looking for hunting tips.

[AceInTheWild]

im new at hunting cyote. and have some questions like shot location? good calls? what to look for like good terrain for hunting? do decoys like the litttle fury tail on a stick really work? any help in appeciated

[Coyote Control]

When I first started hunting them yotes back in '75 I had lots of question also, but with no computer I was lost. So with a little help from an old friend (Gerry Blair)  that was living in Flagstaff, AZ., I was able to learn a little quicker.

Your question on shot location:
If you are asking were to place the shot on the yote, then I would say anywhere around the shoulder area.

Calls:
I would suggest Rich (Bearmanric) here on the fourm, I have got a couple calls from him and they are very nice.

Terrain:
Just about any terrain will hold coyotes, just stop and study the area your in and put yourself into the coyotes position - look to see where he may hide and just give a try.

Decoys:
Yes they will work; anything that moves will do the trick.

Hope this may get you started.

[Wile E. Hunter]

One quick tip. They are A LOT SMALLER than they look. Know  your rifle. I guess while I'm here I'll throw another out. If not 10 out of 10 times it's pretty close that they will circle downwind on the approach. Be very aware of the wind. Best of luck! Try not to get TOO hooked on it. It's very addictive.

[ivarhusa]

I am new to the sport, these last 12 months, and have modest credentials as a coyote hunter.  I am getting more successful.  I suggest first getting one (or three!) Randy Anderson videos http://www.callingcoyotes.com/. (I have no connection to the company, for this plug.  I am just a fan.)

He is good about describing setups and methods, with not a lot of music stepping on the hunting audio.  There are others, too, that are good.

It boils down to (for me) A) finding places with plenty of coyotes.  That can be a tall order, when you are limited to public lands for the most part (as I am). B) Being stealthy enough to not be seen before they see you.

Becoming stealthy is a journey that begins by not slamming the vehicle door when you park near a hunting area, and progresses through many stages.  Good camo helps.  Learn to be VERY still after the first call is sounded. I takes a good bit of effort.

Coyotes aren't always that easy to spot. It comes with practice. Concentrate on keen observation (look) when sitting on your stand.  You won't be waiting for the musical cue to bring your rifle to your shoulder.  You have to spot that dog before he spots you.  Vital.

Get a variety of distress and howl calls, and practice when your wife the non-hunter (don't want to be sexist) isn't in the house. "Sing a long with Randy." It is more inspiring than it sounds.   

Get out there and do it. Pay attention to what is working, and grow your list of places to hunt.

[rainshadow1]

Are you shutting down for the denning season, Ivar? Or are you still pecking away at them? Let's hear some stories!

Randy Anderson's videos are excellent, it's a very good tip.

Best thing you can do is get a call and get into the field. Learn by doing. And you'll learn how the coyotes act in your area too.

[GEARHEAD]

GET A RANDY ANDERSON DVD, CALLING ALL COYOTES OR THE TRUTH III, VERY VALUABLE LEARNING TOOL.

[ivarhusa]

I'd like to keep hunting this spring, but am concerned that my modest success thus far (typical day with 4 to 6 stands) doesn't see any coyotes, will get worse as the dogs feed more reliably on the rodents out there.  I don't think the overall population will be much hurt by my success during the spring months.  I'd like to 'stay in the game'.

My best latest story is about the cool skull I recovered from my coyote #2, reported in another thread. (Yes, that is #2 total. Laugh if you want!).  My wife found out about its hide in the freezer, and now she wants to know when it is getting out.  I need to find a tanner.  Suggestions?  I'll start a thread with that question.