You left the raptors out of the equation. I read somewhere that raptors may have a bigger effect on ruffed grouse and other upland birds than the four footed predators. That doesn't surprise me when you drive down a road and see a redtail or Coopers hawk about every mile. They go after adult game birds year round - easy targets. And the raptors are protected - can't even possess a raptor feather without permission.

Yes, I do believe that coyotes affect deer populations. And when game populations dwindle the yotes migrate toward the suburbs. But so do the raptors - a Coopers hawk in my own neighborhood did a fine job with the pigeons and squirrels. Not sure if the zoo appreciated her periodic visits, though.

I don't think the nature manages itself as well as theorized - after all thousands, if not millions, of species went kaput long before man got involved. But once man steps into the picture the balance is permanently changed. Man is also part of nature, after all. But we can help it along. That's the difference in philosophies between environmentalists and conservationists. Environmentalists want to leave nature alone to work itself along. Conservationists believe we need to manage resources. Problem is, for both groups, we often cannot completely foresee the results of our good intentions. At least we are learning and adjusting - at least those that aren't so hardheaded.

I do not believe that the size of the coyote population is relevant to the dynamics of either quail or grouse populations. Repetitive research in Scotland with red grouse shows clearly that host/parasite relationships are of paramount importance. Not hard for me to believe that Ruffed Grouse populations in western Canada rise and fall for the very same reasons. At the same time, I'm faintly surprised that some enterprising graduate student hasn't investigated quail/parasite biologies.

It's called mesopredator release, when top carnivores are removed from a community, allowing raccoons, foxes, etc to multiply. Higher predators, such as coyotes, are beneficial for many birds, especially ground-nesting songbirds. It was tested in South America using artificial nests with quail eggs in areas with and without top predators. Those with the predator chain still intact had lower predation on the nests.

I dunno bout coyotes but I've noticed that where there are Gray Fox Quail seem to flourish ...and there is a balance between predator and prey.

Makes sense. Keep the cat population down as well

All could be saved if there were more coon hunters running the hounds.

I know it's way back up the page but in saying the coyotes control coyotes by rabbitpolice that not a true statement where i live.I would say that it is more than likely the opposite for a coyote to go into a sounder of hogs some weighing in at 500lbs.I have had hog dogs trained and veterans to this endeaver get killed by hogs.
Ahog can run as fast as a coyote and with a swing of the head cut on into with tusk as sharp as razors

Well, if there's a market for badger and raccoon furs then perhaps we should eliminate more coyotes, raccoons, and badgers.

I think they can be very beneficial, to a point. There is no doubt in my mind that the explosion of furbearing mammals (coons, possums, skunks) has had more impact on quail numbers from a predatory standpoint than most folks realize. Eggs can't hide or escape. So, if coyotes eat these critters then it defintitely will help quail nest success. However, if the coyotes eat every other living thing and are left themselves to nest raiding, then they obviously become a burden to population.

If it doesn't stop snowing soon it isn't going to matter!!

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