Bayou Bucks Magazine July 2012 : Page 35

the Stank Bank BUGGIN’ THE BEST: You ask, they answer... Want an expert’s opinion? We submit your question to this month’s Alpha Male, “Trapper John” Schmidt, a 35 year animal control veteran. While he doesn’t work for ACME, he knows how to get rid of coyotes. Q: I’m trying to reduce the coyote population on my hunting property. Are there any means other than hunting or trapping to ethically remove coyotes that will not harm the local do-mestic animals? It is obvious that we can shoot them at any time, but I am looking for a way that does not involve my physically having to be on the property at all times to monitor it. Also, is there a method of poisoning coyotes that is legal in Louisiana? I’ve heard of the “sponge method” where coyotes are baited with a bacon grease-soaked sponge which kills them by clogging their bowels. Would this work? Thank you, Earl Adams, Houma, LA Photo courtesy of John Schmidt A: I have seen coyotes going after yearlings and fawns on numer-ous occasions. While I am not sure exactly how many deer these preda-tors take, I know that they negatively im-pact whitetail numbers. According to LDWF, any type of poison-ing for any animal is illegal in Louisiana. I have heard a lot about the sponge method, but I don’t believe that a coyote would swal-low it whole. Coyotes chew everything that they eat. ey even eat whole fi sh without any ill eff ects. I haven’t actually seen a case where the sponge dipped in bacon grease has killed anything, but I wouldn’t recom-mend this method even if it were eff ective. It’s just not ethical. Snaring is a method that I use for nuisance coyotes along with live trapping and hunt-ing over bait stations. Snares do not require constant monitoring, and they work very well when set properly. Someone could set a few dozen coyote snares in an area and expect to catch at least a few coyotes. is would most likely need to be done in the trapping season for it to be legal. Be sure to check state regulations before doing any type of hunting or trapping/snaring. Good luck, Trapper John www.trapperjohnschmidt.com 877-332-7187 New Orleans, Louisiana Sales & Rentals bottomlineequipment.com YOUR #1 SOURCE for demolition and earth moving equipment in the gulf coast region SALES • Service • Inspect Sales, Service and Inspections on Portable Fire Extinguishers and Navigational Lights. PLUS Bottom COAST GUARD INSPECTIONS ON Motor Vessels • D/c Power Systems Fire And Gas Detection Fire Suppression And Fire Extinguishers 985-223-3223 July 2012 Bayou Bucks Magazine | 35

Buggin' The Best: You Ask, They Answer

Want an expert’s opinion? We submit your question to this month’s Alpha Male, “Trapper John” Schmidt, a 35 year animal control veteran. While he doesn’t work for ACME, he knows how to get rid of coyotes<br /> <br /> Q: I’m trying to reduce the coyote population on my hunting property. Are there any means other than hunting or trapping to ethically remove coyotes that will not harm the local domestic animals? It is obvious that we can shoot them at any time, but I am looking for a way that does not involve my physically having to be on the property at all times to monitor it.<br /> <br /> Also, is there a method of poisoning coyotes that is legal in Louisiana? I’ve heard of the “sponge method” where coyotes are baited with a bacon grease-soaked sponge which kills them by clogging their bowels. Would this work?<br /> <br /> Thank you,<br /> <br /> Earl Adams, Houma, LA<br /> <br /> A:I have seen coyotes going after yearlings and fawns on numerous occasions. While I am not sure exactly how many deer these predators take, I know that they negatively impact whitetail numbers.<br /> <br /> According to LDWF, any type of poisoning for any animal is illegal in Louisiana. I have heard a lot about the sponge method, but I don’t believe that a coyote would swallow it whole. Coyotes chew everything that they eat. They even eat whole fish without any ill effects. I haven’t actually seen a case where the sponge dipped in bacon grease has killed anything, but I wouldn’t recommend this method even if it were effective. It’s just not ethical.<br /> <br /> Snaring is a method that I use for nuisance coyotes along with live trapping and hunting over bait stations. Snares do not require constant monitoring, and they work very well when set properly. Someone could set a few dozen coyote snares in an area and expect to catch at least a few coyotes. This would most likely need to be done in the trapping season for it to be legal. Be sure to check state regulations before doing any type of hunting or trapping/snaring.<br /> <br /> Good luck,<br /> <br /> Trapper John www.trapperjohnschmidt.com

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