Predator control is essential for farmers and ranchers to protect their livelihoods. Learn the most effective methods to keep predators away and maintain a thriving agricultural operation.
Native predators, such as bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and snakes, have an impact on birds, small mammals, and fawn crops. While natural predators are an important part of an ecosystem, it is sometimes necessary to control their numbers, just as it is a deer population.
Implementation of a predator control program may be an effective tool in protecting some wildlife species.
The optimum time for coyote control to reduce the impact on fawns is from January through March before coyote pups and deer fawns are born.
No one must be more committed to predator control, specifically coyotes, than a person that owns a high-fenced property. Why? Because a high fence, which limits the movement of whitetail and exotics can and will be used by predators to make them more effective hunters of deer.
Coyotes are smart animals and can take advantage of terrain and fences. They use pack-hunting to systematically pick off a deer population, especially within small high-fenced properties.
Feral Hogs
Feral hogs should be controlled by shooting, live trapping, and using dogs whenever possible. Most success at this usually occurs during the winter when feral hogs are having to travel more to find food. Besides rooting up pastures, feral hogs compete directly with deer, turkey, and most other wildlife species that rely heavily on acorns and other hard and soft mast for winter food. Deer also tend to avoid areas where feral hogs are present. Feral hogs will occasionally target fawns for a food source, as well.
Fence Line Snares
I would recommend using fence line snares. These can be set in existing digs around the property. Snares are an effective tool in managing coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. Most counties in Texas do have a government trapper that works for the state and is at no cost to the landowner. Working with a government trapper will alleviate the responsibility of setting and checking traps from the manager. The trapper will need access to the property and a clear understanding of property boundaries. You may also require that the trapper notifies management before arriving on the property.
M-44
Another method that can be utilized by a government trapper is the use of M-44 devices. The M-44 ejector device is an effective wildlife management tool. The spring-activated device delivers a lethal dose of cyanide to powder to targeted animals. It utilizes a cyanide capsule that is restricted by the EPA and can only be used by a licensed applicator. The M-44 is baited with a strong-smelling lure, which elicits a bite reaction to the capsule. It is then released into the animal’s mouth. Target species are canines such as coyotes, grey foxes, and feral dogs.