Predator hunting near Colorado Springs?

The Breeze · 07-09-2009, 11:42

Has anyone hunted any predators (coyote / bobcat) in Colorado? It has quickly become my favorite type of hunting over the last 3 years or so and I never miss an opportunity every time I go home to AZ on leave.

BigJimCalhoun · 07-09-2009, 18:55

At the Sportsman's Show last fall, I asked the Division of Wildlife Officer about hunting bobcat. I got the distinct impression from him that "a chance encounter" while in the woods with a rifle was quite rare and that those pursuing bobcat usually used dogs or traps.

As far as Coyote are concerned, I have never hunted them.

Here is the link to get your started license-wise, but the site is hard for me find stuff on, generally speaking.
http://wildlife.state.co.us/

Here is the brochure for bobcat/coyote
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonl.../smallgame.pdf

Harvest report for coyote 2007/2008 season
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonl...GameReport.pdf

Harvest report for Bobcat - 2002
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonl...F/0/bobcat.pdf

mark46th · 07-11-2009, 11:21

I haven't ever specifically hunted coyote or bobcats. As the wildlife officer stated- bobcats are usually a chance encounter. I have only run across one while out in the field and that was not during hunting season but out on a photo trip to get some shots of quail in the wild...

I hunt in California, Nevada and Arizona. Most of the ranches I hunt ask that you shoot the coyotes because of their predation of livestock...I also shoot ground squirrels whenever possible...I have a Browning Model 1885 in .22-250 for varmints...

Richard · 07-11-2009, 12:14

I grew up in the Sacramento Valley - we used to shoot Coyotes whenever they came around looking for a meal of mutton or chicken - skin them - give the meat/bones to the dogs and hang the pelts on a property-line fence to warn others - they still do that out there.

Richard

swpa19 · 07-11-2009, 13:01

If y'all start running out of coyotes to hunt out west, we'll gladly ship you our Eastern Coyotes.

lksteve · 07-11-2009, 19:42

Here's an idea...go to the Hunter's Safety class either at Fort Carson or elsewhere in the area...DOW officers are pretty helpful in terms of questions like that...even if you have attended a class in another state, it's a good idea to attend the local class...the officers will give you an idea where to hunt and what to hunt for...

As far as predator hunting goes, predators are plentiful...mountain lions from the Front Range often wind up in SW Colorado, Dolores and Montezuma Counties...as far as bobcats go,, you'd better be damn sure you know the difference between them and lynx...DOW is trying to reestablish lynx throughout the state and the fine for killing one can be painful...

mark46th · 07-11-2009, 21:24

Rich- That's what they do with coyotes in Nevada, too...Out in Cattle-country, you will see dead ones on the fence lines...

The Breeze · 07-12-2009, 01:13

I was raised on cattle and horse ranches in Arizona. I used to hunt 'yotes on chance encounters to do do exactly as stated earlier. Preserve young and sick livestock. Over the years, I got serious into calling using manual and electronic game calls. What a rush! Nothing like calling in a predator who charges your AO in kill mode, having no idea you're embedded and observing their every move.... It's like some national geographic shi+! I use a .243 or my tack driving .22-250. It's a challenge to place well placed shots after calling one in, battling the rush and itchy trigger finger. Especially when you call in more than one. I hope to be in Colorado in a matter of months, and was hoping I wouldn't have to drive 12 hours for some weekend marksmanship. Maybe I'll get in touch with some local farmers and see if they are exeriencing any problems. I'll definitely get with the local saftey crew and get their opinions. Great advice btw. I got the fever!

The Breeze · 07-12-2009, 01:18

P.S. Thanks for the site references BigJim!

Ryan

Sapper72 · 07-30-2009, 13:30

When I was at 10th Main the Ranchers out East of the Springs would usually let you on if you told them you were hunting Coyotes. I had a lot of luck getting permission from 3 or 4 ranchers west of Peublo on the north side of US 50. If you get out there during the summer they will likely let you hunt deer too in the fall, there is some hidden big bucks out there, whitetail and mulie.