Are your coyote numbers going up???

515034s10ring

For quite a few years, i have been seeing more and more coyotes here in Michigan. It's probably because of the excessive building and destruction of acres upon acres of land, but nonetheless, from only seeing maybe one 15 years ago to shooting sometimes a few handfulls within revolver range, i think it's getting over populated and they aren't as fearful as before either.
From you guys in other states, what are your numbers and do you notice a difference?

shrpshtrjoe

Howdy 10ring. They are movin in my county and the surounding counties are getting a pretty heavy population. Not sure of the numbers though! but a definate increase at a rapid rate.
Joe

515034s10ring

Wonder if it's the same over on the left coast??

moose2

Numbers of yotes really down this year in the area I live in. Numbers of Jacks as a result are really up.--tr

coyotehunter_1

No accurate number per acre. Coyote population varies quite a bit here, area to area. In the locations I call it looks like about the same population as last year, maybe a little higher in some. Cool

popgun

I have gone from one pack running up the driveway howling last year to three packs running the driveway at 1 am, 2 am, and 3 am. All headed in the same direction. That's just here at the house. At the hunting lease we are covered up with packs. Only two years ago we would hear three maby four packs howling at dusk. Now you can't count them there are so many sounding off at the same time. I will be working them over in January after the deer season ends.

515034s10ring

Maybe i should have reworded it as "sightings" as a opposed to "numbers" because actual counts arent' really possible.

But nonetheless, since firearm deer ended here in Michigan today i thought i'd venture out on some wabbits, and didn't see one, however, i did see 3 coyotes which is rare in that area so soon after firearm season.

longwalker

Plenty of them in North and South Dakota. If you can brave the cold, now is the ime to come and hunt them. Just remember small caliber and try for head on shots, damages less pelt.

There was an ever increasing population of them in CT. when I lived there. Of course no one wanted hunters to go out and kill or trap them. Until spot or tabby got eaten in the back yard. Then there was a public outcry. When the bears started showing up around peoples homes after school things began to change. The activists that didn't live there started a program to limit the number of pets people could have. One particularly abrasive individual asked them at a "town " meeting if we get rid of our pets and the bears and coyotes don't leave, can we all send our kids to your house for safe keeping? A blank stare was the response. This same individual then asked if our children get hurt or worse because of your ideas can we hold you and your organisation responsable?

Believe it or not the meeting ended not long there after. And not long there after that individual decided that CT was not the place he wanted to live after all. It was to crowded anyway.

longwalker

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Seen more this year than in the past 5 years... now if I could get off a shot before they flee LOL! Last one was running through heavy sagebrush and I only caught glimpses, nothing to shoot at... the one before that was just off on private property and I couldnt shoot.

-DallanC

popgun

Quote::

Last one was running through heavy sagebrush and I only caught glimpses, nothing to shoot at...

Sometimes you can stop them with lip squeeks or a loud kissing sound on the palm of your hand. I keep a dog toy squeeker taped to the forearm of my stock just in case I do see a coyote I can get his attention long enough for a shot.

Coyote Hunting Tips:
1. Coyotes like to leave a sign post for other coyotes by pooping on a prominant spot like a raised rock in the road or just a high spot in the middle of the road. Same with rock outcroppings in a field. These spots are good places to watch when on a setup for calling.
2. Coyotes like people prefer open gates in a fencline rather than going under the fence. Also the gates are on roads that coyotes like to travel. That's why my driveway is a coyote freeway, there is a gate to the back pasture on the fenceline next to the driveway to my house. I find alot of sign posts droppings at the gates too.

calsibley · Super Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 317

Hello 51503s10ring,

I don't know about all of the left coast, but they seem to be increasing in Oregon. My daughter and her family live about 20 miles from Portland, and lost their two prized goats to coyote. They have an electrified fence, but the power was off the other night. It ony took the one night for the damage to occur. These were exotic Arabian type goats weighing about 300lbs. each. Other farms have been reporting similar type raids by coyote. At first residents thought they were wolves doing the damage, but it turned out coyote were the culprits. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

515034s10ring

Incidentally, earlier i just heard that my cousins neighbor (in Michigans thumb area), had an attempt coyote attack on his dog. Why it was only an attempt is bacause there were 3 dogs against 3 coyotes and while the other two dogs were sleeping the coyotes decided to attack. But, as soon as the one dog started up and fighting, i guess instantly the other two came charging and killed all 3. Shocked

Bull Mastiff's 3 coyotes 0 although i don't know if the dogs needed vet care.

Handloader

Its been a banner season for coyotes and bobcats in my area. I returned today from a four day deer hunt and having tagged out the first day, attention was given to varmint calling.

Sometimes it is helpful for me to remember that there are few hard and fast rules. The past four days has been during the full moon period, a time I normally would avoid for coyotes. We were in a remote area and apparently the coyotes there haven't heard that they weren't supposed to come in hard and fast on full moon days. We ended up with a nice Coues deer that will score 100+ points, typical and eleven coyotes and one bobcat.

Other hunts this year on the Navajo res, Southern Utah, Northern Nevada and in New Mexico have all yielded higher kills per stand than previous years.

POP!!

It seems that way. I have a buddy who lives for varmint hunting. His BIG BORE is a 223. He has been killing them this year. We're talking 3-5 everytime he goes out! wtf

Coyote_Hunter_

Definitely - shot #58 and #59 last week and #60 this morning!