Shooting a coyote while wild turkey hunting

[chris lavoie]

Sounds like you guys have it made with game regs. I learn something everyday!!

[GuyJR]

If one came to my decoy I would drop the hammer on it every time. If the farmer is having loss due to coyote conceder it part of the hunter/landowner agreement. I do understand the opinion others are expressing on the wasting of pelts and the possibility of a abandoning pups but in after weighing the options which I have done many times over the years, it would still be coyote down.

[Thibby]

Small game licenses and fishing licenses are valid for a full calendar year in Ontario. The small game season may be regulated. But those animals that don't fall under a closed season can be hunted all year long with a small game license. Ie coyotes in unregulated zones, crows and ground hogs.

[krakadawn]

This situation comes up each year in discussions. It becomes very clear the positions that some individuals take, it is usually due to lack of knowledge or respect for the animals we hunt. Other than that some feel they are the appointed ones to act for certain reasons.

I have chased and hunted coyotes probably longer than some have hunted. I would never shoot one at this time of the year unless you were faced with a very dominant killing coyote, then sure for obvious reasons.

We need to have respect for the animals we hunt, we need to have a set of ethics that determine our actions.

So sure go ahead but maybe take the time to find the den and finish the job. Almost all the serious coyote hunters I have met and run with would never shoot one at this time of the year.

All that however does not prevent others from doing so..........

[chris lavoie]

I just read the handbook. I guess I need to read about the south before I voice my opinion.

[SK33T3R]

There was a time when I had feelings and morals for all game and for the most part I do BUT not when it comes to coyotes which are an invasive species NOT NATIVE to Ontario. They are a constant threat to our wildlife population and to most farm animals.
I shoot them on sight at every opportunity. I have seen first hand the carnage ranging from deer to turkeys to cattle and sheep and pets!

3 yrs ago, while turkey hunting I killed 5. 4 males (one monster) and a female. Come the end of May coyotes will be on a 24/7 search for fawns. Our deer herd is too low to continue feeding these rascals.

My suggestion and advice is to end every turkey set with about 5 minutes of fawn or rabbit distress. Coyotes are real responsive since they're on the hunt every day - all day. Like robins looking for worms. Real easy to call in.

I drag mine out of sight and return them to nature. Sometimes another coyote eats them!

[Big Jack]

This situation comes up each year in discussions. It becomes very clear the positions that some individuals take, it is usually due to lack of knowledge or respect for the animals we hunt. Other than that some feel they are the appointed ones to act for certain reasons.

I have chased and hunted coyotes probably longer than some have hunted. I would never shoot one at this time of the year unless you were faced with a very dominant killing coyote, then sure for obvious reasons.

We need to have respect for the animals we hunt, we need to have a set of ethics that determine our actions.

So sure go ahead but maybe take the time to find the den and finish the job. Almost all the serious coyote hunters I have met and run with would never shoot one at this time of the year.

All that however does not prevent others from doing so..........

Respectfully I disagree. I have privileges on two decent size farms. If they are seen they are to be shot along with a few other varmints. I will do this each and every time.

Many of us do not own land and we rely on the good relationships we have built with the land owners/farmers. If you have not lost animals to these predators then you are the one who is lacking knowledge.

Personally I believe they have no place in our ecosystem. They consume everything including livestock and pets.

Growing up on a farm we couldn't afford your ideals. Should you not shoot a ground hog because it might have little ones? By your sentiments we shouldn't clip those either. Hopefully you can see my perspective.

On Monday a coyote came out to a fellow I was hunting with and he did not shoot it because 4 Toms were close by. I had to remind him that hunting this land is a privilege and if he sees another regardless of our quarry being close, put it down. If it happens again he will not be invited back.

We are obliged to do the same in deer season or any for that matter, and if I have one conversation with a gang member about passing on these predators you will be guaranteed that I won't have a second.

Its not always about what we want as hunters. I derive no joy from eradicating pests but it is a necessary function.

Just my two cents.

[krakadawn]

Big Jack, thanks for bringing out the other point I forgot to make.......it's simple:

If I'm turkey hunting and I'm a serious turkey hunter, then last thing I'm going to do is trip a trigger and ruin my hunt for the morning.

I really have no problem with dealing with difficult animals especially any that may be causing us a problem but I do have a problem with those who seem to believe they were appointed to carry out some level of protection.

At this time of the year most coyotes are seriously into mousing. No doubt at any point in time deer can be taken if the conditions are right. Do you have any idea of the scat samplings that have been taken over many samplings....always the same....some small rodents and a high percentage of mice.

My ideals have developed over many years of hunting, spending time in the bush and understanding animal behaviour, unfortunately we have many who are lacking in many of those areas.

Your two cents were well expressed and I fully understand that position. There are many serious hunters that make other choices as well......guess that makes the world go round....

[redd foxx]

Spoilage

28. A trapper who kills a furbearing mammal may, if the pelt is of no commercial value, abandon it or permit it to be spoiled or destroyed. O. Reg. 667/98, s. 28.

134. A hunter who is licensed or authorized to kill a furbearing mammal is exempt from subsection 36 (3) of the Act and may abandon a pelt or permit a pelt to be spoiled or destroyed if the pelt is of no commercial value. O. Reg. 665/98, s. 134.

Above are the sections of the act that allow circumstances where a pelt of a fur bearing mammal can be allowed to spoil and lets keep in mind that there are areas of the Province where the coyote season is not open all year.

[chris lavoie]

Redd Foxx, where in the hand book does it have this info you posted. I'm sure it's there, I just can't find it.