Night coyote hunting is something that is very fun to do, and a good way to harvest coyotes. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, so at night is the best time to spot one. Night hunting does require extra gear than day hunting, so be prepared to drop some money. There are a few extra tips as well that will be important to your success.
Night hunting does require some gear that you probably won't already have. While some of the equipment is not necessary, it can make your experience a lot better. Besides, who doesn't love an excuse to go buy $3,000 worth of hunting equipment? One thing that is essential to night hunting is a high power spotlight. I'm talking 1,000,000 candle power minimum. High candle power is important because you will need a light to spot a coyote at least 100 yards away and be able to see it through a scope. Another piece of equipment that is not necessary but can really help you, is night vision goggles. Who doesn't want some night vision goggles? These can be quite expensive but can allow you to see what is going on.
Night hunting is similar to day hunting, except you can't see when the coyotes walk out. This is where having night vision can really be an advantage, because you CAN see when they walk out. Without them, it adds a little guess work to your routine. While you are calling, you periodically have to scan the area with your spotlight to see if a coyote has walked out. I have had good results with scanning the area after about 5 minutes of calling. Remember that the coyotes will probably come in sooner than during the day because they are more active at night.
If you have not taken the opportunity to enjoy some night coyote hunting, I highly recommend that you do. It is a really fun experience and adds a new twist to your normal coyote hunting routine.
Showing posts with label calling coyotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calling coyotes. Show all posts
Coyote Bait
Using coyote bait is a technique that can be utilized to attract coyotes. It is not necessarily a technique that I use often, but it can be effective. Personally, I prefer to use calls to bring them in, but everyone has their own preference and goals. Coyote baiting is simply putting out some type of food to attract the coyotes into your hunting area. I have used anything from a dead carcass to spoiled meat.
I wanted to address this topic because there are some who like to do this method. However, there is not a lot to say about it. It’s pretty simple really, just put out something that is attractive to a coyote and wait. I think coyote baiting is a more of a technique that is utilized by people trying to rid their property of coyotes and are not necessarily hunters. I have seen farmers use bait to kill coyotes because it was easier for them than buying coyote calls and learning how to use them. However, for a true coyote hunter, this method seems a little unpractical compared to calling.
When it comes to using coyote bait, you want to place the bait upwind of where you think the coyotes are. If you have some animal carcasses or spoiled meat, it can work quite well. The idea is to have something with a lot of scent that is going to catch the attention of their noses. A freshly killed carcass can work very well also. I killed a deer one afternoon several years ago, and I had to field dress it in the dark. The spot where I dressed it was about 30 yards from a patch of woods, and I had the coyotes in those woods howling about 10 minutes after I opened up that deer. I left the guts lying and I’m sure they were devoured minutes after I left.
As I said in the story above, it was at night when the coyotes were howling at me, which should tell you that baiting is going to work best at night. Coyotes do most of their hunting and scavenging at night, and this is when you are going to have the most success. One thing to keep in mind is that coyote baiting and night hunting is illegal in a lot of areas, so be aware of the laws and always do the right thing.
I wanted to address this topic because there are some who like to do this method. However, there is not a lot to say about it. It’s pretty simple really, just put out something that is attractive to a coyote and wait. I think coyote baiting is a more of a technique that is utilized by people trying to rid their property of coyotes and are not necessarily hunters. I have seen farmers use bait to kill coyotes because it was easier for them than buying coyote calls and learning how to use them. However, for a true coyote hunter, this method seems a little unpractical compared to calling.
When it comes to using coyote bait, you want to place the bait upwind of where you think the coyotes are. If you have some animal carcasses or spoiled meat, it can work quite well. The idea is to have something with a lot of scent that is going to catch the attention of their noses. A freshly killed carcass can work very well also. I killed a deer one afternoon several years ago, and I had to field dress it in the dark. The spot where I dressed it was about 30 yards from a patch of woods, and I had the coyotes in those woods howling about 10 minutes after I opened up that deer. I left the guts lying and I’m sure they were devoured minutes after I left.
As I said in the story above, it was at night when the coyotes were howling at me, which should tell you that baiting is going to work best at night. Coyotes do most of their hunting and scavenging at night, and this is when you are going to have the most success. One thing to keep in mind is that coyote baiting and night hunting is illegal in a lot of areas, so be aware of the laws and always do the right thing.
Use Scents When Coyote Hunting
Coyotes just like any other mammals have an excellent sense of smell. You can use this to your advantage when you are coyote hunting. However, it could also ruin your hunt if the coyote gets a scent of something he doesn't like. There are two important concepts here, attracting scent and cover scent.
There are a couple of things you can do to keep the coyotes from getting a whiff of your body scent, and trust me, you don't want this. The most important thing is to always position yourself downwind of the coyotes. This is the best defense over any scent killer. The hard part is deciding where the coyotes will come from. It has been my experience that they usually come from the opposite side of human activity. If you are hunting near a road, put the road at your back. If there are houses nearby, the coyotes will probably come from the opposite direction of the houses. If you're out in the middle of nowhere away from anything resembling civilization, find a field and sit downwind in that field. At least you will know that any coyotes coming into the field will not get your scent.
Cover scents should also be used. You can find scent killer at any outdoor store, and Walmart usually carries it as well. To put it bluntly, scent killer products make you smell like dirt. They have an earth like smell to it and it does a pretty good job of covering your smell, given that you don't just reek of something abnormal. There are also scent killing soaps and laundry detergents if you are really paranoid about your scent. Theoretically, if you take a shower with scent killing soap, wash your clothes with scent killing detergent, and use the spray before you get in the field, your should be good to go. Personally I don't go this far with it, I just use the scent killer spray and position myself downwind of where I think the coyotes will be.
Using scents to attract coyotes is also an excellent way to improve your coyote hunting results. Some scents you can use for this is the urine of bobcats, fox, and rabbits. You can find all kinds of people out there who believe in one over the other, probably because they had a good or bad experience at one time or another with a particular scent and now bash it. My recommendation for you is to use all of them and see what works best for you.
There are a couple of ways to use the scent. You can buy scent releasing products that will release the scent for you. An example of this is scent bombs. Just spray the scent on the scent bomb and hang it from a tree limb. Another way that is popular is to apply some scent in a few places around your hunting spot. It is urine, so make it as if the animal was marking their spot. Just try different methods and remember the one that works the best.
There are a couple of things you can do to keep the coyotes from getting a whiff of your body scent, and trust me, you don't want this. The most important thing is to always position yourself downwind of the coyotes. This is the best defense over any scent killer. The hard part is deciding where the coyotes will come from. It has been my experience that they usually come from the opposite side of human activity. If you are hunting near a road, put the road at your back. If there are houses nearby, the coyotes will probably come from the opposite direction of the houses. If you're out in the middle of nowhere away from anything resembling civilization, find a field and sit downwind in that field. At least you will know that any coyotes coming into the field will not get your scent.
Cover scents should also be used. You can find scent killer at any outdoor store, and Walmart usually carries it as well. To put it bluntly, scent killer products make you smell like dirt. They have an earth like smell to it and it does a pretty good job of covering your smell, given that you don't just reek of something abnormal. There are also scent killing soaps and laundry detergents if you are really paranoid about your scent. Theoretically, if you take a shower with scent killing soap, wash your clothes with scent killing detergent, and use the spray before you get in the field, your should be good to go. Personally I don't go this far with it, I just use the scent killer spray and position myself downwind of where I think the coyotes will be.
Using scents to attract coyotes is also an excellent way to improve your coyote hunting results. Some scents you can use for this is the urine of bobcats, fox, and rabbits. You can find all kinds of people out there who believe in one over the other, probably because they had a good or bad experience at one time or another with a particular scent and now bash it. My recommendation for you is to use all of them and see what works best for you.
There are a couple of ways to use the scent. You can buy scent releasing products that will release the scent for you. An example of this is scent bombs. Just spray the scent on the scent bomb and hang it from a tree limb. Another way that is popular is to apply some scent in a few places around your hunting spot. It is urine, so make it as if the animal was marking their spot. Just try different methods and remember the one that works the best.
Coyote Hunting – The Best Call
This post is devoted to what I believe is the best call on the market today for coyote hunting. This is not a product review because I am not going to talk about any specific brand, although I might recommend a few. I will save product reviews for another post. This is about what I think is hands down the kind of coyote call that will give you the best results, other than just using coyote bait.
The call I'm talking about is the electronic remote predator call. These calls are the best for a couple of reasons: they don't require you to do anything but press a button, and they can be placed away from you and controlled with a remote.
The fact that all it requires is for you to press a button is good because it doesn't require that you control the sound or the calling sequence. The device comes preset with the proper sound and proper calling sequences. This means that a we can't screw it up for ourselves by making unrealistic sounds. Plus, I like the fact that I don't have to sit there and blow into it. I guess I'm just lazy :).
The fact that it can be placed away from you and remote controlled is equally as beneficial. One of the worst things about mouth calls is that the sound is coming directly from you. This means, when the coyotes are headed your way, they will be looking directly at you. Anyone who has ever been spotted by a coyote while calling knows they don't hang around long when they figure out you are there. With a remote caller, you can place the sound source several yards away from you and control it with a remote. In my opinion, this is invaluable. I enjoy getting in deer stands and placing these at the base of the stand. This way can see them coming from a long ways away, and minimize you chance of getting busted.
There are many brands out there that make these calls at different price ranges. It is best to find the price range that fits you. One brand I am particularly fond of is Foxpro, they make excellent predator calls. However, they are kind of pricy for equipment that is just used for coyote hunting.
The call I'm talking about is the electronic remote predator call. These calls are the best for a couple of reasons: they don't require you to do anything but press a button, and they can be placed away from you and controlled with a remote.
The fact that all it requires is for you to press a button is good because it doesn't require that you control the sound or the calling sequence. The device comes preset with the proper sound and proper calling sequences. This means that a we can't screw it up for ourselves by making unrealistic sounds. Plus, I like the fact that I don't have to sit there and blow into it. I guess I'm just lazy :).
The fact that it can be placed away from you and remote controlled is equally as beneficial. One of the worst things about mouth calls is that the sound is coming directly from you. This means, when the coyotes are headed your way, they will be looking directly at you. Anyone who has ever been spotted by a coyote while calling knows they don't hang around long when they figure out you are there. With a remote caller, you can place the sound source several yards away from you and control it with a remote. In my opinion, this is invaluable. I enjoy getting in deer stands and placing these at the base of the stand. This way can see them coming from a long ways away, and minimize you chance of getting busted.
There are many brands out there that make these calls at different price ranges. It is best to find the price range that fits you. One brand I am particularly fond of is Foxpro, they make excellent predator calls. However, they are kind of pricy for equipment that is just used for coyote hunting.
Coyote Hunting - Importance of Location
Coyote Hunting – Importance of Location
Location is something I have talked about before, but I want to devote an entire post to this because, basically, it can make or break your hunt. There are two different kinds of location that apply to coyote hunting: the geographical location you choose to do your hunt, and the spot you choose to sit in.
The geographical location is important because you don't want to hunt on property that is not inhabited by coyotes. This sounds pretty obvious, but you would be surprised in the people who hunt locations that are exactly that. There are several ways to find places to perform your hunt. If you know of places that have coyotes, then you have it pretty easy. Just go to that place.
If you need land to hunt on, you can ask local farmers in your area, they will usually be glad to have the coyotes thinned out. The good thing about coyotes, there are more places with them than without them. Coyotes have even been known to live in urban areas. Local farmers will usually know if there are coyotes and where they are more likely to be, so be sure to pick them for any information they have. There are many public hunting lands located throughout the country, any of these places would be great places to hunt. The only downside is that it may be hit or miss on finding coyotes.
Once you find your location to hunt, you have to decide where you are going to sit. One thing you want to look for when choosing your calling location is an open field that you can lure the coyotes into. If you have a deer stand to or blind to get into, that would be ideal. If not, you have to pick a spot to sit. You definitely don't want to sit out in the open if you can help it. If they spot you, then your hunt is over. If you're going to sit on the edge of a field, and can't decide which side to sit on, consider what human activity is close to that field. If there is a road, house, or something related to where people might be, sit on that side. It seems that in most of my hunts, coyotes come from the opposite side of any signs of people.
Your experiences my give you different results than mine. I just know what I have seen in the field. The important thing is that you have to get out there and see what works for you.
Location is something I have talked about before, but I want to devote an entire post to this because, basically, it can make or break your hunt. There are two different kinds of location that apply to coyote hunting: the geographical location you choose to do your hunt, and the spot you choose to sit in.
The geographical location is important because you don't want to hunt on property that is not inhabited by coyotes. This sounds pretty obvious, but you would be surprised in the people who hunt locations that are exactly that. There are several ways to find places to perform your hunt. If you know of places that have coyotes, then you have it pretty easy. Just go to that place.
If you need land to hunt on, you can ask local farmers in your area, they will usually be glad to have the coyotes thinned out. The good thing about coyotes, there are more places with them than without them. Coyotes have even been known to live in urban areas. Local farmers will usually know if there are coyotes and where they are more likely to be, so be sure to pick them for any information they have. There are many public hunting lands located throughout the country, any of these places would be great places to hunt. The only downside is that it may be hit or miss on finding coyotes.
Once you find your location to hunt, you have to decide where you are going to sit. One thing you want to look for when choosing your calling location is an open field that you can lure the coyotes into. If you have a deer stand to or blind to get into, that would be ideal. If not, you have to pick a spot to sit. You definitely don't want to sit out in the open if you can help it. If they spot you, then your hunt is over. If you're going to sit on the edge of a field, and can't decide which side to sit on, consider what human activity is close to that field. If there is a road, house, or something related to where people might be, sit on that side. It seems that in most of my hunts, coyotes come from the opposite side of any signs of people.
Your experiences my give you different results than mine. I just know what I have seen in the field. The important thing is that you have to get out there and see what works for you.
Predator Calling
Predator calling in general was how I got started in coyote hunting. Originally my goal was to call in a bobcat. I had read articles on bobcat callinga and found out that I need a rabbit in distress call. This was an all around basic tool used for predator calling. I read that this simple call will call in just about any type of predator if they are in hearing range of it. I put it to the test and sure enough, in came a predator. To my surprise, however, I called in an owl! I had heard that bobcats come out at night so I decided thats when I would try it out. I called for about half an our, then I became discouraged and left. When I stood up from the base of the tree where I was sitting, an owl flew off a branch right above my head. Scared me to death!
This was my first experience with this type of call. Today, I still use this same one and it goes with me whenever I go hunting. As a matter of fact, I take an assortment of calls with me whenver I hunt. You never know when you might get the chance to call in an animal. Once you get this thrill, you will love it.
I will talk more about the rabbit in distress hand call in future post. But my main point is that calling coyote isn't just limited to coyote. You can pretty much call in any predator with the right calls. However, there are some calls that are specific to coyotes, and I will discuss them at a later time.
This was my first experience with this type of call. Today, I still use this same one and it goes with me whenever I go hunting. As a matter of fact, I take an assortment of calls with me whenver I hunt. You never know when you might get the chance to call in an animal. Once you get this thrill, you will love it.
I will talk more about the rabbit in distress hand call in future post. But my main point is that calling coyote isn't just limited to coyote. You can pretty much call in any predator with the right calls. However, there are some calls that are specific to coyotes, and I will discuss them at a later time.
Welcome to The Coyote Hunting Blog
Welcome to my site on coyote hunting and calling coyotes. Over the years I have developed a love for hunting and especially coyote hunting. I have started this blog to share with you some of my experiences and what I have learned from each one. I have done a lot of experimenting with different ways of calling animals, and I hope to let you in on some secrets I have learned. Maybe this will save you from the failures I have experienced.
I love to hunt coyotes for several reasons. One, I can pretty much hunt them all year long. One thing I hate is having to wait all year long for the other hunting seasons to come along. With coyotes, I can do it anytime. Another thing I love is being able to shoot as many as I want. This is probably the best part because I love guns and I love to shoot them at things, especially live animals! Another thing I love about hunting those varmits is exactly what this site is about, hunting coyotes! I love trying new equipment in field and tinkering with gadgets, and I get to do this with calls.
I also enjoy spending time at the outdoor store and wishing I owned everything in it. I swear if I was a millionaire I wouldn't have enough space to fit all of my hunting equipment. Waiting for the new coyote calls to come out each year is like waiting for christmas for me. So stay tuned and hopefully I can share some helpful experiences with you.
I love to hunt coyotes for several reasons. One, I can pretty much hunt them all year long. One thing I hate is having to wait all year long for the other hunting seasons to come along. With coyotes, I can do it anytime. Another thing I love is being able to shoot as many as I want. This is probably the best part because I love guns and I love to shoot them at things, especially live animals! Another thing I love about hunting those varmits is exactly what this site is about, hunting coyotes! I love trying new equipment in field and tinkering with gadgets, and I get to do this with calls.
I also enjoy spending time at the outdoor store and wishing I owned everything in it. I swear if I was a millionaire I wouldn't have enough space to fit all of my hunting equipment. Waiting for the new coyote calls to come out each year is like waiting for christmas for me. So stay tuned and hopefully I can share some helpful experiences with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)