The FIRST ever Deer Steward Module, along with the FIRST ever Predator Management Module as part of the Deer Steward Certification program, this intensive three-day course is taking place now at the Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tennessee, and is being led by professional trapper Clint Cary owner of Tactical Trapping Services and Matt Ross QDMA Certification Programs Manager for QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
17 individuals from across the country, representing Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, we are learning all aspects of a predator control campaign, including: pre-planning, making successful sets, laying out a property for a campaign, trap modifications, lures, baits and other attractants, and much more. The instruction will be a mix of in-class and in-the-field.
So far we have seen and received some outstanding research on coyote movement and density from, along with educational material on predator management, some of the best videos I have ever seen on just coyote reactions to different trap sets and lures, bait and visuals. Trap modifications, making sets, how and where to use lures and baits.
Four separate groups have scouted areas for tracks and scat along with travel routes on the Ames Plantation, have picked our locations, made our own sets and have set up camera for videoing the results at each location for research purpose only to see coyote reactions to these sets. We are hoping for some good coyote movement tonight.
One thing that I did not get a photo and regret very much was - Georgia Pickup Trucks and Driver learned that Tennessee is Famous for the MUD!!!!!
Day 1 - Quality Deer Management Association photos
Day 2 - Quality Deer Management Association Photos
Day 3 of Predator Management Module Each person made their own set, but will not fire, but each two sets are video recorded for animal interaction over night. Each set was looked at and evaluated visually the next day by that individual and group. Big hopes on some of the sets and others no sign. Then back in class each SD card was watch on projector for each two sets. The classroom crowed, lit up like it was like watching the World Series, Super Bowl or whatever for each video. Some sets had very little and some had a lot of videos.
Group A –
Visual sign and look promising on one of the three sets.
Video – Opossum and deer.
Group B – First Two Sets
Visual sign was the best – Bone was knocked over and trap was dug up.
Video – Raccoon and Opossums
Group B – Second Two Sets
Visual sign some disturbance
Video – Only picked up wind and then darkness
Group C – Both Sets
Visual – No disturbance on one and little on the other
Video – Nothing on the first one and deer on the second.
Group D – First Two Sets
Visual – Disturbance at both sets
Video – Deer then Bobcat
(Little friendly fun going on the side with the class members and Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner was the bobcat)
Group D – Second Two Sets
Visual – Little to No Disturbance
Video – Two Coons and a least a dozen deer.
But was a blast to watch and class reaction. Three single one direction coyote track and no fresh or lack of coyote scat, in this section of land. So really in a 15 to 16 hour set it would had been a blast to have a coyote come in but I think it little high on the expectations. But was fun and great learning experience.
If live set it might have been a Bobcat, Two Opossum, Two to Three Raccoon and Three to Four deer thrown traps. I got to start organization my notes and thoughts for my adjustment for next trapping season.
General Class Notes: Bobcats / Coyotes
Fawns are significant part of bobcat diet summer months,
Coyotes not uncommon for long travel patterns,
Coyote ranges can greatly vary but 5 plus miles seems to be average, Need to request links to research on coyotes.
Keeping data on fawn recruitment / population surveys / predator harvest data and surveys,
General Field area check for high spots and protrusions into fields for set location, check area for tracks and scat.
Trapping roads is a plus because they will run roads over 70 percent of time.
Coyote Vs Bobcat – Bobcat will hug field edges, coyote will cut across edge not following tree line edge.
Preference for trap modifications
Paws-I-Trip II pan tension kits – gives more area for pad to throw traps.
Zip tie weeds / grass to cable restraint support wires
Lure and Baits are not necessary the best out their just what Clint likes to use and has his own line of lures and baits that we will be using during class but preferred not to mention them during class.
Preference for lures – but you will have to see what works in your area.
Caven's Gusto
O'Gormans L.D.C. (Long Distance Call)
Miranda's High Plains Predator Call
Graham's Ol' Three Toes Lure
Preference for baits – but you will have to see what works in your area. Baits may catch other furbearers at your sets but, Baits will also catch more coyotes. – Preference is always use bait will keep coyote at set longer and lot more foot movement.
O'Gormans Powder River Paste Bait
Predator Control Groups Baits
Locklear's Primal Paste Bait
Locklear’s Gator Bait - Coyote
Helpful other items Liquid -
Glycerine Oil mix with 50/50 coyote urine will help with trap freeze up
Powder - Sodium Benzoate – Help preserve bait
Suppliers
Minnesota Trapline Products www.minntrapprod.com
F&T Fur Harvester's Trading Post www.fntpost.com
There are lots of others also.
Outside class information for Raccoon trappings using DP's - Adding one pack of grape Kool-Aid
to dry food - Coffee Can size for one pack of Kool-Aid
FIRST graduating class SEPTEMBER 13th, 2015 - Predator Management Module
