Should we be shooting every coyote in range? Do we need to elevate our approach to a large-scale trapping regime? Would doing that even translate to tangible results for our beloved whitetail?

As a wildlife biologist and habitat consultant, this is a conversation I frequently have. Nearly every one of my clients asks about it, and rightfully so. They hire me to help produce the best possible conditions to grow trophy-class whitetail for quality deer hunting. It makes perfect sense that reducing the predator load on the landscape would have inverse effects on the deer numbers, right?

But what does science tell us about this approach? Are we truly utilizing our time efficiently when we set out to target coyotes? Or are there more productive techniques for improving white-tailed deer numbers?

Does Predator Control Really Help Your Deer Herd