When season starts

[foxtrot]

I have always thought the middle of October is to early to harvest predators.The fur is not prime to fetch a good price but if you wait until November quite a few have already been eliminated by the early birds.I liked it when the season North of Rt. 80 came in earlier than the southern part.How does everyone else feel about this?

[uncle buck]

When predator Hunting new hunters need to pay their dues!
They need to fail greatly to get better! So I have encouraged new hunters to get out there and learn right off when the season starts.
Also farmers want you to reduce predator numbers so that's why you gained entry to hunt to help them.
Also with the later start predators in the Northern tier are somewhat prime! That extra week helps fur prime in the Northern  tier!
now if I was going to trap! I'm I'm actually a better trapper then a shooter!
I might wait a bit if I was going to trap! I could really impact the fur on a farm if I decide to trap!
I do call in predators early and even with 26 years of experience my weakness is shooting rifles at night. I need to improve that area of my calling so me to I need start early. The more time in field you get better!

[Buckwheat]

Foxtrot
I hunt when ever I can go so the longer a season is the better for me.  Work and time dictate when I hunt, some times only a few hours at a time. I do not hunt predators for the fur, I hunt everything because I like to hunt and get to eat some of the types of game I get to hunt. The price and the quailty of fur should not drive a sport. I can remember years you could not hardly give a shot fox away. To many hunters and trappers lose sight of the sport when fur prices and money dictates any sport. My moto is go hunt when and what you can with the time you have and just enjoy it.

[predator77]

I never went out before season until this year. I have seen more coyotes than ever and I plan on going out as much as I can before bowhunters and small game comes in. I'm all for the early season because of work and other obligations. Some people, including myself just hunt predators for the sport and not the fur. I (like so many) compete with other hunters who can get out more than me and trappers who have traps out 24 hrs a day 7 days a week once season opens. I have never made a dollar from an animal.

[jerad188]

I hunt all year round for coyotes because its addicting and I can never get enough of it, plus I do it for practice and learning more about them, so when the big money paying coyote hunts come around I have a better chance. I used to love archery more then anything but predator hunting is by far my favorite now. Last archery season I found myself carrying my gun instead of my bow a few times

[foxtrot]

I'm kind of surprised at the responses.I enjoy predator hunting as much as the next guy but feel they should be harvested when they are prime and can be put to good use.In some cases there is damage control issues throughout the year that need to be addressed but thats a little different.

[Buckwheat]

Foxtrot
My furs shot early are put to good use. Just not as much money. Like i said, money should not be the driving force when setting seasons.,,@

[foxtrot]

The money is not what I'm talking about at all.Its the idea of shooting a furbearer that could be better utilized if one could show a little restraint and wait a couple more Weeks.I take a lot of pride in having a nice prime well prepared pelt to show for my efforts instead of one you can see daylight through and you feel like you just wasted your time skinning.I don't think I would predator hunt if I just shot and kicked them in a hole like a ground hog. 

[Hern]

I feel the opening dates are fine.
Folks have the choice to start. Most should consider where they live in the state and know when to go after 'me.

Early season goods are saleable for Coyote, Greys & Reds.
Early Raccoon are iffy most seasons and will really bring your sale average down. Hold back a bit on Coon. Mountain Coon or Ridge Coon seem to prime faster.

When I wanted to harvest high numbers of canines, I would start as soon as possible. Back when we had split season, I would start north of Rt. 80.
Most high number guys, today, start on day one. They know their average may be slightly lower but the numbers outweigh the early goods for the most part. Also, 'numbers' may get you a good price for those goods (bargining power).

[foxtrot]

Good points Hern.Thanks

[Buckwheat]

Hern
Thanks for clearing that up with such a good information. I was starting to get unsure when I might start.   I think I will go when ever I get a chance.