Wolfen, I would say that I am in the group that hates coyotes and I will explain why. When I was in high school there was a farm right by our school that I had permission to hunt. It was great because before I could drive I could just keep my bow in my locker (could you imagine a kid trying that today) and walk over and hunt after school. During my senior year the deer population dwindled to the point where I was lucky to even see a deer on that property. I asked the farmer what the deal was and he told me it was the coyotes. He also told me they were doing a number on his sheep since there were hardly any more deer. I talked to a classmate that lived in the area that said cats that were pets had been disappearing and one of the neighborhood dogs was killed. She even said one of her neighbors was afraid to have her baby outside in a carriage the coyotes had gotten so bold.

As a wildlife and fisheries science minor at Penn State, we did a comparitive analysis of deer densities and coyote densities in different areas and the results were staggering. I had no idea that coyotes could have such a profound effect on deer populations. If not kept in check, just like any other species, coyotes become a drain on the ecosystem.

With that being said, I do not have the lack of respect for them that you mentioned (and I know what you are referring to). I do believe they need to be kept in check and our local wardens encourage shooting them, but I still give them the same respect I give any other animal. If I am not absolutely sure about the quick fatality of the shot, I don't take it. Some have mentioned head shots with a bow and if they are confident in that shot great, go for it. My view is this; a coyote's head is about the size of a honeydew melon maybe smaller and not counting the snout. I know I can hit that at 20 yards, but with the contours of the skull and the bone of the snout the arrow could be deflected unless shooting at the side of the head. You add in real world situations of a moving living animal and it adds to the difficulty. I would prefer a shot through the vitals any day. If all I had was the side of the head and it was a perfectly clear shot I may take it, but it would take some serious consideration. The last thing I need is one of the land owners of the properties I am fortunate enough to have permission to hunt to see a dog (coyote) with an arrow sticking out of it suffering when I'm supposed to be deer hunting. You can bet I would be looking for new property to hunt on.

Those are my views on the subject and I know others will have differing views. My views are neither right nor wrong, just mine.