Chicken Little takes a chill pill

[MT_Sourdough]

Some of you might have noticed that I have been preaching some doom and gloom in regards to this years recruitment numbers. Much of what I have seen over the last couple of months has led me to believe that this drought was being brutal on calves and fawns. Today I saw some things that allows me to have a more optimistic outlook.

First, a bachelorette herd of elk came in and pushed the bachelors out at a cam sight. I don't have an actual count, but there were several cows and several calves. Those calves looked good and strong.

Then I saw some antelope fawns in Paulden. That got me to thinking that a lot of the antelope are probably invading farms and rural residential areas to find their food and water.

Plus, I have an area down on some low flats that I have been watching for a couple of years. In the area, there hasn't been anything moving for 3 to 4 months. That little bit of rain we got up here last week had critters scattering all over the area. I am now thinking that if our monsoons arrive on time, we might not see much long term harm from this severe drought.

[trphyhntr]

Saw a bunch of fawn antelope in 1 this weekend

[idgaf]

seen literally hundreds of fawns this year (antelope and elk). Mother nature is a little more resilient than most of us think.

[MT_Sourdough]

Part of what fueled my thought process is seeing an elk calve with wobbly legs and then a couple hours later there's a pack of coyotes running around the same area. That happened a couple of times and left me with an ominous feeling.

I was also seeing newborn antelope fawns and then I saw no fawns. Last week I found a couple dead antelope fawns along Perkinsville Rd. The combination of all that led me to feel very pessimistic about recruitment, but I am feeling more optimistic about things after today.

[StickFlicker]

Hopefully you're packing a rifle and doing your part to thin out those coyotes when you see them, particularly this time of year.

[WHT_MTNMAN]

I had the same ominous feeling this year. I drive from Pinedale-Clay Springs to Snowflake every day and see between 2-25 antelope and have yet to see a fawn. Well except one dead hanging from the coyotes mouth as it carried it off. It was too thick and coyote escaped. I usually kill 2-3 coyotes a year driving back and forth.

[Swivelhead]

Next time somebody asks me why I need a semi-automatic weapon and a 30 round magazine, I'll answer "coyotes". Works for two

or four legged models.

[bonecollector]

Saw a handful of antelope fawns last week in unit 1.

 

A couple does had twins.

[mattys281]

There’s a herd of about 10 or 12 mule deer that spend everyday sleeping under my neighbors deck. No fawns yet but those does are looking plump and ready to pop. Can’t wait to get some pictures of the newborn neighbors!

[MT_Sourdough]

I have been reluctant to go after the yotes because I am not able to take care of the hides, but I am reconsidering that logic.

[Jazz]

I found a few yotes near new river. Theyre hanging out in a depression on one of the plateaus - about a half mile from where the does hang out. I do a walk by at least every other night to see if I can get lucky.

[wish2hunt]

I have been reluctant to go after the yotes because I am not able to take care of the hides, but I am reconsidering that logic.

Best way to take care of the hides is to let them lay.