Coyote

[GobbleNut]

I haven't seen much evidence that coyotes are a major threat to turkey populations here where I live and hunt.  There is no doubt that they are an opportunistic predator on turkeys, though.  I believe the real significant culprits are the nest predators that take out entire clutches of eggs all at once.  I haven't seen any documentation that coyotes do that.  Still, they definitely need to be controlled, and that is probably needed in some places more than others. 

[Ihuntoldschool]

Very Small vs. other predators.
Very Small compared to habitat loss (read timber harvest). Particularly in the Southeast.
Very Small compared to genetics (Never much diversity in the gene pool)   Restoration efforts. 

[dirtnap]

How can we recruit more trappers to save more turkeys? Fur prices wax and wayne, but predator populations remain high. I will give the instruction free to anyone wanting to trap for the good of the birds and deer.

Are you willing to give the birds your money and time?

Nice work ferocious!

I just started this year myself.  Wish I would have started 30 years ago.

[Ihuntoldschool]

On a side note, Coyotes are very effective at killing nest raiders.
Not so much on killing wild turkeys.   

[GobbleNut]

Very Small vs. other predators.
Very Small compared to habitat loss (read timber harvest). Particularly in the Southeast.
Very Small compared to genetics (Never much diversity in the gene pool)   Restoration efforts. 

On a side note, Coyotes are very effective at killing nest raiders.
Not so much on killing wild turkeys.   

From what I have seen, I would agree with these two quotes.  The second one, in particular, probably has not been considered by a lot of folks, but is most likely very true.  Good point...

[Howie g]

I focus on coons / possums / etc .
But I still thump every bobcat and yote I get a chance at .
Yotes are tuff on rabbit populations and fawns .

[ferocious calls]

A coyote is a nest predator night and day. So are fox.

[catman529]

There is no straight answer. It's highly variable.


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[etapia]

I've listened to a couple podcasts with guest biologists who place more blame on nest raiders. I don't hesitate to take a coyote when possible though

[Cat Trapper]

I was talking to a biologist the other day doing some turkey research and he said bobcats and great horned owls were the two biggest threats to adult turkeys. He said coyotes try but are not very good turkey hunters. Of course all the nest predators from snakes, crows, coons, skunks, possums etc take a toll on them. I trap my hunting lease hard for bobcats every year. In doing so I do catch lots of coyotes, coons, skunks etc. My observations may be a little biased but I can see a noticeable increased number of turkeys on my lease compared to areas where there is little to no trapping done.