for cleanly dispatching close-range deer, coyotes, raccoons and other farm pests. Take head shots whenever possible and restrict shots to the limits of your ability and equipment. If an animal begins to reveal a systematic pattern, make the necessary adjustments over time. Move closer and wait for the best possible shot.
When shooting across large fields at distant targets a
verification calls when an animal is taken, the Depredation Specialist should always keep the farmer informed about his activities. Ask where to park every day (because farmers often work in different areas) and let the farmer know about any problems, issues or damage involving the target animals. Also, always call the permitting wildlife official when an animal is taken because neighbors are likely to report unusual activities or suspicious shots, especially during the hours of darkness, on Sundays (in states where Sunday hunting is not allowed) or when they see a camo-clad figure loading a dead deer into his truck in the middle of summer! Cover all your bases and think ahead of the curve. Remember, this is not hunting and local residents are going to notice and report unusual activities. PRACTICAL DEPREDATION GEAR
The options for shooting nuisance animals are endless. In most cases a 17 rimfire or other small-caliber rifle is ideal
centerfire varmint caliber such as the 222 or 22-250 Reming- tons, 243 Winchester or 204 Ruger are good choices. Some depredation hunters I know use 300 Winchester Magnum rifles in specialized “bean field” configurations, but individual situations and conditions vary. Consider all the options and then go with what works for a particular situation. Any archery gear, including crossbows, can do the job when working in close quarters. Always set up for shots to be at a sharp downward angle. Arrows tend to ricochet and rattle off cornstalks, buildings, fence posts, saplings and other obstacles even after they’ve gone completely through a deer or hog, so it’s important to ensure that any shot taken is a prudent and safe one. If there is any doubt, wait for a better shot or make the necessary changes so that, next time, you can quickly and safely remove the offender. Another important consideration in depredation hunt- ing is meat and fur handling. Most of the shooting occurs after dark so access to ice or cooling facilities may be difficult. I keep several 20-pound bags of ice in my freezer at all times. When I kill a deer or hog at 2:00 a.m. I can have it skinned, quartered, sealed in plastic bags and on ice in a cooler within the hour. Meat handled this way will keep for two or three days until it is processed.
I’ll keep furbearers (raccoons, skunks, etc.) similarly iced down in a cooler overnight until I can skin them. By the way, don’t think that you can fool a fur buyer into buying your summer hides as “prime” winter items. The difference in skin and fur quality is obvious and impossible to miss. Don’t expect top dollar for summer furs but they will help defray some of your expenses. DEPREDATION REALITIES
Don’t think that acquiring a depredation permit means that you will be lugging home a mountain of game every day.
Raccoons, deer and even coyotes can wreak havoc on a commercial farm operation, doing acres of damage like this overnight.
Page 172 Winter 2013
One deer can move in on commercial blackberry operations and devour 10 pounds or more of leaves and fruit per day.
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