Klickitat Coyote Scouting Trip Produced Little Encouragement

[ivarhusa]

LastCat and I spent the last few days combing the public lands between Goldendale and White Salmon.  It was great to be out, and the scenery was tremendous, but we neither saw nor heard any coyotes. Some trips are like that.



Despite appearances in this picture, most of the public land we found to hunt had the brush-density of western Washington, more than eastern Washington.  We had our best looking stands on high ground such as this.

Locals spoke encouraging of hearing coyotes in the area, and pointed us toward some areas where logging had opened up the hillsides.

Rains earlier in the week erased old sign, making it easy to know that what we saw was fresh. I showed my ignorance about coyote scat when I pointed one exceptionally large turd that had some seeds in it and I announced that it "might be bear scat". I was corrected.  It was coyote scat all right: tubular and over an inch in diameter. (Hey, I am new at this.)

It was a great time to be out in the field.



On my way home, I saw four dear herds, totaling perhaps 30 animals.



A good time was had by all.

[stumprat]

I just secured a new farm to hunt. Very close quarters over here if you want success. This guy wants me in to wipe em out......Glad I can help.

[ivarhusa]

LastCat  and I called many times along back country roads, where the side terrain was quite dense. We just didn't seem to be within earshot of any coyotes.

Nice pictures.

Ivar

[stumprat]

At this particular farm. I can't call them out into the open. Have to get in there with them.

[stumprat]

On your side of the state. You might try sitting on a 6' ladder in thicker sage flats.................Just an idea, some guys on predator masters from arizona swear by it.

[ivarhusa]

A ladder?  I guess I have seen that on a hunting video, but it didn't square with my concept of stealth and concealment.  It certainly gives one a view down into the sage, thus giving one a chance at a shot, but I've been feeling self conscious about just sitting on  a short stool, never mind a ladder.  The stool puts my head and shoulders above 90% of what cover I've got.  Ol' Les Johnson, he sidles up to a soapweed plant real snug.  I know he gets a lot more coyote action than I do.  (In my defense, I don't bend well and a stool is the way to keep me motionless.)

Well, a ladder might help me over the barbwire fences.

Maybe perched on a ladder with an e-caller pointing the critter's nose somewhere else.  You think?  I may not try this strategy soon, as my coyote-mobile is a Dodge Intrepid (no roof rack).

Interesting.  I may open a thread on this topic, to see what others might have to say about the idea (if they don't respond here).  I mean, what could it hurt?  I am not knocking them dead now.

Schlepping a ladder would usefully burn a few more calories for me.

Ivar

[stumprat]

The trick to an elevated stand is a decoy.

[bearmanric]

my first stand this year in Arizona i called a coyote in from left to right. that i didnt see. that was with Weston. he used a 6 ft camoed ladder. he seen it easy. he's killed a bunch with a ladder. i'm going to make one for bear calling. Rick

[stumprat]

I've thought about making one for a couple of pretty thick bear swamps also Rick. I'd be interested in hearing any cool ideas your buddy had for his.

[fc2038]

Nice lookin yote. nice to see um on the ground.

[LastCat]

Great Pictures, Ivar.

Was a great few days, we had fun. Even though we never did see any dogs. Found a few great places to hunt. But for some reason, nothing was coming in. Beautiful Country too, tall  and steep green hills.

We were in Goldendale, White Salmon, and up near Mt. Adams. Weather was great too, wind was calm at times. We just have to keep at it.

Cheers
Lastcat