Predator control

[dacjohns]

I find the predator threads interesting. I read folk wisdom on how to deal with different predators. I read real good advice. I read some bad advice. I see kill anything that competes with chickens and I see try to live in harmony.

What I find most interesting is dealing with wildlife. Many of us (me included) are quick to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to migratory birds and their federal protection but when it comes to mammals or reptiles we tend to turn a blind eye. How many of us have actually read the sticky at the top of the predator forum. How many of us follow the third S in SSS?

In Illinois many of the common chicken predators are managed game species and have trapping and hunting seasons. Killing these animals out of season and/or using the wrong weapon or trapping technique may be in violation of state laws. Many states have laws concerning livestock protection but how many have actually researched those laws. (I use the term law to include laws, regulations, codes, etc.)

Just my thoughts.

If you chose to ignore the law or don't know the law then don't forget the third S in SSS.

 

[Dogfish]

The predators in Washington that I will be dealing with are open season year round, or legally become targets when in the act of predation with the exception of raptors. No need to shut up about it here.

I will always try non lethal method first, which is why I am trying to prevent predation with a good basic fence, an electrified fence, auto door, etc, etc, etc. Every person with animals should do what they can to prevent unecessary deaths to their flock and to the local wildlife.

That said, any coyote on my property will die, as we have lost two cats in 6 months which were with us for years. No tears shed, as we shoot scores (multiples of 20) each year on many farms within 20 miles of us. Raccoons, the same. There is a reason some animals have year round seasons and no bag limit.

People can chase butterflies if they want, and go hug a tree, but I will protect my chickens and other pets in a legal manner and not have any issues with that.

To each their own. For me, it is my custom built heavy barrel match grade AR-15 with 55 grain Nosler ballistic tips.

 

[humm-n-cluck ranch]

i have limited predators around me, and the furry kind are well controlled by the llamas. Not ONE coyote since we took in our first llama rescues

 

[JROOSTER]

Do the Llama attack your family dogs?

 

[humm-n-cluck ranch]

nope, just anything that doesnt "belong" there lol. they are amazing with kids and when my mom (she lives in with us) fell in a hole last week our chief "watch llama" Hamish came running ovr to make sure she was ok.

it was awesome lol i was cracking up (mom was fine btw)

 

[Dogfish]

Attack llamas, now there's an idea. Maybe and emu as well.

 

[dacjohns]

The states all have different laws and regulations.



Here is a link to the Illinois Hunting and Trapping Regulations. See page 2.

http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/pdf/season_dates.pdf



In Illinois raccoon, oppossum, and fox have managed hunting seasons. Coyote and striped skunk are pretty much open season for hunting.

Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel, Mink, Muskrat, Fox (Red and Gray), Coyote, Badger have managed trapping seasons.

"Wild mammals and parts thereof, which shall include their green hides, are protected throughout the year and include: grey/timber wolves, river otter, bobcat, flying squirrel, red squirrel, eastern woodrat, golden mouse, rice rat and bats." Bold type added.



This is interesting:
"Grackles, blackbirds and cowbirds may not be hunted for recreational purposes. However,
any person may remove or destroy, by use of a shotgun, air gun or traps and only on or
over the threatened area, any red-winged blackbirds, rusty blackbirds, Brewer’s blackbirds,
cowbirds, grackles and crows when found committing or about to commit damage to ornamental
or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock or wildlife, or when concentrated in such
numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance, without a permit,
so long as he or she has written permision from the landowner or tenant. No hunting license
or stamp is required for this removal. No calls, decoys, etc. may be used when using
this rule to take the above birds causing damage. Crows may be hunted for recreational purposes
by properly licensed hunters using shotguns, calls, decoys, etc. during the crow hunting
season listed on page 2 of this Digest. It is illegal to recreationally hunt crows with
airguns, rifles or handguns."



Finding legal methods of predator control outside of hunting and trapping season is a bit more complicated and harder to find the answers.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/files/controlling_nuisance_mammals.pdf


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That's what I'm talking about, legal. I chase butterflies and hug trees but I also do habitat improvement, cut fence posts and firewood, and I hunt. I would also like to try out your AR-15.

 

[Dogfish]

Which one?

 

[Boyd]

Great post Dacs!!

I've researched mine, and for a landowner, small game is open all season for the most part while hunting on property. There are of course exceptions but coyote, raccoon, opossum fox, squirrel, groundhog etc. are open all year if hunting/trapping on your own farm/property. There are quite a few qualifiers on this though..... in michigan you cannot discharge a firearm within 400 feet of any dwelling, road, or designated pathway used by people. thats the tricky part. If somebody wanted to make something stick, thats the one they'll get you on. Most folks around my area can go 400 feet from the house and still have their 100 yard range. I don't own as much property as the neighbor (who owns all around me) so we worked out a deal where I can use his so I'm not in violation of that law.

Our laws regarding livestock harassment is pretty strong on the state level, but again.. have to keep in mind about discharging a firearm... the best piece of legislation though is the Michigan Right to Farm Act which primarily is used to allow somebody on 1/12 of an acre for example to farm in the city. It does cover many many aspects though.

 

[dacjohns]

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