That is some outstanding trail cam footage and kudos to the owner. I would like to see all the particulars surrounding the location and setup etc. and an explanation if anyone can offer one as to why this buck stayed put during the whole encounter. it is just beyond comprehension given the strength and stamina of a healthy buck as to how this outcome could have occurred. I am wondering if the buck was some how not in full health and the coyotes knew it. he looked healthy enough, but he did not put up much of a fight that I could see.
Coyotes & Predation
I've heard some say that coyotes are really not a threat to any deer above a new-born fawn. I've always felt otherwise. Watch this and see what you decide...
Incredible Whitetail Deer Pictures: Coyotes Kill Buck | Deer & Deer Hunting | Whitetail Deer Advice and Instruction
Incredible Whitetail Deer Pictures: Coyotes Kill Buck | Deer & Deer Hunting | Whitetail Deer Advice and Instruction
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There is no doubt that coyotes CAN take down adult deer, however, I do not believe it is that common. Much of the research that says coyotes only take fawns, actually says that their highest predation rate is on fawns. Bobcats are much more of a problem in my book. I have seen coyotes just out walking around and go right through deer without the deer even being bothered. However, EVERY time I have seen a cat in the field, the deer freak out and often try to run the cat out of the field.
I have a few thoughts on the pics though. It is August in OK so it could be a buck facing heat exhaustion. The buck could've been run there from somewhere else and already close to giving up. Something about the deer doesn't seem right to me either, something about the body and head seems off but I can't place it.
However, there is no doubt that anyone wanting to strictly manage their deer and increase their numbers/reproductive success needs to participating in predator management. Predators need to be managed like anything else. Wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey all need to be kept within certain numbers and as long as they are, there is no true harm to the other wildlife (in an ecosystem type of sense)
I have a few thoughts on the pics though. It is August in OK so it could be a buck facing heat exhaustion. The buck could've been run there from somewhere else and already close to giving up. Something about the deer doesn't seem right to me either, something about the body and head seems off but I can't place it.
However, there is no doubt that anyone wanting to strictly manage their deer and increase their numbers/reproductive success needs to participating in predator management. Predators need to be managed like anything else. Wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey all need to be kept within certain numbers and as long as they are, there is no true harm to the other wildlife (in an ecosystem type of sense)
I agree up to the point of controlling birds of prey. They are off limits as they are protected by federal law.
pretty much in every picture the buck has his mouth open, i think they ran him down to the point where he couldn't keep running then stood his ground and it kinda seems like he was using the camera flash to watch his back, which would explain not leaving that and i believe that though you could only see two coyotes in the frame at once there may have been more to hold him in that area. thats my 2 cents at least
Predator,
I know birds of prey are under federal protection, but as a wildlife biologist I believe they need to be controlled through some sort of hunting/shooting (be it if only by federal/state officials). If every other species of predators need managing, they why don't birds of prey?
I have argued with several state and federal officials about it. There is more money than you can imagine being poured into quail re-establishment, and they keep saying habitat, habitat, habitat. Yet after all the acres re-planted in NWSGs there has been little to NO overall gain in quail population (granted CRP and other programs recommended WAY to high rates of planting). I believe that if you look at many of the birds of prey populations they are/were at too high of a level and that is one of the main reasons the quail have suffered in several areas. The honest, down to the point answer that I normally get for talking about birds of prey management, is that the birding community and general public would be up in arms if it was ever suggested. Therefore the it is never brought up....so even though it might help biologically, because people FEEL bad about it, it will probably never happen.
Just my $0.02....I am actually hoping to get a grad position dealing with predator management, ecology, or behavior so maybe I will have some data readily at hand before too long
I know birds of prey are under federal protection, but as a wildlife biologist I believe they need to be controlled through some sort of hunting/shooting (be it if only by federal/state officials). If every other species of predators need managing, they why don't birds of prey?
I have argued with several state and federal officials about it. There is more money than you can imagine being poured into quail re-establishment, and they keep saying habitat, habitat, habitat. Yet after all the acres re-planted in NWSGs there has been little to NO overall gain in quail population (granted CRP and other programs recommended WAY to high rates of planting). I believe that if you look at many of the birds of prey populations they are/were at too high of a level and that is one of the main reasons the quail have suffered in several areas. The honest, down to the point answer that I normally get for talking about birds of prey management, is that the birding community and general public would be up in arms if it was ever suggested. Therefore the it is never brought up....so even though it might help biologically, because people FEEL bad about it, it will probably never happen.
Just my $0.02....I am actually hoping to get a grad position dealing with predator management, ecology, or behavior so maybe I will have some data readily at hand before too long
I absolutely agree. The method that coyotes will normally use to take deer is to simply trail and "dog" them, knowing a deer cannot run for really long distances, while a coyote is built to "jog" effortlessly for a long, long ways. How many coyotes have you ever seen just "walking" through the woods, after all?pretty much in every picture the buck has his mouth open, i think they ran him down to the point where he couldn't keep running then stood his ground and it kinda seems like he was using the camera flash to watch his back, which would explain not leaving that and i believe that though you could only see two coyotes in the frame at once there may have been more to hold him in that area. thats my 2 cents at least
pretty much in every picture the buck has his mouth open, i think they ran him down to the point where he couldn't keep running then stood his ground and it kinda seems like he was using the camera flash to watch his back, which would explain not leaving that and i believe that though you could only see two coyotes in the frame at once there may have been more to hold him in that area. thats my 2 cents at least
I agree as well... I'm guessing there are anywhere between 5-10 coyotes surrounding that deer. They ran him down and they struck at his most vulnerable spot (rear end). Coyotes are smart creatures, they know they can out last a deer in a foot race. They'll run them until they get tired and then attack.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
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