MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany is currently hosting its first predator hunt for coyotes through June 18.
The purpose of the hunt is to help control the growing population of coyotes and protect small game and domestic animals aboard the base.
Hunters are only allowed to use bows during the hunt.
“The predator hunting season will aid in managing the coyote population and allow hunters to demonstrate their bow hunting skills because coyotes are extremely savvy,” said Al Belanger, game warden, Natural Resources, Installation and Environmental Branch, Installation and Environment Division, MCLB Albany.
By nature, coyotes are timid and shy animals that tend to steer clear of any potential danger and thus pose little threat to humans, according to www.gohuntgeorgia.com.
Contrary to popular belief, these animals do not hunt in packs, but rather are primarily solitary hunters. Despite these characteristics, problems sometimes do occur as these predators become increasingly tolerant of human interactions. Prevention is the best defense against nuisance coyotes, according to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coyote fact sheet.
Belanger said this will protect wildlife such as deer that are showing signs of giving birth and family pets including dogs and cats.
“This will help protect domestic animals because coyotes have been known to prey on small dogs and cats,” Belanger said. “However, since I have been the game warden here, I have not had any reports of domestic animals falling prey to coyotes.”
Hunting will be conducted in areas designated by Natural Resources.
“Check-in/check-out procedures for hunting have been established for the hunting period,” Belanger said. “This process must be followed in order to keep hunters safe and designated areas may change due to training requirements or other environmental surveys being conducted.”
Hunters must obtain Georgia state and a base hunting licenses before they can hunt on base, he explained.
“Each hunter must pass a short archery qualification course,” he said. “This is a proficiency exam to make sure each hunter can make ethical shots when hunting large or small game aboard the base. During this time, base regulations and safety requirements are explained.”
After attending and passing the archery course, hunters are assigned a number and are instructed to go to Building 5101 to purchase a base hunting license.
Belanger advises hunters not to buy a base hunting license until they have passed the archery course.
The game warden is also calling on base residents to assist in protecting small game and family pets.
“Although the houses have fenced-in yards, I would advise residents not to leave their pets outside unattended,” he said. “Also, do not leave any type of food, such as cat or dog food or table scraps, outside. This will lessen the opportunity for coyotes and other animals, such as raccoons or possums, to venture into the housing area looking for food.”
For more information, call the game warden at (229) 639-5188.