[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Coyotes may be hunted and/or trapped year around in Florida. However, as I believe I have previously pointed out, there is virtually no place in The Villages where it would be legal to discharge a firearm.

The coyote problem can only be addressed by the Morse family, if they choose to do so, by hiring licensed trappers to work on the problem in the open areas owned by the family.

Only licensed trappers may sell the coyote hides. Apparently there is a market for this.

The coyotes will never all be eliminated. It has been tried in a lot of locations, without success.

Do not let your pets roam free. They can be snatched up in seconds.

Originally Posted by NoMoSno

Actually it is legal to protect life or property.
The sheriff in Mulberry station confirmed this.
Of course once it leaves the muzzle you own it.
New Florida law bans backyard shooting ranges
You can't go out and hunt them in a residential area, but a revolver loaded with 22 blanks would likely get them running.

Well, I confess to a certain level of confusion. I have spent a career (now retired) as a Deputy Sheriff in Florida, and we have never been taught that deadly force could be used to "protect property." (As much as we love them, dogs are, in fact, "property.") Firing a firearm is deadly force.

Assuming that the information which you received is correct, which I still doubt, then I wonder why "You can't go out and hunt them in a residential area."

A person who has a concealed weapons license can surely walk abroad carrying a concealed pistol while walking his dog. And, according to your information, the person can discharge the firearm to "protect property."

Remember it is a felony to discharge a firearm from a "vehicle," so don't be shooting from your golf cart.

I have a feeling that if someone shoots a coyote within The Villages with a lawfully possessed pistol, that person will, nonetheless, take a ride to jail.