Last Post of the Night Hunting Mama's

Not sure about this one but I'll go for it.

I used to hunt with my dad before I got married. We spent a considerable amount of time hunting deer, dove, turkey, and quail. When I was growing up it was always for food. If we didn't get a deer over the winter we would be in danger of not eating meat a significant amount of the year. I have since not participated in any hunting trips because of kids/work/other obligations. My husband does not hunt at all. Although we did it for food for the most part my dad continues to hunt for fun and relaxation. I loved sitting out in the quiet and just being with him. I have never hunted something like coyotes but I can see where the population can become a problem.

I don't know that it is right just to hunt them for fun. I think "to control the population" is missing something if it's just for fun. Do you have to have a license to hunt a coyote or is this a recommendation from your local Parks and Recreations Department? If you are seeing more and more it may not necessarily be an overpopulation - it may mean they are just moving into the area. Have you considered contacting someone to see if they can relocate the population. While they aren't considered endangered just hunting them down because you think it's necessary is how some animals ended up on that endangered species list. I'd like to see a recommendation from a reputable source before making a decision like that.

What do you do with the carcasses? Do you load them up in your car/truck and dispose of them somewhere or do you just leave them to rot?
Just wondering.
I realize dead animals will slowly break down and return to the earth but I don't think I'd appreciate finding a dead coyote out by my mailbox in the morning. I hope you're cleaning up your mess :(

I don't have a problem with hunting at all.... my brothers and dad went hunting (pheasant, dove, quail) when I was growing up, and I also went with them, but never carried a gun.

We've taken away the natural habitats, and the animals have responded by moving into the suburbs.

As someone also mentioned, the deer have become so overpopulated in many areas..... they are becoming weakened by disease due to the overpopulation. We frequently get herds of a dozen or more deer walking down my road.... and yes, they frequently get hit by cars (I've hit two in the 20 years we've lived here). Unfortunately, you can't hunt deer the standard way (with a rifle) near populated areas. A landowner across the road from us has set up a bowhunting lease on his acreage... that is perfectly fine with me.

Coyotes are also a problem.... but I don't think there is anything that is thinning them down in my area..... and unfortunately, they can carry rabies, threatening the pet populations (in more ways than one).

As long as man continues to move into unpopulated areas, and turning them into THEIR OWN area, we will continue to have interactions between wildlife (sometimes not very friendly wildlife) and man..... and not always on good terms.

If you don't want me to judge than you shouldn't have asked my opinion. I am a member of PETA and I think it is discusting to hunt and trap innocent animals of any kind. You aren't doing anyone any kind of favor. Is that an excuse...or you feel you have to prove to your boyfriend that you two have the same interests.....well....that's a hell of a thing to have in common. I have formed an opinion of you...and it's not pretty....and thank goodness....I don't have friends in low places. Yuck.

I believe in responsible hunting. Protection, for food, etc. I don't believe in hunting for fun, cause it seems like if you have "fun" killing something, that's a slippery slope.