Well, I made a trip to the Gene Howe WMA yesterday to get a little quail work in for my dogs, and they had posted hand-written signs on the door of the registration shack notifying users that they had begun their annual predator control program on the area. That is to say that they have placed LETHAL baited snares on the public quail hunting area during hunting season. Their quail season ends January 31, but they feel the time to trap coyotes is now according to their now-deleted facebook post. That's right folks, I made inquiries on their facebook page, and the post was later deleted. I am literally appalled that they would put hunting dogs in danger during season, and will be contacting TPWD with a formal complaint, as well as my State Senator. I would love to know what you guys think?

Billy G

Doesn't take a lot of brain matter to think this one through. Feb 1 is just as good a date to start a project like that.

Amen

BUT, never heard of a "baited snare", sounds more like they are using m44's. spring loaded cyanide traps. More target specific, but still just plain dumb to put out when the place is in use by dog handlers SMH

BTW, Wonder if your local news station would want a good "WTF" news story???

Sounds like they are raiding the fast food restaurant workers in order to fill low pay positions at TPWD.

I would be pizzed if I drove all the way out there only to find out that I wont be letting any of my dogs off leash.

Also, you say handwritten, could it have been a bad joke maybe? I would want to talk to one of the biologist.

Yes, that "handwritten" part is suspect, they have printed signs they generally use, both in English and Spanish iirc.

Maybe someone (another dog hunter/ deer hunter) wants the whole place to themselves?

Whoever is in charge of their Facebook page answered my inquiry. They said something to the effect of: "after considering the needs of our lessee and residents on the area we have decided that now is the time to proceed with trapping..." Well, I haven't seen a calf on the place, and the only residence is the house where the biologist in charge has always lived. I've never heard of a coyote harming a 700# steer? I wonder if the oilfield workers are being preyed upon? I have seen 1 coyote in the last 4 years up there. Anyway, after I posted that I was appalled at their lack of concern for users animals the entire thread was deleted.