A thriving fur market was a pheasant’s best friend. Birds such as quail, grouse, pheasants, and other ground nesting species benefited dramatically because trappers kept the populations of raccoons, opossums, foxes, skunks, and the like in check. However, when the fur market collapsed, predator numbers exploded and you can witness the result. You are indeed the lucky one if your local game bird populations (or even rabbits) are the same as they once were.
Normally, hunters eat what they kill, but stink bugs, opossum, and coyotes fall into a different category. You want to check your local regulations carefully, but many varmint animals are just that, so hunters should reduce their numbers when they can. Sportsmen will spend many hours in their favorite stands and a silent arrow or a single shot will doubtfully ruin your season. Your efforts today may allow a nest of game birds to survive next spring.
