Coyotes!

[Jeepnik]

A couple of years ago we had a mountain lion roaming the canyon behind my place. It was generally pretty happy to confine itself to the canyon while eating anything available. When the food source got scarce it moved on.

Then a while back we started to hear coyotes in the canyon. A few sightings and the raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and possums started getting thin on the ground. Of course they started eating fluffy and scruffy as well.

But, for the most part they stayed in the canyon. Well last night two decided to "visit" my backyard. I have a spa and I figure they were likely after water. The canyon has an intermittent stream (darned intermittent in this drought).

If they are getting into the yard, it's time for them to go. Now, you cannot shoot them in this area. You likely would catch heck if you shot one chewing on your leg. So, it's time for a bow. Near as I can tell, and from conversations with the animal control and fish & game types, it's not that you can't hunt them here, it's just you can't shoot them with a firearm.

Apparently poisoning and trapping are a no go, as well. Oh, I can hire someone to remove them, but I believe they need to live trap them and relocate them. I don't want my problem to become someone else's.

Here's the deal, I haven't shot archery in probably 3 decades. I don't even own a bow. But I'm sure the skills will come back with practice. So, the question is what brand and model do the experts here suggest?

 

[Viking Queen]

I have no archery equipment advice but do want to say I think you are right to want to limit this population rather quickly, especially before they start having spring pups and adding to the situation. They can overpopulate an area quickly.

Best of luck.

Viking Queen

 

[gramps]

I recently bought a Mission cammed bow, and outfitted it with a quiver, whisker biscuit, and sights. Now that bow season is over you might get some good deals. Good luck. Someone killed a coyote 3/4 mile from me. They took its skin, but left the skin of a 50lb yearling deer! Go figger.
gramps

 

[wwb]

If it's been that long since you used a bow, you probably last used a recurve. These days, the performance of even a low $$ compound will amaze you. Assuming these will be short range (25 yards or so) shots, there's no need to go to a high dollar setup unless you think you might get serious about archery.

As with so many things, practice, practice, practice..... then start taking out the coyotes.

 

[JohnBoy]

Hi there! I don't recall hearing of anyone shooting a coyote via archery in this area but they are hunted pretty hard via bullet launchers and tend to keep good distance from humans.

I'd suggest researching the legality of a crossbow. Much easier to learn the drill and will definitely give you extended range. Good luck! Jon

 

[gramps]

Hi there! I don't recall hearing of anyone shooting a coyote via archery in this area but they are hunted pretty hard via bullet launchers and tend to keep good distance from humans.

I'd suggest researching the legality of a crossbow. Much easier to learn the drill and will definitely give you extended range. Good luck! Jon

I second the crossbow! If legal in your area.
gramps

 

[any ruger]

I'd use a scoped crossbow.

 

[ChiefMuzz]

My first thought was crossbow if legal. Probably less of a "learning curve" for you if you haven't been bow hunting in a long time and if you are just using it to cull the coyote population, it probably makes more sense.

 

[powder smoke]

I know an extermination method send me a pm if interested. BTW NO Poisons involved
or weapons of any kind. I posted in the hunting forum and it disappeared, I can take a hint. ps

 

[Kanook]

A good quality air rifle would be my choice.

Put a night vision scope on it and start planning on a nice fur hat.

 

[steveodtw]

I'd use a scoped crossbow.

+1 !!

 

[Scout943]

CROSSBOW .

 

[Mobuck]

I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble but my suppressed 10-22 is quieter than my Barnett cross-bow.

 

[Scout943]

What ever works !

 

[redhawker]

Don't know what state you're in but if its Commiefornia be careful. Most (not all, but most) municipalities that have a prohibition for firing a gun in the city limits also prohibit shooting ANYTHING else (as in bow and arrow). Also, if you happen to arrow one and its not a kill shot and it starts roaming the area with an arrow sticking out of it you'll likely see it on the 6 o'clock news along with a plethora of interviews about how animal control / PD should have the head of whomever did this evil act. If you aren't real proficient with a bow I wouldn't try it, too easy to miss / wound the critter and end up with more problems then you want. As others have suggested a crossbow would be better if you're going to try it. Just check your local laws to make sure though.

 

[Rick Courtright]

If they are getting into the yard, it's time for them to go. Now, you cannot shoot them in this area. You likely would catch heck if you shot one chewing on your leg. So, it's time for a bow. Near as I can tell, and from conversations with the animal control and fish & game types, it's not that you can't hunt them here, it's just you can't shoot them with a firearm.

Apparently poisoning and trapping are a no go, as well. Oh, I can hire someone to remove them, but I believe they need to live trap them and relocate them. I don't want my problem to become someone else's.

Hi, Jeepnik

I can't be much help with the archery equipment part of the question, but here's the reg on coyotes straight from the book:

§475. Methods of Take for Nongame Birds and Nongame Mammals.

Nongame birds and nongame mammals may be taken in any manner except as follows:

(a) Poison may not be used.
(b) Recorded or electrically amplified bird or mammal calls or sounds or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird or mammal calls or sounds may not be used to take any nongame bird or nongame mammal except coyotes, bobcats, American crows and starlings.
(c) Fallow deer, sambar deer, axis deer, sika deer, aoudad, mouflon, tahr and feral goats may be taken only with the equipment and ammunition specified in Section 353 of these regulations.
(d) Traps may be used to take nongame birds and nongame mammals only in accordance with the provisions of Section 465.5 of these regulations and sections 3003.1 and 4004 of the Fish and Game Code.
(e) No feed, bait or other material capable of attracting a nongame mammal may be placed or used in conjunction with dogs for the purpose of taking any nongame mammals. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an individual operating in accordance with the provisions of Section 465.5 from using a dog to follow a trap drag and taking the nongame mammal caught in that trap.
(f) The take or attempeted (sic) take of any nongame bird or nongame mammal with a firearm shall be in accordance with the use of nonlead projectiles and ammunition pursuant to Section 250.1 of these regulations.

Amendment file 6/26/15, effective 7/1/15.

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx#368

Now, for an explanation we got at a Hunter Safety instructors' seminar I was invited to attend as a guest, given by the DFG (now CDFW) Lt. in charge of SoCal Hunter Safety classes at the time, you cannot poison them, as you've already learned. But you CAN trap them, IF you want to jump thru all the hoops of the trapping regs the State of CA has put in place which serve to make it darn near impossible to combine an effective trapping regimen with staying legal, unless you're some kind of a licensed/registered/approved/whatever trapper. So what the F&G guys told you about not trapping them is essentially the "practicality" of the endeavor.

As to hunting them inside city limits, or close by, she asked the audience a question: "Can you HUNT inside city limits?" Many thought "No" but she went on to say hunting MAY be legal if one does their homework. The biggest issue she brought up was to check whether your city's ordinances prohibit the "discharge of firearms" (which probably every city in the country does) or the "discharge of projectiles." If "discharge of projectiles" is not specifically prohibited, your archery answer is gonna apply (barring some other specific archery ban) according to her. And the "taken in any manner clause" means you can drop rocks on their heads from trees or dig out your short spear and atlatl and really give the kids in the park a thrill while scaring the bejeebers out of their Moms (not recommended.) She left us with the standard precaution to check with law enforcement in your area because she said the conflicting laws are such a jumble that F&G law often takes second seat in any incorporated or "prohibited" area. And, of course, make sure you have your hunting license, as a lot of folks have the idea "non-game" critters can be hunted without one. Somewhere in the regs it specifies this.

Remember, neither the Lt. nor myself is a lawyer, so none of this is legal advice, just the passing along of info either readily available thru public records or observed along the way in the course of her job! Use at your own discretion (and risk!)

Rick C

 

[Scout943]

THE COLONEL KLINK RULE I see NOTHING! I know NOTHING!

 

[contender]

Rick has given some good advice.
While I fully understand the desires to remove the potential for a problem,,, I strongly endorse the legal route. In this day & age, with cell phone cameras, game cameras, home security cameras, etc,,, you just NEVER know when you are being watched,,, even innocently.
I am a state certified ADC agent. I do my job as if it's going to be videoed & put on the 6 pm news for all to see. AND knowing that the news station WILL edit it to show me in the worst light it could. If I follow that guideline,,, and conduct my business as such,, I have no worries.

Plus,,, we here at the Ruger Forum do not condone any illegal activity.

Check the laws, and if archery equipment is allowed,,, especially crossbows,,, then investigate that avenue. Movement by a human can easily make a coyote haul butt out of an area, and pulling a bow requires even more movements.
Also, check into trapping if at all legal. Now,,, if so,,, I'd look into your state Trappers Association. Find a local trapper who will trap them for you. They know how to PROPERLY set the traps, AND have already jumped through whatever legal hoops are required. By using an educated trapper,, you don't educate the coyotes. And in my business,,,, when someone says they've "already tried trapping" my fees go up as they have already educated the coyotes they want removed,,, making my job harder.

If nobody local is a trapper for fur,,, then call a ADC company. But as with any business,,,,, ask questions, & make an educated selection of who you hire.

 

[Jeepnik]

If they are getting into the yard, it's time for them to go. Now, you cannot shoot them in this area. You likely would catch heck if you shot one chewing on your leg. So, it's time for a bow. Near as I can tell, and from conversations with the animal control and fish & game types, it's not that you can't hunt them here, it's just you can't shoot them with a firearm.

Apparently poisoning and trapping are a no go, as well. Oh, I can hire someone to remove them, but I believe they need to live trap them and relocate them. I don't want my problem to become someone else's.

Hi, Jeepnik

I can't be much help with the archery equipment part of the question, but here's the reg on coyotes straight from the book:

§475. Methods of Take for Nongame Birds and Nongame Mammals.

Nongame birds and nongame mammals may be taken in any manner except as follows:

(a) Poison may not be used.
(b) Recorded or electrically amplified bird or mammal calls or sounds or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird or mammal calls or sounds may not be used to take any nongame bird or nongame mammal except coyotes, bobcats, American crows and starlings.
(c) Fallow deer, sambar deer, axis deer, sika deer, aoudad, mouflon, tahr and feral goats may be taken only with the equipment and ammunition specified in Section 353 of these regulations.
(d) Traps may be used to take nongame birds and nongame mammals only in accordance with the provisions of Section 465.5 of these regulations and sections 3003.1 and 4004 of the Fish and Game Code.
(e) No feed, bait or other material capable of attracting a nongame mammal may be placed or used in conjunction with dogs for the purpose of taking any nongame mammals. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an individual operating in accordance with the provisions of Section 465.5 from using a dog to follow a trap drag and taking the nongame mammal caught in that trap.
(f) The take or attempeted (sic) take of any nongame bird or nongame mammal with a firearm shall be in accordance with the use of nonlead projectiles and ammunition pursuant to Section 250.1 of these regulations.

Amendment file 6/26/15, effective 7/1/15.

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx#368

Now, for an explanation we got at a Hunter Safety instructors' seminar I was invited to attend as a guest, given by the DFG (now CDFW) Lt. in charge of SoCal Hunter Safety classes at the time, you cannot poison them, as you've already learned. But you CAN trap them, IF you want to jump thru all the hoops of the trapping regs the State of CA has put in place which serve to make it darn near impossible to combine an effective trapping regimen with staying legal, unless you're some kind of a licensed/registered/approved/whatever trapper. So what the F&G guys told you about not trapping them is essentially the "practicality" of the endeavor.

As to hunting them inside city limits, or close by, she asked the audience a question: "Can you HUNT inside city limits?" Many thought "No" but she went on to say hunting MAY be legal if one does their homework. The biggest issue she brought up was to check whether your city's ordinances prohibit the "discharge of firearms" (which probably every city in the country does) or the "discharge of projectiles." If "discharge of projectiles" is not specifically prohibited, your archery answer is gonna apply (barring some other specific archery ban) according to her. And the "taken in any manner clause" means you can drop rocks on their heads from trees or dig out your short spear and atlatl and really give the kids in the park a thrill while scaring the bejeebers out of their Moms (not recommended.) She left us with the standard precaution to check with law enforcement in your area because she said the conflicting laws are such a jumble that F&G law often takes second seat in any incorporated or "prohibited" area. And, of course, make sure you have your hunting license, as a lot of folks have the idea "non-game" critters can be hunted without one. Somewhere in the regs it specifies this.

Remember, neither the Lt. nor myself is a lawyer, so none of this is legal advice, just the passing along of info either readily available thru public records or observed along the way in the course of her job! Use at your own discretion (and risk!)

Rick C

This pretty much jives with the info I have gotten from the "authorities". I'm in an unincorporated area. But, you can't discharge firearms within a certain distance of housing, and I'm not going to take a chance on violating that. But, you can use a bow.

Hunting license is obtained annually and has since been I was a wee lad. I'll likely continue to get one even when the body no longer allows me to hunt. Heck they are cheap and the money goes for good stuff.

Not many folks visit the canyon. Kids are too busy with video games, and besides their mother's would likely have a coronary if they even thought their kids were going into that "dangerous" canyon.

I'd already checked the legality of it. But, the PC side might be a larger problem. That is right up till someone's kid gets ate.

 

[Jeepnik]

Contender,

I have no intention of doing anything illegal. As mentioned above I've looked into it.

As to the yotes being skiddish, I hunt them regularly in the high desert. Yep, rural coyotes are. Sadly suburban coyotes aren't afraid of people at all. A good example, last week I was in the oil fields not far from Bakersfield Ca. The area is a "reserve". No hunting in decades. I had one walk right up to my truck and me, look at me and then slowly saunter off.

No firearms allowed, but I did have an etool in easy reach. :mrgreen: