Coyote Hunting Tips And Tricks

   Well I got to talking with Kevin Jones from idahopursuit about coyote hunting and we talked about some tips and trick on what to do on how to get a coyote. The first thing like any hunting is scouting. It doesn't make sense to hunt something that isn't there. So go out and look for sign like tracks or poop. Then look for an entry point that you think they would be coming in at. The only thing about that is you never know where or when they will be coming unless you hear them.

   Before you go out and get a nice coyote you need what kind of equipment to use. I usually take a 12 gauge shotgun with either buck shot or heavy shot coyote with me; or you can use you best deer rifle or a .222 or .223 if you are hunting for fur. Take some camo. This isn't like going squirrel hunting where you can take a t-shirt and jeans. They can see pretty good in the day or night. The main thing you need is a call. I like to use a mouth blown call like my Ozark Custom Calls or you can use an electronic call as well. Lastly bring some scent killer. Coyotes can smell really well. Last summer a guy from Foxpro came to a seminar in my town and said that he used to never let anyone eat, drink , or smoke in his truck before coyote hunting and made the people at the drive through throw his food in the bed of his truck so it wouldn't stink it up. Another thing I like to use is a Mojo critter decoy so they get more focused on that than your scent or you moving around.

Now calling them in is the most important thing. When I walk in I let everything settle down for about 15 mins to a half an hour before I start to call. Then I start off calling really light just in case there are any coyotes around the area that are close enough because if you start just blowing your call or have the volume to the max you'll scare them away in a heart beat and noting will come for the rest of the night. around this time of year it's like the rut they only have on thing on their minds and everyone knows what that means. So I start off with a female lonesome howl which is long and kinda sad sounding. I do about three of those with about a 5-10 minute duration in between. Then is that doesn't work try and use an aggressive howl witch has some barks in the beginning.I usually use the same duration in between like the lonesome howl. Then if that doesn't work I use a distress call like a cottontail or a house cat in distress.I do that for about 5-10 mins then a 10-15 minute duration in between. Lastly if all else fails I use some pup whines cause they'll come running to that. Also a lot of people will say if you don't see them in a half an hour then leave but that's not true. They could be quiet or in the area so I usually wait for an hour maybe an hour and a half tops. So I hope this helps with everything. And if anybody has anything else to add please comment.