Finally getting out for my first coyote hunt. Tips?

[mr user]

Either this weekend or in a couple weekends I'm going coyote hunting for the first time.  I'm on the west side btw.  Any tips for me (e.g. which calls to use, how long to stay at a stand, clearcuts vs thickish forest, and bait).  I'm really excited to get out, and am sure this will be the first coyote hunt of many!

[seth30]

I wouldnt waste any bait unless you know they are there.  Coyotes are like electicty they will use the path of least resistance.  Set up where your average human would walk into something, and sit VERY still during the call sequence.  Sometimes they come in hot, other times they come in like cats.  I usually stay on stand for 45 minutes in the thick stuff. After you stop the call sequence dont move for at least 5 mintues.  Good luck and bring back some pics

[seth30]

Calls are something that are what I consider a preference.  Every coyote hunter will swear on one call or type of call.  I compare coyote calls to trucks, we have your chevy fans, ford fans, and yes even dodge fans   Find what is good for your budget as well.  I recommend a e caller in thick stuff so you can place the call away from you and in a place where they will be looking in the direction of the caller and not where you are getting ready for the shot.

[mr user]

Thanks for the tips!  As far as calls, I've got a decent primos e-caller, and I've got a few mouth calls that Trippledigitss was kind enough to give me.  Which calling sequences tend to work best in tickish Forests?

[seth30]

I prefer using rabbit calls mostly, but I will at times use coyote calls as well, and even used some deer calls in the past.  I like the raspy sounds that a jackrabbit does.

[mr user]

Ok.  I think ill try a rabbit call at one stand, coyote calls at the other, and pick one of em randomly for the third!

[seth30]

Good Luck!

[mr user]

Thanks!

[muzzlebuck]

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[Gringo31]

A pup in distress call could be good this time of year.

+1  I believe it will out perform every other call right now 5:1

[BOWHUNTER45]

another good place to go would be where a rancher would let you hunt when the cows are dropping calves ... the coyotes love eating the after birth....

[mr user]

Thank you for the info.  It looks like ill primarily be using pup in distress!

[seth30]

Well?  Have you gone out yet?  Keep us posted!

[mr user]

Didn't go this weekend.  Didn't have the time.  Were pretty sure that we'll go the weekend after this coming one.

[trippledigitss]

A pup in distress call could be good this time of year.

+1  I believe it will out perform every other call right now 5:1

I would 3rd this opinion for this time of year. And dont be afraid to switch calls on a stand. I've called for 20-30 min using say, rabbit distress, then switched to rodent and BAM, a ki-oat pops out of the bushes right away. That told me the little witch was sitting right there listening to me the whole time. As far as time, I 've had several dogs come in well after the 30'-45' mark, so in thick stuff I will sit for an hour before I give up or move on. And like seth said - DO NOT MOVE for a few minutes after you are done and keep your eyes peeled when you do get up to leave. We had them sneak in unseen and be sitting there watching without us knowing, then bolt off when we got up to leave. So of course keep your eyes peeled when you are on stand so that wont happen in the first place! Good luck bro! 

[trippledigitss]

Thank you for the info.  It looks like ill primarily be using pup in distress!  Also, my dad will have a 12 gauge with 4 buck and a full or super full choke, while I will be behind my 308.  I feel this will be the most versatile combination.  Thoughts?

Also, I found that having too tight of choke with bigger shot, like 4 buck can make the pattern worse. I will use a IM or even M and get good patterns at 40yds that have proven deadly. Not saying it wont work for you but you may want to check your pattern with different chokes/yardage so you know what you got. 

[mr user]

Okay, so long story short, we never did get to go coyote hunting because my Dad ended up in Rwanda, Ethiopia, and South Africa off and on for a couple of months because of work.  He finally got back from his travels a week ago and has settled back in.  Now after some talking, we are most likely going to FINALLY get out coyote hunting this coming weekend (as long as he isn't called on to go back to Africa).  Is pup in distress still the best call at this time of year? 

[Gringo31]

Yes

[Heredoggydoggy]

Set up about 30 yards inside a clearcut.  They hide in the thick stuff, but they eat in the clearcuts where the prey critters are.  Make 'em think there's a meal to be had, and call them out.  Make sure your face and hands are camo'd.  That's the first thing they'll see. 

[mr user]

Once again, it didn't happen.    :bash:We actually got to the hunting spot this time and I was pumped up and excited, but we ran into some complications with parking that forced us to go home (I'm really pissed off, more than words can express).  My Dad is back to work for the rest of the week, and I'm off to Flathead Lake, Montana on Saturday for Boy Scout camp, so we plan on going when I get back (And hopefully it will actually happen).  However, when we did get to the hunting spot, I looked from a distance like the clearcuts have become pretty thick with tall grass and tree saplings.  I'm not sure if my 308 (scoped) would work too well in it.  Also, the amount of clearcuts that were actually in realistic distance was small.  Would it be a bad idea to set up in the thicker stuff with shotguns & buckshot or slugs?

[snowshoes22]

My favorite call this time of year is a fawn in distress.  Primos makes a coyote/bear buster that works for me.  I use it for bobcats in the fall also.  Fur taker is a great rabbit call and very cheap.  The best advice i can give is call with emotion and be patient.  for a shotgun load i use 3" dead coyote T shot but its kinda spendy.  BBB or T steel works too but the high density stuff hits harder.  If your shots are over about 40 yards use the rifle.