Of course I agree that anecdotes aren't science, but when viewed objectively, there can be lessons learned from them. Isn't part of habitat conservation managing the pressure on that habitat? In working with biologists down here, our population objectives were in line with what the habitat could support in a bad year, and it was quite difficult to do because of the ebbs and flows of which you speak, so I understand that for sure.
I also understand the problems with predator control you describe, especially with population dependent breeders like coyotes, it's efficacy is questionable for sure, but in the case of severely depressed game populations, where things get out of balance, isn't some form of control necessary?
If you haven't read "Coyote Man" by Ray Alcorn, I highly recommend it.
I'll check out the book. THanks for the recommendation!
Here's where I get lost on the issue of killing predators to increase game populations (again, beyond the ethics and economics of it) - I don't think the math actually works out. If we don't have enough game to share with our four-legged hunting compatriots, perhaps we shouldn't be hunting in those areas for a while. Humans cause more loss of game than any toothy critter. We are the ones who can control what we kill & how. Wolves, bears, lions, etc, are just making a living.