#1

Know your predators- It is true that Coyotes do consume both adult and newborn fawns all year long.  But studies have shown that it varies heavily from region to region.  In the Southwest during drought seasons coyotes prey heavily on deer due to the lack of cover and stressed and weak deer.  Coyotes have been know to take up to 30 to 40 percent fawns during certain extreme conditions, but in the same areas fawn mortality rates have been as low at 20 percent during good conditions where cover is plentiful.  In the Northeast where the coyote genetics are different they can grow almost twice the size of the southern brothers and weigh up to 50lbs.  During heavy winters where deep snow has accumulated coyotes have become skilled predators at hunting whitetail. One biologist had even recorded in his area over a 12 year study that 760 winter kills were discovered.  Simple conclusion is that they are efficient and opportunistic predators who take advantage of weather and herd conditions.  

WHAT'S NEW

Crooked Horn Declares War On Predators

Here at Crooked Horn, we look for any excuse to hunt; bow, rifle or muzzleloader.  Believe it or not, living in California we are lucky in some ways.  A surprise to most people, there are lots of species to hunt; sheep, deer, antelope, elk, upland game, turkey waterfowl are among the most popular.  However, predator management in our state is a delicate subject and politicians seem to be an expert on everything….well that is from behind a desk!  I would pay good money to see any politician go up into our Sierra Nevada Mountains and spend the night, unarmed, for one night, and see how comfortable he would be in California backcountry. 

Predator population is exploding and more and more humans and pets being attacked is not uncommon.  California lawmakers just banned hunting black bears with hounds (following the instructions of special interests groups). Bear hunting is a management tool.

Our mountain lion population is out of control with no management tools in place to level off the population.  Several California residents have been killed or mauled by mountain lions already and there are daily encounters all over the state, many are found on the edge of cities as well as new developments and people moving into their territories.  There has got to be a predator/human balance as many of our friends, customers and Californians reside here and have been stalked and tracked by lions every year.  If you’re in California backcountry, you are looking over your shoulder.

Coyotes have been a rancher’s enemy for generations and are in every state.    They eat fawns, calf elk, along with rabbits and mice, etc…But when areas have population explosions, coyote will attack sheep, cattle and even your pets!!!

Hunters have to control the predator population or we won’t have any deer left.  The number of fawns that predators annually kill is staggering.  Bobcat seasons are open in most states and pelts are getting good prices.  With today’s calls, predator hunting is fun, easier than ever and you can hunt year round.  The best part is your doing your part to protect your deer herd and is a great way to keep in shape and sharpen your shooting skills too!

Crooked Horn Customers have taken up arms at the fight against predators.

Be sure to check out their successes in the video below. 

Pet Eating Bastards!

Crooked Horn Outfitters is located in the country where ranching and agriculture are common landscape.  Our family dog, Cheeto, was attacked last week by a couple coyotes within 30 yards of our office and that’s when we decided it was enough…  Crooked Horn is going to “declare war on predators”!  The plan is to shoot every coyote I can this year and forever.  We have connected with Extreme Dimension Wildlife Calls which have a variety of calls, scents, decoys and wigglers to bring predators in.  Two days after the dog attack I went out solo to hunt down those coyotes and within 2 calling sequences the coyotes were on me, not but 10-15 yards away.  My set up was wrong and I knew I was in a bad place; one coyote below me in the briar and one above stalking in to rush me.  I jumped up and let that 223 roar.  The wife commented when I returned “Thanks for seeking revenge for me and Cheeto”.  That struck me funny – Oh I’m not done - I’m declaring war on predators here at Crooked Horn Outfitters.

Cheeto is doing fine after a nights stay at the vet hospital, not to mention a very expensive vet bill.  I think I will stick to shooting those pet eating bastards as ammo is way cheaper than vets!!!

Crooked Horn’s Hit List

Before hunting predtors check with your state regulations

Coyote        Bobcats        Lions        Black Bear        Wolf        Wolverine        Brown Bear

The Crooked Horn Crew will be heading back to Alaska hunting the ultimate predator; Alaskan Brown Bear & wolves on the peninsula in October with Bruce Hallingstad.  Hopefully I bag two predators off my list!

Coming Soon!  We will be sharing with you what it takes to hunt or fish in Alaska; it’s a lot easier than most people think when fully prepared.  Alaska adventures last a lifetime. 

Crooked Horn customers have a special opportunity to come to Alaska to Bruce’s fishing lodge this summer and fish for silver salmon and most other fresh water varieties Alaska offers.  The Crooked Horn customer will receive a huge discount of the remaining trips still available.

For more information check out Bruce’s website and if you prefer, give our office a call (661) 822-3635.

Hope to see you in Alaska this summer

Lennis Janzen

26315 Trotter Drive | Tehachapi, CA  93561  (877) 722-5872

www.crookedhorn.com