I had better add my .02 worth.
In this area, the dogs seem to be less than "well trained". 99% of the land is private and I have never been and probably never will be asked for permission to run coyotes across my property. These guys hunt areas, not land parcels. Is it the dogs fault that they tresspass? No. But it is the dog owners responsibility to control their dogs. I know for a fact that the dogs around here chase more deer than coyotes. Also, more coyotes are shot from the county road than from private property. Generally, like other parts of the midwest, there is a parade of 4X4's running together and tracking dogs. They don't care if they park in your front yard or anywhere else for that matter. They rut up the sides of the roads and have no respect for private property. I know this is a generalization but I am speaking from my experience only. I am very sure that there are responsible dog runners out there but it sure doesn't seem to be the "norm" for my area. I have had guys parking in my front yard, since we live on a hill, so they can see better. I have also had guys poking guns out of windows as a dog comes running through just in case a coyote came along. Not to mention the times I have rushed home from work in order to get a short evening hunt only to find a couple of pickups with hunters parked in front of the property I had permission on. Also, most of these hunts take place on a nice Sunday when I sometimes like to have a little cook out with the wife and kids and wouldn't you know it? Here comes a bunch of coyote hounds running across our property barking their heads off and scaring the kids half to death. Just one more thing, I get tired of going out of the house in the mornings just before daylight only to be greeted by a hound all curled up on my back patio/porch. That will make you look twice!
Yes, I have talked to the hunters and their answer usually is that they can't control where the coyote is running. I agree, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant to be around.
In an area where there are limited opportunities to hunt and even more limited opportunities to call up a critter, I have to say I am not too thrilled with chasing coyotes with dogs although it is completely legal if permission is granted and there is no shooting from the road.
Just my thought.
MG
