Shot A Coyote Yesterday

Two of my four dogs were outside and I heard them barking with extra enthusiasm, so I looked out the window to see what they were barking at.

She was a beautiful female coyote, on the hillock in the pasture beyond the yard, probably no more than 20-30 yards from the woven wire fence. She seemed fascinated by the dogs and was mostly just sitting sunning herself, occasionally making little dashing dances in the dogs' direction as if she wanted to play.

It was really a shame to have to shoot her, just because I appreciate the good that predators can do in the wild, and she seemed very full of life and joy. But, by being so comfortable in broad daylight so close to the house, so close to two agitated dogs, she was demonstrating that she considered the territory her own and had no fear of the dogs.

I have horses, cattle, goats, dogs and cats. Cats are a popular prey for coyotes as are goat kids and calves. If she'll venture right under two very large dogs' noses for the fun of it, she'll do it to kill one of my cats, goats or calves.

I can coexist with the coyotes, but they have to maintain proper fear and respect of human areas. In 20 years on the ranch, I've been fortunate that they've always stayed respectfully shy of the dogs. The woven wire around the yard is new this year, though. For many years, there was no fence at all, and then after that just two strands of barbed wire. I think the coyotes figured that wouldn't stop the dogs if they decided to take after them. But they're smart, and I think they realize that the woven wire is a more formidable barrier. I couldn't reward her learning.

It was a fair shot -- a bit over 100 yards with a scoped .22 magnum, rested on the windowsill. It went higher than I wanted and severed her spine instead of hitting  her heart, but at least she didn't run off bleeding. I finished her off with a shot to the head.

It was interesting. The cattle had been staying away from her, but when she was down, they all came over and gathered round her, either curiosity seekers or giving her a respectful send-off, maybe.

This is the wrong time of year for coyote pelts, I'm told. Apparently they're only worth anything in the winter, when they have their winter coats.