While we had terrible heat and drought conditions this summer, and we need rain starting now , I am convinced that a major reason for fewer pheasant and quail is a significant growth in the predator population. Coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, opposums, hawks, foxes, all are after the birds. Few farm kids trap anymore, there is no market for the pelts with the anti-fur drum beating. I blasted a coyote a couple days ago and don't hestitate to pull the trigger. In Kansas we still have greyhound coursing in which people drive the back roads with 2-3 greyhounds and a sight dog looking for coyotes and foxes. Problem is we don't have enough of those folks now. In a tough year like this anyway with the drought, then we have all the predators looking for the remaining birds, its doubly tough. If any of you are predator hunters, you have my thanks.
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