Armadillos

[freedomhunter]

So I was out this evening and didn't see squat but an armadillo that came within 5 yards while ground hunting.  After reading FWC's website I learned that they are not even native to FL.  I also read they eat eggs  http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=750139   Problem for turkey and quail.

I was really thinking about taking this one, but in the end I am not eating it.  Any other reasons to shoot on site.

Oh and what an ugly looking critter.

[The Whittler]

I was taught from when I started to hunt around 5 or 6 with my dad, if your not going to eat it then leave it alone. I taught the same ethics to my son. Killing just because I can, I don't think so.

[fmscan]

I understand not killing what you won't eat.... However if I kill a coyote, crow etc. I feel like I am saving a turkey, grouse or fawn. I hunt in upstate ny and the coyotes and crow are everywhere! I figure a lot of people hunt deer and turkey but VERY FEW HUNT coyotes & crows.

[freedomhunter]

I agree up to a point.  Coyotes are a huge problem and I will take the opportunity if given the chance.  I don't believe the guys are eating the pythons down in the everglades after they are killed, but they are another huge invasive species that are decimating deer and other game.

Can't say that about the armadillo though.  They are an invasive species and like to destroy lawns, gardens, and peoples foundations of homes, but out in the woods besides the egg issue are they a threat.  I don't know that's why I am asking.  I let the little guy go today.

I've heard they carry leprosy! that is enough for me not to bother with them!

Bisch

[ChuckC]

I also have a hard time shooting just to kill something any more.  Not saying it is bad, but as I get older, I am not into it.  OK, if I see a field of ground squirrels or a river of carp, I rescind my last statement.

ChuckC

[Bill Kissner]

A lot of people shoot them that are not hunters. I know several that live in LA that hate what they do to the shrubbery around their homes.

[Blackhawk]

Where do you draw the line on what animal is worthy of living or dying?  What's your criteria?

Would you kill a fly or a mosquito?

Just wondering out loud...  

[freedomhunter]

Really didn't want this post to turn into a moral type deal.  Sorry if bothered some.  I just wanted to see if there were other negatives about this 4 legged critter.  If not I will most likely leave them alone, especially with the leprosy, which is true.  Problem is I think you have to ingest the meat or mess with its organs, not sure but that's what I have heard.

[Cavscout9753]

I don't really mind killing things I won't eat, raccoon, coyote, crow, etc. But out in the bush an armadillo kill is just a lost arrow at best (I'm not keep one that "could" have leprosy). The wood folks use to make baskets out of their shells and stuff, haha. Around my house, yes they dig up my beds and it annoys me. If I ever plant something expensive and it happens to kill it I wouldn't be above shooting it. Its up to you. Think HH shot bald eagles..

[DDawg]

As a general  rule I don't  kill something I won't eat... But I will shoot a coyote on sight!    

[wscruggs]

I shoot them just like I do coyotes or wild pigs.  Just a nuisances animal.

[fmscan]

Not trying to rationalize killing, the older I get the more it bothers me, that said nothing goes to waste in nature. If I take a squirrel, woodchuck, crow or coyote etc. and leave it, I go back in two days it's gone. Seems like grouse, pheasants, rabbits and woodcock are not seen like when I was a kid. Really think "egg eaters" and environment are the problem. This is a good discussion to have...

[Etter]

Random killing of armadillos or coyotes is doing nothing to control their populations.  All you are doing is expelling your own blood lust.  Armadillos are not anywhere near the nest predators that coons, opossums, skunks, etc are.  Do you kill them on sight?

[JamesV]

I have trapped 37 armadillos in my yard the past two years. Shot everyone in the trap. Everything else I caught got a pass.

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

They destroy my yard, can potentially cripple a horse or cow with their holes, and they make fun targets when I need to "expell my own bloodlust" as someone stated. They're a nuisance and I feel great satisfaction when I remove one from the earth. Same as I do when I swat a fly or shoot a carp.

[Izzy]

Sounds like you didn't feel compelled to kill him so you didn't. Hawks kill a bunch of turkeys and other game and nobody is worried about them.

   If they're legal to shoot, do what you can live with. Shoot on sight? I reserve that for lethal threats.

[JJY]

Hawks and all raptors are a federally protected species, armadillos are not so not exactly a fair comparison. I know alot of wildlife managers and farmers/ranchers who worry/dislike raptors for the damage they can do to what ever it is they are trying to manage/raise. Just not much they can do about them without severe penalty.

[SELFBOW19953]

Armadillos dig up yards, gardens, etc. looking for worms, their main diet.  As I remember it, they don't have teeth.  Actually, they aren't bad eating.  My grandmother wanted an armadillo shell purse, so we caught one, killed it, skinned it out and ate it.  They don't see well, but have good noses.  They make excellent survival food.

[fnshtr]

We have removed many natural predators and need to take their place. All creatures need to be kept in a healthy balance.

I've joked that 'possums are so ugly nothing wants to eat them... so God designed that they should walk out in front of cars at night.

"let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over all cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Eating is not the only legitimate reason for killing.

JMO