Well, I saw the coyote on the SpyCam

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
You are wonderful! Thank you. This is exactly the help I needed. Now if I can make the shot! I guess I had better go site the rifle.

I think this is going to be a long process. I walked the hills (backed up to hundreds of open acres) and there are dens everywhere. But the new one that is just yards away from the back of the run is way to close to not do something about.

Going shopping for some cheap hamburger today too! Thank you!

 

[eggsellent]

I agree with the above post. Relocation just makes it someone else's problem and yotes seem to get wise to trapping.

Hey WV nice to meet you, I was born and raised in Nashville!

 

[MareeZoCool]

We keep a radio tuned on to AM, those blabbering fools' constant jabbering seems to keep the coyotees at a distance back here.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thank you for your tip. I have heard of the radio trick but these coyotes are literally no more than 20 feet from the back of the run. My DH saw one in the morning last week and it just stared at him and then ran under the tractor, nabbed a young chicken and ran off.

If it is that brass as to do that in daylight then I don't think a radio is going to stop a pack of hungry coyotes. However I might try that after I get rid of the initial pack.

 

[swift4me]

I have hunted coyotes for years.

If you know where an occupied den is, you have the responsibility to kill ALL of the pups as you kill one or more of the breeding pair. If you kill one of the breeding pair, the pups will most likely die a long slow death. One of the pair cannot normally take care of the pups. In an effort to feed the pups, the remaining parent will become even more agressive with local food stocks... ie: your chickens.

If you are in Idaho, chances are that the pups are well along, but still very dependent on the grump. The best way to deal with the den is to be prepared to cover the exit(s) with rocks or something substantial, and then throw a lit road flare into the den and cover up any escape route. Unless you can get a professional coyote control guy to show up... not likely.

It didn't sound like you were experienced at using a gun, so this method involves no gun, is quiet and will kill all the pups and if you're lucky one of the breeding pair.

Another thing that happens when you kill the dominant grump coyote in an area, there will be several grump bred and in fact you will often end up with more coyotes.

Just a few thoughts, but you are much better off to kill the entire den. Remember too, the more you mess around near the den, the more likely she is to relocate.

Pete

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
Pete, I appreciate your help--I didn't know all this information about pups and grumps. I am well prepared to get rid of them all. It isn't something I look forward to with glee but it is necessary. They can stay out in the foothills far away, but not by my coop and chickens.

It sounds like I am in for a long trek with them but I am ready to finish this. No I am not really experienced with shotguns, rifles or pistols however when I shoot I usually make my hit as long as they are sited properly. I am pretty darn good at shooting Whistle pigs and they are a much smaller target.

About the flare... is it the gas that kills them? That would be a much easier method! I actually would prefer the den close where I can keep an eye out for them rather than have them relocate 200 yards away.

You wouldn't believe the number of dens right out here. My DH thought they were badger holes but I knew they weren't. I just needed proof and the spycam gave me that.

The trails out here zigzag and are pretty easy to follow now that I know what I am looking for. Thank you Pete.

 

[thepremo1]

personally if i was just going to sit and wait i would use buckshot, but if its too far away, u could use a .223 or a .243 those are very accurtate guns that, with a well placed shot, should be able to take a coytoe with no problem.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thank you. I am getting conflicting advice from family. How close do I have to be to take a coyote out with a shotgun?

 

[katharinad]

In some states it is illegal to kill them while they have pups. Check with your local fish and wildlife office first. We have lots of coyotes around here to. At least 3 packs. We can see them all the time in daylight. We have also noticed that they are not interested in geese or ducks. They are more happy with ground squirrels and other rodents. My suggestion is to make your bird run save, and don't shoot on the impulse that they may go for your birds. I agree on shooting them, if they actively try to get to the birds. We have our property fenced and cross fenced. We are also checking out fence line on a regular basis for diggings and fill holes if needed. Didn't have a hole in years. We also covered the gates with fencing and got concrete block up to the lowest level of the gates, because they do slip through otherwise. Next we have the bird run enclosed and secured with hardware cloth along the bottom of it. Concrete blocks are set into the soil under gates to prevent digging their as well. Seems to work so far.
Katharina

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
I appreciate your input, thank you.

I live on 4 acres and there is no way I can afford to predator proof that much fencing. It is legal to hunt and shoot coyotes here even with pups if they are on your property and these are only about 20 feet from my chicken coop. And yes they are eating the chickens.
I feel that the chickens have just as much right to free range as a coyote. So that is where my choice comes in and I chose the chickens.