But not my dogs.
I doubt that I am special, nor are my dogs. We are lucky enough to dwell on the edge of the high desert, where going primal only requires a tug on the gate latch. But coyotes are everywhere, patronizing convenience stores on Chicago’s Miracle Mile and pupping in New York’s Central Park, not just the wild side of our world.
Sometimes, arm's length isn't enough.
So why does it seem we’ve had more than our fair share of close encounters? Or have we?
Yesterday was a wake-up call, getting me ready for this hunting season. I was goofing with my new Garmin Astro GPS, when I heard an otherworldly series of barks. I knew they were canine in origin, but the cadence, pitch, frequency were all a bit unnatural. Exactly 145 yards to the south (thanks Garmin), my dog heard them too … because they were coming from about 148 yards! A quick yell, couple whistle toots, and Buddy was by my side, safe and sound. Suffice it to say, this morning we took a different route.
Live and let live. Mosta the time. But there is a line in the sand of my desert backyard.
That eery, sorta-dog sound makes my hair stand on end, because I’ve seen what comes next: one, maybe two coyotes invite your hunting partner to “play,” moving enticingly and puppy-like, away from you, your gun, your sphere of influence. They’ll romp, jog a bit, then turn and yip, inviting your guy to c’mon along for all the fun just over the ridge.
Once, years ago, I heard the most pitiful howl and thought my dog had been caught in a leg-hold trap. (Amazing how fast your mind can jump to the worst-case conclusion in a micro-second.) As I leapt the barbed-wire fence to rescue him, he trundled up behind me. In front of me, a pair of coyotes jogged off, busted. The scar on my palm is a constant reminder of their cunning.
No wonder the Indians call him "trickster"
I’ve watched them silhouetted on the high points of a bowl, howling in unison to my dog staked out in the bottom. Watched them on the edge of a puddle of yard light, gleefully urging a pup to join them in the dark just beyond. Their unearthly calls are a top-ten selection in the high desert musical repertoire, always sounding as if they are under your bedroom window. Last season one breasted a ridge so fast and focused at my pup, streaking within ten yards of me. He didn’t even look when I yelled – completely fixated on the young dog. I let loose with both barrels. He rolled, then took off at warp speed.
There was some remorse at shooting him with bird loads, but it was all I had. And I wasn’t going to stand by and wait for the chilling conclusion. What would you have done?
I was out hunting pheasants with my son when a coyote trailed one of my dogs back line he was a long lost friend. I told my son to get ready then called the dog. He broke clear so my son could put a heavy load into the side of the yote. Needless to say he really didn’t travel to far.
Close call.
I was hunting with my weimaraner in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last fall, and noticed very large wolf tracks in my favorite ruffed grouse area. It brought the hair up on the back of my neck and reminded me of my friends advice to be careful, as a few hunters have lost dogs to wolves in the past. We did not see any, but the next week a forestry service worker was treed on the same trail by four large wolves. He had turned the corner on the trail and walked into them while feeding on a doe. He had no gun and was lucky to get away.
To answer the question, no I would have no remorse! Now to help avoid those situations, I’ll always use a beeper collar on my dog, carry a side arm, and never hunt alone…
According to the DNR, the carrying capacity of the upper peninsula is 150 wolves. At that point wolves should have been delisted. We now have between 300 – 400.
Yikes!
Steve, If a coyote ran by me chasing my dog I would do the same thing. Believe me the bird shot probably did the job. A few years back I shot a cougar hot on the tail of my GSP coming out of the rocks. I dropped her dead in her tracks and then realized that the cougar probably wasn’t after my dog ,but the dog was in the way of her escape.
I don’t make it a point to shoot the coyotes because I have been fortunate and never had one advance towards my dogs but rather the opposite, high tail it. I also live in the high desert and quite frequently have visits with the wild canines. I will admit that their yipping and noise making can sometimes be bothersome but is usually harmless noises.
I don’t blame anyone who hunts coyotes because they do their share of depredating but in my 45 years of experience I have never had a problem with coyotes as far as the bird hunting goes. Now, coyote traps are a different thing when in comes to upland hunting.
Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading your posts.