Managing Coyotes

Coyotes are a big predator of your deer herd and other game species of interest on your property. If you're trying to grow trophy deer, manage a large flock of turkey or any other game species of interest. Oftentimes the factor that will hold back large species or large numbers of species is predation. Managing how different species interact with both prey and predator can change the entire dynamic of how game species interact on your land. 

How to start predator management: 

Find your seasons, make sure that in your state that you are able to hunt the predators that are causing issues on your land. If not, reach out to your governing authorities to see what options you might have. Trying to be as non-invasive as possible on your own property is relatively important when it comes to killing predators. Causing commotion with predators will nerve your herd and other species this could run the risk of moving them out of your area for unwanted amounts of time. Find yourself a good spot, this is a lot easier when you know how to follow your herd. Where you would typically follow your herd is where your predators will shortly follow. Oftentimes coyotes are a little more active in the evenings and at night. E-callers are highly used in this arena as most of you already know. Getting a good AR-based weapon with a scope that has some level of night vision can really aid in executing your management plan. 

How to make a plan for predator management:

Hopefully, you have some rough stats in your head on your herd numbers from year to year. For example, if you can see during the spring that you had a good breeding season, but you get around to the following hunting season and your young adult or juvenile numbers are significantly lower than that of the spring. You probably have a significant predation problem. During the predator hunting season, you should make a couple of different goals.

1. Number how many predators you are looking to take out during the season. 

2. Better your habitat.

3. Grow the number of rabbits and other easier pray in your area. 

4. Take away as much coyote habitat and other predator habitat as possible.

Not all of these things have to be done during predator season. You can spend plenty of time outside of the season doing weekend work on fences and habitat management. Try to plan on working in your fields while the herd isn’t using it. During the middle of the day is the best time for this. 

The advantage of less ground cover:

Keeping the woods clear from ground cover and other hiding spots will allow your herd to feel safe as it passes through your property. Keeping fields green throughout the year and short will make for safe grazing for your herd. Using control burns and keeping healthy grass on your land will keep good forage for your property that is often presented in much safer areas for deer to graze on than in strip fields or other areas. 

Have fun:

A great time to call out some buddies and just relax is predator hunting. Always treat your land respectfully! Don't be stupid when hunting and practice good safety habits! Never ever mix hunting and alcohol together just enjoy your time in God's nature and enjoy taking care of what He's blessed you with. Stay safe and enjoy the great out doors.

Adventure awaits!