Spotting and Stalking Coyotes- How successful can it be?

[ivarhusa]

Speaking (writing) as one with too few coyotes bagged to claim any authority, I find it almost unimaginable that spotting and stalking can be reliably successful. Mind you, I accept that most trips of any hunting mode will be unsuccessful (from a shooting point of view). If you see a coyote, why wouldn't you hunker down and call them in?  My experience with coyotes tells me that if I am moving, and in their field of view, in other words stalking, then I should expect the coyote to see me before I get in range to make a shot.

That said, the last two coyotes I shot were not called in, but I was hunkered down at first sighting (or before). One doesn't have to be calling to be successful.  But stalking?

I suppose if the terrain cooperates (I don't see much of that in my neighborhood), it would be possible to close the distance on a far-off coyote, but not across any kind of open terrain.  Methinks.

I met a coyote hunter at Revere Wildlife Area a couple years back that was strolling a road, rifle in hand, looking for coyotes. So people do it, and they must have some success at it or they wouldn't continue.

Anyone care to offer opinions on the practice? Like, under what circumstances does it make sense to spot and stalk over 'calling'?

[bobcat]

I'd just spot and shoot! If it's 500 yards, take the shot. Further than that and you probably wouldn't see it anyway.

[True Sportsman]

I have spot and stalked more coyotes, than called in a shot. In certain areas, where the terrain allows, it is extremely effective. If you have a good set of binoculars and use them right, you will see lots of stuff. I used to hunt the scablands of Eastern Wa in an area that had lots of coyotes. Sometimes you could spot them from over a mile away. In the area I hunted, the dogs were real call shy, so I would spot them, and move in on them for a shot. I killed a lot of coyotes that had worn down teeth and scars. Really old, smart dogs. I believe this is a really effective way to hunt them. It will teach you how to use your binoculars correctly too.

As the ground gets flatter it gets tougher to move in for a shot. Thats where I use a combo, Spot then stalk as close as I can, then call soft with little squeeker.

[MtnMuley]

Wait a second...... You will road hunt bucks and then spot and stalk coyotes??? Oh, wow.  This has gotten interesting, True Sportsman.............. 

[bobcat]

Is spot and stalk hunting of coyotes not considered sportsmanlike?   

[MtnMuley]

    "That was just meant for a laugh, bobcat.  Tryn to keep the peace.

[bobcat]

Oh ok, I figured so but wasn't sure.   

[VarmintVentilator]

When I archery hunted, spot and stalk is how I killed all my deer.  So when I would spot a coyote, same principles would apply.  That is a challenge and it gets the blood flowing as well.  I've done it with a rifle a number of times to, you just don't have to get as close.  But you need the right terrain to be consistently successful.  We pretty much all hunt coyotes for the enjoyment of it, plus it gets us out of the house and away from all the honey do's. 

[True Sportsman]

Wait a second...... You will road hunt bucks and then spot and stalk coyotes??? Oh, wow.  This has gotten interesting, True Sportsman.............. 

I have a mixed bag of tactics. 

[shoot-em-dead]

I have done it a couple times with success. And a few more that turned out to be long slow hikes. I have also been able to get a couple coyotes just seein them from the road. I have very crappy calling success. For me, coyote hunting is without a doubt the funnest when I outsmart them with a call. From the moment I spot them comming in- till after the shot, I just love that even with my success being so low.