Killing Coyotes
 

I have 18 acres butt up against about 1,000 acres of wild lands. An oak tree fell and took out about 50' of chain link fence, which I'll fix. But I've had four very large coyotes coming into my back yard through the damaged fence area. They are after my dog, which is a big mutt which can handle one coyote, but not four. Stupid dog won't just go in the dog door and retreat.

Called the City, no laws on killing coyotes, called LA County Sheriffs (contract law enforcement for my city) they said shooting a gun is illegal in the city limits, but call us if you do shoot one. Called CA Fish and Game, they suggested a pellet gun or paint ball gun first, but if that doesn't deter them go for a head shot with a big enough caliber to finish the job. They don't want me to wound it. I told them I had a .22 and and 30:30 Marlin, they said use the 30:30.

I was surprised, I expected all those gubmit agencies to say I can't kill coyotes to protect my dog.

Its a trap.

Why not just trap them, call animal control to get the wild dog you trapped. ;)

If you have the space to shoot a coyote without anyone knowing about it, I'd not bother calling the authorities. I might even fab up a suppressor for the job and the dispose of it. too. The carcass will get eaten in no time and you don't need any harassment for doing what's right.

Snares are apparently illegal, plus no guarantee it wouldn't nab my dog.

Same here. Those damn thing are yapping nightly throughout the canyons. For us, there are different groups of them that occupy different parts of the hilly sections. We can't even fire BB or pellet guns within city limits. They have been after my neighbor's dog for years and have been successful several occasions. I am shock to hear about the 30:30 from fish and game

take them out now and be vigilant until the fence is repaired..
or get used to saying 'used to have a dog' but....
these boys are fast and ruthless..
a member watched his dog being carried over the wall a while back...
because as you call about looking for a hall pass..
they've decided on your dog & are just waiting for the waiter to leave..

Rika

We have several packs of them around my property. You can tell where they are when they hear the CHP sirens on the freeway. I'd just as soon not shoot them but they're like when rattlesnakes come up into my immediate living area.

The pack waited for 2 weeks making all ind of noise outside until my neighbor slipped up and they attacked

Coyotes around here seem to have a schedule of sorts. I believe it's because they have a loose circuit they follow, maybe depending on the season, where they find a better than average chance of finding food. I yours do, you might be able to figure out a time when they would be more likely to be around. Your dog most likely doesn't realize the danger and just goes after intruders onto the property. Coyotes are smart, and if you shot & killed one and the others realized that, they might not come around. Otherwise like said, they're waiting for a tasty dog treat.

You're going to look pretty snazzy in that coyote fur jacket with snake skin collar Hugh!

They are all over my neighborhood.

The other night we were woken up by a pack that had cornered something down the block.

Sounded like a blood bath.

Wife said "what the hell was that?"

I replied, probably a neighbor let their pocket dog out to go to the bathroom unattended or someone is now missing a cat.

We can shoot them here.

Remember, there's a reason his name was Wile E.

Coyotes are highly intelligent. Chances are you'll get the first one pretty easily (assuming you can shoot). After that, it's a bit more challenging - but also more rewarding.

We had a young lion kill one of our next door neighbor's sheep several years ago. My wife, worried about our goats, chided me into screening them inside our horses' loafing shed until the immediate danger had passed. While I was working on that, the Fish & Game guy showed up with a bear trap (like a giant Havahart) into which we placed the sheep carcass, and wired it to the rear of the trap.

In chatting with the officer I asked him about shooting the lion, should it appear in our pasture. He was adamant that this is highly frowned upon, but that if it was clearly stalking (no different that watching your cat hunting a mouse or bird) livestock I could take it down. As for pets? Well, in the eyes of the State of Colorado, they're not so fortunate. Lions can be killed to protect livestock but not to protect pets. Right...

While on the general subject, I asked about coyotes, since they're so ubiquitous, not to mention viciously voracious. His response was simple; "No one will ever say anything to you about shooting a coyote." Stalking, walking, sunbathing ... didn't matter to him.

Oh, and we trapped the lion the first night. Got it on video.

you might check with CraigT..
perhaps Tank is available...
he loves Coyotes...
until they stop squeaking..
then he want's another toy..

Rika

For anyone new, I posted about making rattlesnake skin belts a few years back. I hate handling snakes, but have made six belts. A few shots of Scotch and I can stand Skinning them.

I'm not sure I'm up for skinning a coyote however.

then don't let losing your dog be the reason you enjoy it..
Hugh, if they get him alone..
it's over..

Rika

I have a long standing policy to shoot every damn coyote I see. They are very destructive animals. More so in any kind of a populated area. They are hell on cats and dogs and other domestic animals, not to mention chickens and other smaller farm animals. Disease ridden little bastards, too. Not much to like about them.

In your case, I would not screw around. Unlimber that thutty-thutty and start killin'. Here in Washington, if they are threatening or "invasive" in any way, we can kill them at will. If we actually go out and "hunt" them, we need a small game license. No season, no limit.

Any of your neighbors will complain about gunshots? I'd make sure they know and are ok with it and then go for it. The cops will only come out if they are being called. If there is any issues, your dog was being attacked and you were defending it.

G

It's always easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission. I say if you get a shot make sure it's a safe shot, and take it. I honestly wouldn't tell the authorities what I did, I would just burry it somewhere obscure and forget it.

My Marlin 30-30 is now kept within reach (instead of a .45ACP) for exactly that reason Hugh...coyotes. My LEO tenant disposes of them with a lever .45 LC. Drop 'em and retreat immediately back inside...."I heard a shot too :eek:" :D

City limits....doesn't matter a bit to me....I value my (all) dogs more than coyotes or dumb azz unenforceable laws....YMMV.

EDITED: My mistake....it's my Marlin lever .357 that's kept handy...the 30-30 is in the safe :)