only. There is also a “big cat” and “big coyote” competition, with an additional cash prize for that event.

“Not only is it a good fundraiser but it allows the hunters in the area to get together and have a chance to win some good prizes,” Bowen said. The first place prize is a pair of Weatherby Vanguard rifles, and second place is a pair of Foxpro Spitfire electronic calls. There is a third place prize of two trigger stick bi-pods, eight hand calls and two lanyards.

Bowen said hunters will have all day Saturday to hunt and kills have to be brought back to the fire department by 7:45 that night.

“They can hunt anywhere they have permission.”

The 2011 hunt brought in 33 kills, with the winning team being JD Clark and Kelly Jackson, both from Comanche. There was also one woman who participated in the 2011 hunt, Bowen said.

“The winner is determined by a point system. Coyotes are 2 points and bobcats are 3 points and ties are decided by the heaviest animal.” Animals are checked for temperature and weight.

For information, contact Bowen at 580-656-4102, Rusty Combs at 450-0195; Jimmy Bowen, 467-8522; or Jayde Clark, 606-0697; or call the Comanche Fire Department at 439-2211.