We own 80-acres of hunting land out of state where we deer hunt but occasionally will also hunt small game for squirrels, grouse and rabbit. We also have two healthy turkey flocks of roughly 12-22 birds but we do not hunt those. Most of the surrounding acreage within a 5-mile range is either wooded or farmland, so great wildlife habitat. We've only started utilizing game cameras 3-yrs ago and, within that timeframe, we've seen a black bear, wolves, bobcats and coyotes.
Based on what I know, I would say that the bear and wolf population is extremely limited and the ones we are seeing are most likely passing through very infrequently. On the other hand, we have two large and frequent bobcats (most likely males), and there are at least two very large coyotes (I'd say pushing 50-60 lbs) with a couple smaller ones.
Recently, it seems to me like the coyotes were are seeing are fairly frequent and 100% of the time are coming through on the same camera, maybe 5-20 minutes right behind a deer on their scent. This has me concerned despite the fact that it seems as if the deer population is robust and thriving. I will also say that, with the increased presence of these coyotes, I've noticed our flock of turkeys seems considerably smaller.
The question is: do we eliminate the coyotes based purely on their reputation? We do want to protect the deer and small-game population, but despite the presence of the yotes, everything seems to be in balance other than perhaps the turkeys. One family member has raised the question if eliminating the coyotes makes the property more vulnerable to the other predators that might be more of a direct threat to the deer.
Right now, I am personally leaning towards trapping a few of them, just to put them back in check.
Thank you for your opinion!!!
Based on what I know, I would say that the bear and wolf population is extremely limited and the ones we are seeing are most likely passing through very infrequently. On the other hand, we have two large and frequent bobcats (most likely males), and there are at least two very large coyotes (I'd say pushing 50-60 lbs) with a couple smaller ones.
Recently, it seems to me like the coyotes were are seeing are fairly frequent and 100% of the time are coming through on the same camera, maybe 5-20 minutes right behind a deer on their scent. This has me concerned despite the fact that it seems as if the deer population is robust and thriving. I will also say that, with the increased presence of these coyotes, I've noticed our flock of turkeys seems considerably smaller.
The question is: do we eliminate the coyotes based purely on their reputation? We do want to protect the deer and small-game population, but despite the presence of the yotes, everything seems to be in balance other than perhaps the turkeys. One family member has raised the question if eliminating the coyotes makes the property more vulnerable to the other predators that might be more of a direct threat to the deer.
Right now, I am personally leaning towards trapping a few of them, just to put them back in check.
Thank you for your opinion!!!
