Parasite: biological definition - a plant or animal that lives on or in an organism of another species from which it derives sustenance or protection without benefit to, and usually with harmful effects, the host.

Coyotes can be very filthy critters! Members of the Phoenix Varmint Callers Inc. are reporting seeing and harvesting coyotes with lice, mange, and large infected looking polyps in their mouths. Parasites are no respecter of persons, if the coyotes starts to ‘cool off’ the next warm thing is a target of opportunity.

Here are a few very important rules about varmint hunting. PLEASE follow them all!

• Never touch an animal with your bare hands.
• If you do have contact, wash your hands immediately and spray or dowse your gloves and camo with flea and tick repellent.
• Put the harvested animal in a large plastic bag, then dump some flea and tick powder in. In a short time you will be amazed at the ‘pile’ of dead parasites in the bottom of the bag.
• Another way of destroying unwanted parasites is to plastic bag the animal, as above, and then put it in the freezer for at least a day before skinning.
• I do not recommend waiting to skin any type of predator after you get home, unless all the above steps have been done, and still not a good idea!
• Latex gloves are a must! These can be purchased at most medical supply stores for about $10 per 100, and in all sizes.
• Coyotes will eat anything and in return everything seems to be living on and eating coyotes.

Be smart. Be safe. Be sure.

Gary

AZOD Shooting Editor

Shooting@azod.com