OK--I am an experienced coyote hunter in Northeast Texas, having been heavily involved in the game for the last 20 years. I have never seen coyote numbers this low. I have been through plenty of droughts in the past but nothing like this. People I talk to don't believe me because you can still hear howling at night, but these are the folks that aren't actively hunting them. The population here is terrible. I'm curious if it is this way in other parts of the state. About 5 years ago I started killing some mangy dogs, and that is when the numbers drop started.

We have had more than I have ever seen in our lease in South Texas this year. Saw them almost every hunt.

I have two game cameras on my place in Waller and populations seem normal.

I think what you are seeing is regional. Here in S Texas coyote numbers seem normal, bobcats are through the roof but I am putting dent in those.

ETA: I just totaled up my bobcats for the last year and half for both snare and rifle……94.

We have more than ever before in my part of San Saba County.

In the NE Panhandle they seemed very low to previous years a long with the deer numbers.

Been seeing a few every week or so in central Texas on our place where I've never seen them before.

Last years cold weather knock down the population?

Williamson Co. seems to have the same population it has had for the last 8-10 years.

Can't quantify, but at our place near Ballinger, we hear then EVERY night. One observable piece of evidence are the lack of rabbits. Use to be, you'd see dozens and dozens each night driving around. Now you hardly see any?

jp95 said:

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OK--I am an experienced coyote hunter in Northeast Texas, having been heavily involved in the game for the last 20 years. I have never seen coyote numbers this low. I have been through plenty of droughts in the past but nothing like this. People I talk to don't believe me because you can still hear howling at night, but these are the folks that aren't actively hunting them. The population here is terrible. I'm curious if it is this way in other parts of the state. About 5 years ago I started killing some mangy dogs, and that is when the numbers drop started.

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Lots at my house. They chewed up my dog this past year. I've caught them on security camera many times.

I would think coyote population cycles along with rabbit and other prey species. I think rabbits are in a 7yr cycle. Could just be the bottom for your area.

Business as usual in Burleson county. Solid cottontail population. I have noticed a reduction in squerrils this year. And the skunks have disappeared completely.

From yesterday-

OP you are obviously a really good hunter and have single handily almost eradicated them from NE Texas.

I thought shooting coyotes was illegal in Texas.

Come to my North Dallas neighborhood. I saw one this past Thursday morning.

Not a night goes by without a howling pack cruising by (dogs all respond), plus pics on the one game cam I have at the back of the property (Burleson county).
At our family ranch in Brazos county, the daylight sightings of late have escalated to where I asked my son, numero uno nighttime hog slayer, to up his coyote kills. He seemed to only be shooting the really stupid ones, that wouldn't leave...

Come to Lavaca and Atascosa counties. We've got plenty for you.

No shortage in Flower Mound. I hear them every night...

Suburban Cowboy--You are correct that I am very good--maybe even the best. However, extinction of a species might even be too big a feat for me.

Where in North East Texas are you hunting?

Red River and Titus counties.