This is the time of year that wildlife is easier to see and I sure like spotting it. I spend time peering into the woods as I check cattle and tootle down the highway. I know, tootling along on the highway is not an activity that persons using the same road like to see. I usually pull over and let the tail gaiter pass with a roar, but when I don't even notice someone behind me, it seems to sorta rankle that person's disposition. Just blame the wildlife!
I don't see many turkey along the creek and I sure would like to have it like it was 50 years ago. The turkey thrived around here and enjoyed good cover, water and feed. I suppose it could be compared to the demise of the bison; all but a few were killed out. Some restocking has been done and I am tickled to see a few now and then. I saw a good bunch this morning. Are a group of turkey a covey, a herd, a school or what? Doesn't really matter, I saw them!
The deer are so thick that I, for one, am concerned about the density of them. I am sure the overpopulation will bring on some sort of disease, and we know many fenders are dented by their shooting across roads. We always like to have venison in the freezer and we use each and every scrap of the meat, but I believe they are overpopulated in our area.
The fellers at the coffee emporium who sit around that round table discuss many subjects and this morning they were scientifically dissecting the exploding numbers of skunks. Not a one of them wants to trap the little darlings, but they all believe a bounty should be placed on the stinkers. The county government seems to be flush enough to pay some bounty and maybe save someone from rabies and all of us from the stench.
The coyote population is right behind on the docket. We fed them and they built families and more families. Now we aren't giving them the dead we gather from the broiler houses and, so, the coyotes have to kill to eat. More coyotes means more mouths to feed. I found a piece of a new calf in my steer pasture. Don't know if the calf was alive and killed by a coyote or if it was dead and cleaned up by a hungry one. I do know all the new calves are immediately on the menu if they are found early.
The fellers lamented the lack of quail around here. We can name several reasons we decimated that wonderful bird. One domesticated cat can wipe out a covey's entire egg production in a few nights of prowling. I, too, lament.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I sorta like the idea of bounty but just on specific species. Snake hides, or just the tails, should bring about $10 each and rattlers ought to be worth more. I would like to be as free of snakes as I am of cash on a regular basis, but I reckon it won't happen. Snakes and thistles, skunks and rats are sure to have some sort of value. My close relative says not to kill the critters, just move them to the barns. Doesn't she realize I go into the barns?
Keep your eyes peeled for bear and cougar and call if you see one!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 11/18/2015