Coyote Hunting Basics

How to Hunt Coyotes

Coyotes are a favorite among predator hunters in North America and an important aspect of conservation. Coyote hunting strategies vary across different regions of the country. In the open fields and agricultural areas of the Midwest and Great Plains, hunters often rely on long-range shooting tactics and use high-powered rifles and scopes. Setting up in these wide-open spaces involves finding elevated ground for better visibility and using decoy or electronic calls to attract coyotes from a distance.

In the densely wooded areas of the Northeast and Southeast, coyote hunters often move quietly and utilize shotguns for close-range shooting. Using mouth calls or distress calls can be effective in these environments, as well as setting up near natural travel corridors such as creek beds or game trails.

Hunters should consider environmental factors and gear accordingly when hunting coyotes. Adapting to different terrains and using appropriate tactics for attracting and shooting coyotes will increase the likelihood of a successful hunt. Here are a few coyote hunting tips to get you started.

Gear You Need to Hunt Coyotes

To hunt coyotes effectively, you will need essential gear such as an accurate rifle, shooting sticks or bipod for stability, warm clothing and boots, and good coyote calls. Additionally, it's essential to have a quality binocular (usually night vision or thermal) and a capable rangefinder for scouting and accurate distance measurements. A butt pad for comfortable shooting, and warm baselayers for staying comfortable during long hours of waiting are also necessary for a successful coyote hunt.

When selecting a rifle for coyote hunting, choose a lightweight and accurate option chambered in a caliber suitable for coyotes, such as .223 or .22-250. Using shooting sticks or a bipod will provide stability for making precise shots. Good coyote calls are crucial for luring them in, and a variety of calls such as distress, howling, and pup calls are essential for different hunting scenarios.

Finding Coyote Habitat

Coyotes are commonly concentrated in a variety of habitats. They live everywhere - from the high country of the Rocky Mountains, to the arid deserts of Mexico, and even in the humid everglades of Florida. Identifying areas with a high concentration of prey is important when looking for potential coyote habitat. Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and will often concentrate in areas with abundant food sources such as rodents, rabbits, and deer. Snow tracks can be used to locate potential hunting spots, as coyotes leave distinct tracks in the snow when searching for food.

Spring deer birthing areas are also significant potential feeding grounds for coyotes. Female deer give birth in specific areas, and these spots become hotspots for coyotes looking for easy prey. Understanding the significance of these birthing areas can help in identifying suitable coyote habitat.

Using snow tracks to locate areas with a high prey concentration and keeping an eye on spring deer birthing areas are essential strategies for finding potential coyote habitat. These practices can help in identifying prime hunting spots and potential feeding grounds for these adaptable predators.

Calling Coyotes

Coyote calling is a hunting technique used to attract and lure coyotes towards the hunter. This method involves using various sounds to mimic the natural noises made by distressed or wounded prey, in order to attract the attention of the coyotes. By using specialized calls and electronic callers, hunters can effectively mimic the sounds of rabbits, rodents, or other small mammals, in order to entice the coyotes within range for a shot. This hunting tactic requires patience, skill, and knowledge of coyote behavior in order to successfully draw them in for a shot. Understanding the different types of calls and the appropriate timing for their use is crucial for a successful hunting experience. Coyote calling can be a thrilling and challenging hunting method for those seeking to manage coyote populations or to hunt for fur and meat.

Locator Calls

Locator calls are an essential tool when hunting coyotes. If you've been in the woods long enough, you've probably heard these sorts of coyote vocals. These calls mimic the sounds of other animals or birds to locate the presence of a nearby coyote. The best times to use locator calls are during the early morning and late afternoon when coyotes are most active. It is important to mark the location of any response to the call, as this will help you plan your approach and increase your chances of success.

To maximize the effectiveness of locator predator calls, it is crucial to research and understand the natural prey and predators in the area. This will help you choose the right type of locator call that will attract the attention of coyotes. Additionally, using locator calls in conjunction with distress calls can be a powerful strategy. After using a locator call to locate the coyotes, switch to a distress call to lure them in.

In conclusion, locator calls are an effective tool for coyote hunting, especially when used during the early morning and late afternoon. By marking the location of any response to the call and using it in conjunction with distress calls, hunters can maximize their chances of success in attracting and hunting coyotes.

Distress Calling

Distress calls are crucial for successful coyote calling as they mimic the sounds of injured or distressed prey, which can attract curious coyotes looking for an easy meal. Common types of prey in distress calls include rabbit, bird and rodent distress sounds. (We love the rabbit distress call) Varying the distress calls is important as it can create a sense of urgency and realism, increasing the chances of luring in coyotes. Sometimes, a calling set up will include a pup distress call to get an incoming coyote in range. 

Matching the distress sound to the surrounding habitat is essential for a convincing call. For example, using a bird distress call in open fields and a rodent distress call in wooded areas can increase the effectiveness of the call. Additionally, howling during the breeding season can be highly effective for attracting coyotes, as they are more responsive and territorial during this time.

In summary, using distress calls and varying the types of distress sounds are crucial for successful coyote calling. Matching the distress sound to the surrounding habitat and employing howling during the breeding season can significantly increase the chances of calling in coyotes.

Calling Sequences

To create an effective coyote-calling sequence, start with a series of initial howls to attract coyotes in the area. Use electronic calls with a wide range of sounds, such as howling coyotes, to mimic the natural sounds of the wild. After the initial howls, incorporate periods of silence to create a sense of realism and lure curious coyotes closer.

To amplify the effect, use different vocalizations to mimic multiple coyotes, varying the pitch and intensity to create the illusion of a larger pack. Manipulate the volume and movement of the electronic calls to give the impression of coyotes moving through the area, adding to the authenticity of the sequence.

End the calling sequence with distress calls to further lure in the coyotes. The distress calls are particularly effective in grabbing the attention of coyotes, who may be drawn in to investigate potential prey or competitors in distress.

By using a combination of howls, different vocalizations, and distress calls, as well as manipulating the volume and movement of the electronic calls, you can create a compelling and realistic calling setup to attract and entice coyotes in the area.

Set the Perfect Stand

When setting the perfect stand for coyote hunting, it's crucial to consider several key strategies. First and foremost, pay close attention to the wind direction. Coyotes have a keen sense of smell, so positioning yourself downwind from where you expect the coyotes to approach is essential.

Elevation is also an important factor. Try to find a stand location that provides a good vantage point, allowing you to see and shoot over a wide area. Additionally, be sure to blend in with your surroundings by using effective camouflage. Breaking up your outline with natural foliage or a camo blind can make a significant difference in remaining undetected.

Before choosing a stand location, it's crucial to scout for coyotes. Look for their tracks, droppings, and other signs to determine their movement patterns. This will help you select the best spot to set up your stand.

Ultimately, the success of your coyote hunt will rely on finding the perfect stand location. By considering wind direction, elevation, camouflage, and scouting, you can increase your chances of successfully harvesting a coyote.

Coyote Hunting Guns and Loads

Coyote guns are an important consideration when getting started. This is an often-debated topic, but, generally speaking, .223 or .22-250 rifles are both a very popular coyote hunting rifle. These cartridges offer flat trajectories and high velocity, making them ideal for accurate shots at longer ranges. 

When selecting ammunition, it's important to consider bullets designed to expand on impact, such as Hornady V-Max or Nosler Ballistic Tip. These bullets provide quick, clean kills and minimize pelt damage, which is crucial for fur preservation.

In wooded areas, shotguns are a viable option for coyote hunting. A 12-gauge shotgun with a tight choke, such as Full or Extra Full, is recommended for longer ranges. For close-range encounters, a Modified or Improved Cylinder choke can provide a wider spread. Ammunition options for shotguns include 3-inch magnum loads with BB or T shot for maximum stopping power.

Overall, the key factors to consider for coyote hunting firearms and ammunition are accuracy, stopping power, and fur preservation. By selecting the right cartridges, rifles, and shotguns, hunters can effectively and ethically pursue coyotes while preserving their pelts.

Conclusion

Coyotes offer an exciting and important predator hunt for many in North America. It's important for hunters to adapt to different terrains and use appropriate tactics for attracting and shooting coyotes in order to increase the likelihood of a successful hunt. By considering environmental factors, using the appropriate calling sequences, and gearing up accordingly, hunters can improve their chances of a successful coyote hunt. These tips can help novice hunters get started and be more effective in their pursuit of coyotes during hunting season.