Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

The author provides a thorough review of methods for controlling coyotes, bobcats, and foxes, noting that “control” is not intended to exterminate these species, but rather to remove individual problem animals or to reduce economic losses to a practical minimum by local population reduction. Coyote control measures discussed include use of traps including description of various types of trap sets, snares, coyote-getters, denning, still-hunting, calling and shooting, aerial hunting, and poisoning using either strychnine drop-baits or impregnated bait stations using Compound 1080. Precautions to limit nontarget poisoning are provided. The use of exclusion fences is briefly mentioned. Bobcat control methods discussed include trapping and hunting with dogs. Control methods for red fox described are trapping, snaring, denning, coursing with hounds, organized drives, calling and shooting, and aerial hunting. Advantages and disadvantages of all methods are discussed.