Share your tactics and help cut down the population

[kglacken]

Everyone knows that if we can eliminate some predators, our deer and elk herds would be stronger. I think it would be a good idea if we started a thread about your tactics. It can be either westside advice or eastside. I personally would like some more info on wes side hunting. Now this is not a thread for places to go. Thats up to the hunter, but it would be great to share tactics, tips and maybe some tricks that have always worked for you. I know everyone wants to cut down the predator population, so lets spread some advice around and get people more educated on the sport.

Here are some topics to get started.

Do you hunt clearcuts or timber? Mornings or evenings? What calls? Is the calling different for bobcats and coyotes? Does the snow help in anyway?
Hopefully we all can learn something from this thread! 

[Turner89]

Good Idea Kglacken. I want to hear some ideas on the west side also.

[jess]

double set of victor #3 under a chunk of rotten salmon.. Oh yeah my bad the tree huggers took that tool away from us.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

First light has been good to me. Fawn distress loud at first then muffled with hands. Only brought in coyotees.

[jayrod9528]

Tactics when predator hunting? This is a very difficult thing to narrow down. The main thing I would say is be willing to adapt. I have heard so many times that a coyote will not do this or they wont do that or they always do this. Every time somebody has told me a rule about coyote hunting I have witnessed a coyote break that rule. For instance I have always been told a coyote will not come from down wind and that wind is very important. Then I went hunting with another member on here (They will remain nameless) and he was smoking a cigarette on the way into the stand when we set up the wind is blowing strait at our back. I was thinking their was no way a coyote is coming into this stand. Then guess what after 5 minutes of calling here one comes strait into the wind. I'm not saying that this is the way to hunt and I believe this to be the exception and not the rule. However the point is don't let somebody make a rule for you take what people say and try it but, don't be afraid to try something different it just may work. With that being said I like wind in my face, sun at my back, don't skyline yourself, use good cover, if a dog is coming let it come, practice shooting, sit as still as you can, use your eyes only to scan don't use your neck, use binos not your scope, don't slam your doors on the way into the stand, watch where you step, and if you call a dog in kill it DO NOT EDUCATE DOGS! Have fun and good luck! 

[Mumbles]

Can you successfully get them close enough for a lethal bow shot?

[jayrod9528]

Can you successfully get them close enough for a lethal bow shot?

100% no question. Not saying it's going to be easy but, if you get good enough cover and a good set up it can be done.

[huntingfool7]

Get some elevation or use a tree stand.  It's easier to see them first if you're looking down on them.

[JimmyHoffa]

I haven't called any in lately...but when I was in an area that had lots of cotton tails, I would use a little squeal type call and they would come in.  This was at night and they wouldn't approach from the roads or fields, but would be right at the edge under the trees.
Also, I've heard that timing during the year can help out.  Around March the trees still aren't growing new foliage and the grass should still be dormant so they have least amount of cover.  Hopefully still some snow too.  And the other critters don't start dropping their babies (usually) until it is somewhat safe for avoiding the worst of the weather.  The time when there is the least amount of food in the woods is just before the new crop arrives.  So the predators should be hungriest around that time frame and more likely to respond to baits and calls.

[westsidehunter]

Okay ducks did not work last nite. Was out thete from 10 to 2 this morning....bout to check the other property with dog food ckicken and my camera so ill post my findings

[MadHatter]

This time of year on the west side I am using a female invite at sunrise with pretty good success.  For night hunting I will use a challenge, then go silent for about 30min, then use some real brief challenge barks.  Works pretty well for me.  If you call in the same area, just make sure you call them in and actually kill them, and don't miss... You educate them and you will never see them again.  I have also will use a feather on a string tied to a tree branch, got one a few months back that was just mesmerized by it... He stood there for probably 10min just staring at it while I set up the shot... Never took his eyes off it.