Coyote Hunting, Tips and Tricks..

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Feb 23, 2010
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I'm looking for some advice on thinning out some coyotes around my house, they've already been taking a lot of our free range chickens and this is really starting to get old..

I'm looking to kill not trap..

any advice on calls, bait etc..

thanks..
 
there are several calls on the market. starting with cheap mouth call to elaborate remote electronic calls. most come with dvd or tape to learn techniques. get well hidden with a good vantage point, it helps to have someone calling from a different location than you as to not have them focused on you being the caller and shooter. sorta draw them in to 50 yards to your left if that makes sense. try and get wind in your favor too. good luck.
 
good advice, thanks..

I've also heard there are wounded rabbit calls, which would you recommend (animal sounds etc. )..

btw, if its not obvious yet, I've never hunted 'coyotes'..
 
Coyotes are sneaky, hard to shoot.

Some guinea hens will help out but they can be loud. I'd get a big Doberman or German Sheperd. I know this doesn't answer your question but it might help keep your place from being bothered and be easier. Hope this helps.
 
wounded rabbit is common, also try a fawn in distress. these will more than likely be talked about on the dvd/tape that is hopefully included with your call when you purchase. beware, it may bring in other predators. not sure what is around your area but i have called in bears, cougar, coyote and even angry whitetail does. if you are convincing enough there may even be predatory birds circling over head looking for a rabbit snack.
 
oh yeah, if you are in fact successful in killing some "dogs" be wise with the entrails or carcasses. move them far away from your property as it will only attract even more unsavory visitors.
 
I've used the wounded rabbit call with success.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is that you're gonna need to hunt at night. That's when the packs of coyote are hunting. Use the call until you hear the pack. Be patient. It may take a while for them to home in on you. If you're using night vision optics, then it's just a turkey shoot. If you don't have nite vision, try this: Take the lens out of a mag lite (or similar) and cut some circles of clear red plastic film. (cellophane, Ruby-Lith or other) and reassemble the flashlight with the red filter next to the lens. When you hear the "dogs" get close have your spotter/caller point the flashlight straight up with it on, then he can tilt the light down, toward the targets, so just the edge of the red light is reflected in their eyes. It's not enough light to scare them off. Shoot at will.

I've used this technique with success in the Nevada desert, although without a spotter/caller and with a bow and arrow. When the pack runs up on you in the dark with nothing between you and them but a creosote bush and one arrow, it gets the ol' heart pumping. Enjoy.
 
good idea sr45. rabbit has been my go to call as well but in my area i'm not allowed to shoot or hunt and night.
 
Best way to call a coyote is to catch a rabbit then nail it to a fence post :D


Old joke around here. I've only barely dabbled in calling them, but wounded rabbit is the most popular call by far among folks I know that hunt them.


Two thounsandth post!!!!!1!111!!!!!
 
coyotes are smart and are prone to smarten up even more when hunted and not successfully shot

rabbit calls are the most commonly used, practice a fair amount before heading out (don't want to have the above happen)

start softly and then slowly build up (they may be closer than you think), no need to be super loud

you want to mindful of the wind (many use a cover scent to help) and try for a commanding view, they will often circle in behind you, pay close attention, but don't make sudden movements

if you see one (or more coming) a small squeaker (little rubber bulb affair) is very handy to direct them in- it's quiet and can be operated one handed (or even under a foot)- coyotes have amazing hearing (and even better noses!)

camouflage is helpful, in the winter a simple set of white coveralls works well

get your known ranges squared away ahead of time, try not to miss (see first sentence :))- if you do miss try and call again, occasionally you can get one to come in again (albeit rarely)

give it some time before giving up and moving on, I usually give it 30 minutes, sometimes a little longer

having said all that, someone who has some skills trapping coyotes (these are difficult animals to trap as well) will be more successfully in ridding you of your problem, but obviously there goes the fun factor! :)
 
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