dukxdog
Active member
SDGFP revised the program to separate coyotes from other nest predators category.
Bounty Program
gfp.sd.gov
SDGFP Nest Predator Program for 2026
- Thread starter dukxdog
- Start date
Labradinger
Well-known member
I thought it was shown that yotes arent as hard on birds as the “nest raiders”? Even though I always pictured this as a Kristi Noem program that catered to her rich land owner friends to help their paid hunting, I know it got some kids trapping. A big problem I have with this program is it also teaches kids we kill stuff and throw it in the ditch. But now, they split up the money like this and some “hunters” with thermals will go kill a bunch of month old pups and take care of that 300k quickly.
That1uncle1776
Well-known member
Thermal scopes have put an absolute pounding on coyotes...according to the guys that still run dogs.Im not against running dogs or thermal optics but Im starting to see that the "sea is splitting" and this is going to turn into a sportsman vs sportsman battle which the anti hunters love.
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Bob Peters
Well-known member
Wow. I had no idea. I did see a lot of coyotes in SD in January last season. The only guy I know that hunts them a lot does "sits" I think he terms it. Finds a position and calls them. In the daylight.
Labradinger
Well-known member
To be consistent at taking yotes, that takes some level of skill. Trapping is the same.
Thermals and the groups of trucks/snowmobiles are solely about killing, not hunting.
I think it has been argued that coyotes are a net positive for bird numbers because they prey on the nest raiders. I can’t recall the last time I saw one in the field while hunting. I’m usually alone and they probably slip out long before I am aware. I find the occasional pile of feathers but that could be from anything. I hear them howling in the Michigan north woods so they are out there. It’s the wolves we have to worry about. They will kill your dog just to protect their territory.
91reddog
Active member
I see the same thing happening in fishing with Live scope technology.
Chestle
Well-known member
I've read a lot of stuff that says pheasant meat never crosses a coyote's lips.
OTOH, I've read stuff that says coyotes are nest predators. For example:
animalrangeextension.montana.edu
I am familiar with the area where the 42 coyotes were shot in a ~2 hour flight. I can assure you that area has no shortage of other nest raiders. Skunks, raccoons and fox abound. So if the plethora of coyotes in that area are preying on the other nest raiders, they are doing a pretty poor job.
For myself, I'll take the word of the folks I know that work the land there. They tell me coyotes kill a lot of hens.
YMMV
OTOH, I've read stuff that says coyotes are nest predators. For example:
Ring-Necked Pheasant Management - MSU Extenison Animal and Range Science | Montana State University
animalrangeextension.montana.edu
I am familiar with the area where the 42 coyotes were shot in a ~2 hour flight. I can assure you that area has no shortage of other nest raiders. Skunks, raccoons and fox abound. So if the plethora of coyotes in that area are preying on the other nest raiders, they are doing a pretty poor job.
For myself, I'll take the word of the folks I know that work the land there. They tell me coyotes kill a lot of hens.
YMMV