Coyote hunting in Battle Ground/Washougal Unit?

[fltche1]

I would like to get involved in coyote hunting. I live near the Battle Ground Unit and Washougal unit. I was wondering if anybody has done any coyote hunting in those areas or nearby and if they have had any success. I am no stranger to guns or hunting (I hunt deer and elk already) but I know very little about coyote hunting. Any tips? I plan on using my 7mm Rem Mag since it is what I have available to me and I like to make clean kills and I know it will do that (if I do my part and I realize that it is more gun than I need to kill a coyote). Any advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[shoot-em-dead]

As I'm sure you already know, The Battleground unit has firearm restrictions and you can't use the 7mm.  As far as coyote hunting in these areas, it is way tough. They smell you a mile off and rarely come in. But it can be done. Good luck.

[fltche1]

Yes I know about the shotgun only restriction. I have a shotgun available to me if I were to hunt the Battle Ground unit. I actually logged back on because I realized I forgot to mention that and I was going to fix it before somebody caught me on that. too late  .

And I assume you mean they don't show up at all with the calls or they stand off at a long distance?

[shoot-em-dead]

The calls will get their attention just the same as anyplace but a coyote lives by his nose. And his nose is probable the best there is. In western WA were visibility is restricted, it is tough to get everything just right. (wind,call type,terrain, ect) And the more times you try calling- the smarter they become. Every-time you call for dinner and there is none or he smells a human, you are training him to stay away. Now all these factors combined are tough to beat, but it CAN be done. I am not trying to discourage you in any way. I just want you to realize that it may take some time to figure it out.

[fltche1]

I understand what you mean. I don't find it discouraging. I think that is part of the joy of hunting is the challenge. If nothing else you get a nice hike (cross your fingers it isn't raining) and enjoy the outdoors. There is no such thing as a bad hunt only different levels of good ones. Even if your hunting coyote and you see deer that still pretty cool in my book because the animals are fascinating to watch (then cussing at the does wishing they were bucks and every now and again trying to wish antlers on them  ). I personally hunt because I like being outdoors away from the city. I like guns and I like to harvest meat but I also like the challenge. I find it addicting never knowing what is going to be over the next hill or what you might see next. That is just my  So it sounds like I should do ok with coyote hunting in the Washougal. I might even branch out into other units nearby.

[rynokron]

If you like a challange, you'll love westside coyote hunting.  Try and setup so your biggest opening is downwind so they have to expose themselves trying to wind the call. Good luck!

[jtw]

While calling bears in the washougal this year I called in a number of coyotes. Every time though I could hear them or see their ears pop up but never a clear shot. Brush was too thick. It might be better now though with winter coming.

[Arnbo]

While calling bears in the washougal this year I called in a number of coyotes. Every time though I could hear them or see their ears pop up but never a clear shot. Brush was too thick. It might be better now though with winter coming.

Now that the leaves have fallen and things are thinning out.
You can see farther then 50feet.

[fltche1]

This all sounds like good advice. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to using clearcuts? I was thing about setting up with a call just inside a timberline on a large clear cut to see if I could get them to cross for a nice long shot (as long as we get around here being more like 150-200 yards tops). Or would a coyote just run inside the timber because they prefer to move with the cover?

[shoot-em-dead]

Take advantage of the clear cuts as mentioned above, but don't rule out just sitting on a old abandoned  logging road either. They are everywhere and you just never know till you try it.

[fltche1]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will put it to use once work settles down a bit and I get my weekends back (The joy that is upcoming hollidays).