So I checked my trail cam today. It had 24 pictures taken in 3 days. Problem is I had 18 pictures of coyotes, 4 pics of deer, and 2 of nothing. I know I live and hunt in a coyote hotspot, but this has gotten ridiculous. Do you guys think all this coyote activity will push the deer out? I know an occasional coyote moving through an area is not a problem, but it seems a large pack has taken up residence in my backyard. I live in a suburban area where gunshots would be frowned upon, and shooting a coyote with a bow is difficult at best. What to do?
City boy here, I don't have the first clue about trapping. What would I buy, a cage type trap? If I catch one, then what, shoot it, throw it in the pond and drown it?
you might post on a predator hunting site that you have a hot spot, and have someone come hunt them for you. Lots of people like to call yotes.
Trapping would probably be best, but I would start a contingency plan for when you catch dogs. Being that close to the city I am sure it could happen and you would want to be very careful on how you handle that situation.
They are pretty easy to call and kill with a bow. I shoot 10-15 every year from my bow stands. If you call, they will circle to your down wind side 99% of the time. Distress calls seam to work best for me. I would suggest a pup distress of kitten distress. They will key on the sound and pick you off if using a mouth call. I use both electronic and mouth calls when predator hunting with a rifle. I carry diaphragm turkey calls ... Which a realistic pup distress can be made. Have your bow ready and make sure you get a good pass thru or they will eat your arrow ;( Just takes practice but can be a lot of fun. They will smell you so go scent free. In close quarters or specifically calling yotes, I use a simple decoy of a turkey feather tied to an old arrow shaft. The feather will dance in even the slightest breeze, and keep their attention while you draw your bow Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
Trapping is defiantly an option .. The OP said this was a suburban area, so anything other than a live trap is going to be unethical at best. Let it get out that you caught one domestic dog or cat in a foothold, conibear ,or snare and the non hunters will be on you like stink on poo. You can release fido from a live ) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
CB shorts for a .22 or a high powered air rifle would do the job if they are close enough. That would be my choice other than my bow.
Foothold traps and snares are great until its your prize coonhound caught in it .. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
Here in WI I believe you have to have taken trapping classes in order to place traps. I think it also requires you to check them traps every day.