It's fawn time again. Whitetail, mule deer and pronghorns are dropping fawns by the bushel basket as I write. I'm sure you've seen some of the evidence. I've seen several of the ultra cute pronghorn fawns showing up in my backyard with glimpses of whitetail fawns on my way to town.
It's also the time when coyotes switch their taste preferences from Mickey Mouse to Bambi. There's ample evidence from several research reports that show in June and July coyotes will swap the rodents for a bigger Hoagie sandwich consisting of fawns. Some reports indicate coyotes dine on fawns 70 percent or more of the time.
That's one reason why deer, pronghorn, elk and moose drop their young all in one swift time period. It overwhelms the predators and although a few will fall prey to the fang-equipped furballs, many more will survive.
Research has also proven that stopping coyotes and other predators from doing their parental duty of feeding their young is difficult to control.About the only way to keep control of coyotes in your deer management area is to begin a year-round program that includes both hunting and trapping.There can be no lapse in pressure because wandering coyotes are always looking for new territory with a stocked pantry.
As for the larger predators, bears, wolves and mountain lions, they are going to continue to eat at random with management fulfilled by state regulations. Some are doing a good job, several could be doing better and a few can't manage at all due to the meddling of the federal government.
For now, get out with your binocular and enjoy the antics of spring's bounty.
They don't see me. They don't see me. They don't see me. Oh my Gosh! They see me!