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Predators in good supply S.E. Idaho

Posted on: August 27, 2007

By
Dave Langston

Predator hunters are looking forward to the 2007 season as coons, coyotes and cougars are in good supply across much of the south east portion of the state. Cougar hunters that run with dogs deny the numbers as most of these guys do not make a kill after the chase. But, sportsmen in the field are reporting more sightings and deer kills during the 2004 – 2007 seasons.

This is their option not to harvest and I respect that, but realize we need to keep the predator numbers in proportion with the big game numbers or we could end up with no deer season in the future. And this is unacceptable in my book.

Let’s take a look at a few places that traditionally hold these three species in this neck of the woods.

Cougars boomed in the 1990’s. Cats were becoming a nuisance in many towns and farms in this area. But with hunters becoming more familiar with hound hunting and improved hunting techniques along with a more generous season cougar numbers came back down to a more tolerable level.

Unit 76 in Soda Springs is a hot bed for cougar hunters. Recently viewed photos of cats taken last year show that numbers are in good supply and very healthy. With a diet of mule deer and elk expect this trend to keep going. Hardcore hunters need to cash in on this bonanza while the going is good.

The benches surrounding Pocatello including the Mount Bonneville and Scout Mountain range are also good bets to look for cougars. Deer herds are in poor shape in this area and need all the help they can get. Concentrate high in some of the more remote areas; I have seen plenty of tracks during recent outings.

Hounds are the only way you’re going to keep up and finally tree a cat. Guides or acquaintances with dogs are your best bet. A few hunters have called in cougars using deer bleats or rabbit in distress calls but this is a long shot at best.

Coyote hunters will fair well in the early season as young dogs are not as wily as some of the older more cunning carnivores. Concentrate on fields adjacent to sage brush hills and wooded sections. Arbon valley, the foothills of Blackfoot, Downey and McCammon and the desert are prime areas to setup and call.

Raccoons have become more and more prevalent in the south end of the state. Shawn Sayer of Pocatello reports coons along the South Fork near Heise to be in fair numbers. “During deer season I have seen some decent coons along the river. It is thick country and provides excellent habitat for a growing population,” he says.

Another good bet is the Inman canyon area east of Pocatello. With a good supply of water and hard woods the population is starting to blossom. I took a large female a few years back in the 25 pound class. Sayer also took a coon last year near Pocatello during a trapping exertion that tanned out at nearly four feet, that is one heck of a upland bird killing machine.

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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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