Quote Originally Posted by flatheadking06 View Post
I agree things are WAY out of balance but until the DNR can set regulations to stop destroying the deer population coyotes and other predators will continue to become a problem. The deer kill was considerably down this year from recent years, and yes there are many things that can contribute to that other than just the sheer number of deer werent there, but if you listen to the state biologist, they want the deer herd cut, so the state can grow "trophy bucks" HOG WASH! The reason you see 40 deer a night is because they feel safe in that area. No hunting pressure, no hunters, no one to bother them. People enjoy watching them so there is no fear. Why leave the comfort of food, shelter, and no enemies. Then look at a 100 acre farm that gets hunting pressure, if not done correctly with scent control and precautions as to not drive the deer out, you can ruin tht land and see only a handful of deer the entire season. Whats happening is deer are relocating to areas or are in areas where it's heavily populated by people, there is no hunting allowed and those are the ones who are claiming deer are over populated. I remeber as a kid being able to drive down grant rd and count at least 100 deer an evening. You are lucky to see 20 on a good night. The numbers just arent there.

So with that in mind, as ethical hunters, we need to reduce the coyote/varmint/predator population so the little balance that lingers doesnt completely drop off. Besides man, coyotes are the #1 reason for deer and turkey decline. A coyote can hurt a deer herd in the spring with killing a fawn a day. Same goes for turkeys with the poult in the spring. And if you think about it, if the deer arent there for them to feed naturally on, you are going to have the predation on livestock and pets. But then you have to look at the flip side also, yes there are lots of stupid people in this world, living in the county with coyotes around, you dont leave chickens outnof a coop at night, and you dont leave your pets in the back 40, but most often then not, this is occuring in areas where the deer arent there.

As you stated its all about balance, and until the state can regain that balance with the deer herd then the predators are going unchecked, so I will do my part on my hunting grounds to keep that little balance so we dont find a woods full of dogs.
The Insurance compnys want the deerherd reduced. My thoughts just for laughs. CjP