THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 61 



METHOD OF POISONING COYOTES. 



Cy J. Bingham, Forest Supervisor, 

 John Day, Oregon. 



Of all the predatory animals that harass the stockman, the 

 coyote is perhaps the most destructive. This is due, no doubt, 

 to the fact that he is found in much greater numbers than any of 

 the other animals. • 



Experienced trappers and hunters know that the coyote is 

 the most difficult animal on the range to capture. It is a very 

 clever trapper indeed who can place his trap so that these cun- 

 ning animals will not detect it. The most extreme care may be 

 ' used in concealing the trap, and in leaving no scent around it, 

 and yet the chances are greatly in favor of the coyote detecting 

 it and passing around. 



If properly used, poison is much more effective in ridding 

 the range of coyotes, than is either trapping or hunting. Strych- 

 nine has been used, but usually with no great degree of success. 

 The use of strychnine, in fact, should be discouraged. If the bait 

 containing this poison is not eaten by coyotes or other animals 

 it retains its deadliness for an indefinite period, and may be 

 picked up months later by a dog with fatal results. Thus a valu- 

 able animal may be destroyed and no good accomplished. 



A poison should be selected that will lose its effectiveness 

 in a short time after being placed, so that in case it is not picked 

 up by a coyote it will do no damage. The Northwest Hide and 

 Fur Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, sells a small capsule con- 

 taining enough poison to immediately kill a coyote. The price 

 of these capsules is $1.75 per hundred. In ordering them it must 

 be stated that they are for coyotes, as different sized capsules 

 are required for different animals. The capsules are called 

 "Suredeath poison capsules." 



To prepare the capsules for use take a roll of old butter, 

 preferably a little rancid. Warm it until it is soft enough to 

 handle well, but not enough to melt it. Care must be used not 

 to touch the butter with the hands. Use a small wooden paddle 

 that has no human scent on it. With this paddle cut off a piece 



