Q. I love
coyote hunting but can't find many places to hunt. How do you suggest finding
places to hunt?
A. Finding a place to hunt coyote is not hard. Recently I went to south Texas with Henry Cannon to hunt some gray dogs. Even though neither Henry or myself had ever been to south Texas, we were able to find areas quickly by going to feed and farm supply stores in the area. The personnel at these stores have a relationship with most farmers and ranchers in the area and will know when there are coyote problems. All you have to do is ask. In our case, the feed store manager called the ranchers and provided the introductions and we were hunting that afternoon. I have used this method to find hunting areas for many years and it works well. Click here for the story.
WHAT BRAND OF CAMO IS BEST?
Q.
I am new to hunting and I need some camo.
Which brand and style do you recommend?
A. There are more brands of camouflage clothing on the market than almost any other hunting product. I believe they are all good enough to fool a coyote, as long as you remain still. My choice has always been U.S. Army issue style camo. The Army has spent a lot of money on the development of the combat uniform. It's well made and has lots of pockets. It's made for the long haul, and it won't cost nearly as much. Spending a lot for "high-dollar" camouflage may not help you get Mr. Coyote. Your money is better spent on a good pair of light-weight binoculars. But, I am not saying that my choice is the only choice. I only know what works for me. Your camo won't be the reason Mr. Coyote won't come to your call. I have tested many camo products over the years, but overall, no camo has proven better or longer lasting than U.S. Army issue style camo, woodland or desert. It worked as well as the leading brands we tested and was much let expensive. The most important thing to remember...always camouflage your hands. They will be the first thing to give you away.
DON'T START OUT LOUD
Q. I bought a call from another company (Critter Call) and have a problem. My set-up was good, my camo is good, my call sounds just like the instructional tape that came with it, but when I started the calling sequence, I could see coyotes headed in the other direction as fast as they can run. What do you think I'm doing wrong? Roger
A. Without being there it's hard to say. A Critter Call is a good call and should work fine. I have called in a lot of dogs with one. Most brands of call will work fine if you use them properly. My first thought is that you are calling too loud. When you start your calling sequence, always start softly and increase volume if nothing shows up. In broken or hilly country a coyote may be only a few yards away and the overly loud call will give you away. Most people make that mistake. Always remember... you want him to barely hear you. Start out softly. Steve
Calling a Bear?
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Q. After reading over your website, I see you make reference to bears coming to a deer distress call. I have asked our local game warden and he doesn't believe a bear will come to a distress call. He has been hunting problem bears for over 20 years and has never seen one come to a call. Can you tell me more about calling bears. Mike B. A. Mike, I learned to hunt bear in Montana where it is illegal to bait bears or hunt bears with dogs. The only alternative is to spot and stalk or call with a distress call. The bear in this picture came to the CoyoteClub Deer-in-distress call, and came in close enough to take with a bow. You must remember a game warden or other government hunter can bait, run with hounds, or even shoot a problem bear from the air. Heck, he can probably call in a cruise missile if he knows the right people. We don't have that option. One thing to remember about calling a bear. It works best in summer and fall. In the spring, when a bear comes out of hibernation, he only eats vegetables until his digestive system gets working again. He can best be found then by glassing an area where the tree-line meets a pasture, and the sunlight reaches the ground, where grasses and spring onions grow. Then put the sneak on him. Just make sure you are downwind from him or he will not be there when you get there. Steve |
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Missouri Coydog Problems
Q. We are having problems with dogs killing our cows and weaned calves. We have killed 7 of them. They have stand up ears and bob tails. I saw the pictures you have listed on the site of the Coydogs. Up till now I thought these were hog dogs brought in to hunt our wild hogs we have in the area. We are in Southwest MO. I am attaching a picture of some of the dogs for you to see, and maybe tell me if these are indeed Coydogs. They too are killing and not eating anything they kill, they grab, noses, ears, teats, and back legs when they get them.
A.
YES, they are coydogs. For more pictures of injured cattle and
the coydogs click here.
Kentucky Coyote Problems
Q. I am a 22 year Kentuckian who has been deer and turkey hunting my whole life but I have never really coyote hunted. I hunt on a piece of land a little over 1000 acres owned by my uncle, over the years we have killed a few coyotes while deer hunting but not very many. Last year while I was in my stand I had a young coyote run by and I took him with my 30-06, it was the first real coyote I ever saw but I don't think it will be the last.
Since last deer season I have been hearing and seeing lots of signs of them, I sit at the camp fire and can hoop and they will just call right back sometimes coming in very close. We have been finding piles of deer fur and bones drug around everywhere on the farm. The past summer they have started coming into camp and they even chased one of our dogs up to my camper in the middle of the night and it sounded like there was 10 of them out there, I just shot my pistol off in the dark to scare them away.
Well, last weekend my uncle was down at the farm, it was a couple of hours before dark when he was going to let the dogs in the house and one of the dogs ( the craziest Jack Russell Terrier you have ever seen in your life) must of heard something so he headed to the barn barking and growling. My uncle knows that him acting like that is normal so he didn't think anything of it and he went to bed. He was awakened right at dark to a noise that he said sounded like 50 coyotes trying to come in his window so he grabbed his M1 Garand rifle and headed out front but he said the sound he heard was coming from the barn which was about 175 yards away, he said that there where more coyote then he had ever seen.
See we put all of our deer carcasses in the creek beside the barn and they must have been hungry. We haven't seen from the Jack Russell since and we found tore up spots 50 foot in diameter everywhere, deer fur in 7 different spots and not little spots of fur I mean deer size spots of fur, no sign of the dog. We have lots of little kids that come down to the farm and lots of pets too, so this weekend I am going hunting, I am taking my AR-15 in a .223 cal and I figure I'll sit over those gut piles all night long if I have to. Can you give me any tips on hunting coyote? Matthew
A. Good luck Matthew. Coyotes are increasing their populations all over the east coast. And you are right about your dog. Coyotes establish a territory and will defend it against all other dogs. Try using a injured puppy call to bring them in close. I am sending you a free call for you to try. Let me know how it works and send us a picture for the website. Steve.
Antelope Problem?
Q.
Al wrote. "Since our areas have been fenced, we are seeing fewer and
fewer antelope, and we are finding more antelope carcasses that have been
killed by coyote. Do fences confuse antelope and make them easier for coyotes
to kill?"
A. Yes Al, the fences do confuse antelope much more than deer. A deer will easily jump a fence but an antelope doesn't know he can jump a fence. I know that sounds strange, but an antelope will run along a fence line until he is worn out and only then will try to go under or through the fence. If the fence is sheep or hog proof he can't get through at all.. The coyotes can run an antelope into a fence corner and take it down. In the picture, the antelope are running down a road in front of a car because of the fence, and it is only 3 strand. They will run until they give out. If antelope only knew they could jump, there would be many more of them.
Atlanta Coyote Problems
Q. Hello, I am so glad to have found your web site. I live in the urban heart of Atlanta, GA, and area coyotes have killed off about 30 pets in the neighborhood during the past two years. An ex-cop trapped for some time, got 7, but never was able to bag the alpha male and female. So here we are back in the same situation again. Last Saturday night, the coyotes nabbed our cat from the back yard when my husband turned his back. This afternoon, they were howling so loudly that it sounded like a roaring crowd at the high school stadium.
We need help. Is there anyone from your group in the Atlanta area who can put an end to this misery?
A. Problem solved.
Snare and Trap Supplies?
Q. John wrote. " I have your video and it shows how to make a snare and set it for coyote. The problem is, no one in my area can help we with snares or the supplies to build my own. Can you point me to a supplier or someone that can help me?"
A. There are several suppliers on the internet and in
trapper magazines. One good source for all of your trapping and snaring needs
is John Graham's Fur County Lures, Box 175 - 207 E. Main, Jordan, MT 59337.
John carries the a complete line of scent lures for coyote, bobcats, and other
critters. He also caries the Amberg line of snares and snare parts to
build your own. Give him a call at (406) 557-6167 and tell him what you need.
Tell him you heard about him at the CoyoteClub. Good luck with your
snares.
COYDOGS?
Q. Sam wrote. "I
have heard that in some areas coyotes will mate with domestic dogs and the
offspring is called a coydog. The animal control officer in our township said
that is nonsense. I'm worried about my dogs running free in the woods near my
home. I have seen coyotes in the area. Have you ever heard of coyotes and dogs mating and having a
litter of pups? .17 vs. .223
Q.
A. Matt,
I would choose the .223 because of the heavier bullet. As the range
increases the smaller bullet does not carry enough energy. If you are hunting
at 100 yards or so, the .17 works fine. If you want more range than that, get
the .223, I believe you will be happier in the long run. Aggravate the Coyote? Q.
A. Your resident coyote expert is
misinformed. Yes, coyotes
and dogs often mate. It usually happens in the warmer climates like Texas and
Oklahoma where the coyotes are plentiful and the breeding season is extended
because of the warm weather. The puppies are a true menace to livestock and
pets because of the domestic mix. They have wild side like the coyote, but are
not as shy. They will kill pets and livestock for the fun of it, often not
eating the remains. Another bad side of the mix is now the breeding cycle is
confused. Wild animals like coyotes usually breed only once a year and
domestic animals breed often. The coydog will breed year-round, producing many
more pups than a wild coyote. Member Robert Admire sent these picture of some
coydogs in Oklahoma. He said he often sees more coydogs than coyotes in his
area. Special thanks to Robert for these pictures. Steve
A.
Thanks T.J. for the support. The reason I said aggravate is to make him restless. He is more likely to come directly to you if he thinks another coyote is eating the deer he has heard in distress. He will be very aggravated if the sound is within the boundaries he has marked as his territory. Food calls are good, and work all year long, but a howl not only works to locate the coyote...it also can aggravate him into a mistake. When you call to aggravate be sure you are within his territory. If not he will often just howl back. SteveWolves and Elk Hunting
Q.
Bill R. wrote. “I have hunted elk in the area around Yellowstone Park for
several years. The area that we hunt has fewer and fewer elk each year. The
outfitters that I hunted with said the wolves are responsible for the rapid
decline of the elk population. Last year we saw no elk for the first time in
many years. Is it true that wolves are the problem, and if so, why would the
government introduce wolves?”
A. Your outfitter is correct. The introduction of the wolf has been a disaster for the elk populations. We were led to believe the wolves would control the buffalo population. Not so. Any person with common sense would know a wolf would find it easier to hunt an elk than a buffalo. The wolves are now in many of the states surrounding Yellowstone and causing problems for ranchers and hunters alike. Why would the government introduce a predator when legal hunting would do a better, more humane, and less expensive job? Who knows! You should be aware that any time a state or federal bureaucracy is created it immediately begins to make rules and regulations to promote, enlarge, and enhance itself and make itself indispensable and necessary at your expense and inconvenience. The wolf introduction is an example of action without clear thinking. The good news is that soon the wolf will cause enough problems that we will be able to hunt them also. Of course...the people whose bright idea it was to re-introduce wolves will still have a job, maybe a promotion also.
Rogue Bears
Q.
Sean R. ask. “I was told that bears will attack livestock. Is that true?
A. I
t is very true. The picture on the far left is a bear killed last October. The bear was killing buffalo calves and the rancher had to eliminate the problem. When a bear (or any predator) learns how easy it is to kill livestock, they rarely stop. The bear in the picture on the right was killing sheep and calves every night. We call-in problem bears with the same method as coyotes. We use a deer distress followed by coyote barks. The deer distress call is used to appeal to his hunger and the coyote barks reinforce the fact that the deer distress is real. A bear is cautious and will circle you to wind the situation. The coyote barks fool him into coming directly downwind to you. Be alert, he will be snapping his jaws, grunting, and moving fast, make your first shot count. For the story about the big bear on the right, click here.How To Make a Stretch Board
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Q. JR ask. "How do you build a stretcher for coyote pelts? A. Building a stretch board for coyote, fox raccoon or
bobcat. I buy a 10 foot-knot free-1 by 6 at a lumber supply yard.
I then cut the 10 foot board in half, making two 5 foot boards. I then
cut each 5 foot board down the middle making 2 boards that are 3"
by 5". I round off the one end of each 3"by 5" so it
tapers to a blunt point when the two boards are laid beside each other,
I take a wood rasp and go down both boards on the outside edges so that
they have a rounded edge. Take an old leather glove and make a 1 by 6
strip from the back of the glove. Nail this strip of leather over the
tapered end. This will keep the boards together when opening it to stretch
a fur. Next take a 1" by 2" by 16"board and using a
drill- drill one hole on one end of this board. Drill one hole about
2" up from the bottom of each leg of the stretcher. Bolt the end of
the 1" by 2" by 16" to one leg. Then drill holes about
2" apart down the length of the 1" by 2" by 16".
After putting a fur on the stretcher, I staple the hind legs to each
board, then I take a nail and insert it into the hole in the 1" by
2" by 16" that will match the width I want to stretch the fur.
I pull the legs apart until the fur is tight and then push the nail
through the hole into the stretcher leg thus making a tight stretch on
the fur both length ways and side ways. |
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Coyote Calling Tips
Q.
Scott wrote, "Thank you (for the predator calls I ordered from your store), any more helpful hints on when to call, how long of a time between each call and most important, what time should I hunt if it gets dark at about 6PM. Thanks again".A.
On using the coyote call let me say this; There is no "bad" way to use the CoyoteClub Deer-in-Distress predator call. Read the instructions and start calling coyotes. But, there are ways to enhance your skill in calling. If you are calling as an injured deer fawn, use the first notch for the rubber 'O' ring, for a doe cry, use the second notch for the 'O' ring to get a lower pitch. If you are calling as an injured rabbit, use the CoyoteClub Rabbit-in-Distress Special to make a higher pitched sound, as a rabbit would make. If an animal is truly in distress, his cry will vary in pitch (from the start of the cry to the end, especially as he runs out of breath). That is the sound you want to make. Use your other hand to cup the end of the call and open as the cry increases. Try that and send me the picture of your coyote for the website. As far as time between calls, I like to wait about fifteen minutes or so. If your call is heard, he will come running. The hard part is getting him to hear the call upwind from you if the wind is strong. If he is downwind, your chances are near to nothing. Perfect scenario, wind 3-5 mph in your face, sit in the shade, call into the wind, any time of day, any time of night. Of course there must be a coyote in calling range, so do your homework. Scout around for coyote sign one day and pick several spots to setup around the area, then pick your best setup based on the winds the day of the hunt. Good hunting.Camo, Which Brand is Best?
Q.
The second most asked question in our email is about camo. Which brand is best?A.
I wish I knew. It's true that your camo is important if you want to fool Mr. Coyote. But more important than your camo is your ability to remain motionless when hunting. My choice is U.S. Army issue style camo. The Army has spent a lot of money on the development of the combat uniform. It's well made and has lots of pockets. It's made for the long haul, and it won't cost as much. Spending a lot for "high-dollar" camouflage may not help you get Mr. Coyote. Your money is better spent on a good pair of light-weight binoculars. But, I am not saying that my choice is the only choice. I only know what works for me. Your camo won't be the reason Mr. Coyote won't come to your call.It's In The Wind
Q.
Jake B. wrote. How important is positioning into the wind when hunting coyotes?A.
It's our best friend when we need it. It's our worst enemy when we don't. There is nothing worse than being at the right place at the right time, and then the wind picks up. That is usually big trouble for the coyote hunter. You want a gentle breeze in your face carrying away your sent. But you don't want a strong breeze to reduce the sounds from your call. If the sound doesn't reach the coyote, he won't come looking for an easy meal, and you won't get a shot. Coyotes have a very good nose, you must have the wind in your favor or they will smell you for sure. The aviation saying, "the wind is my friend" is as important in coyote hunting as flying. If it's time to go hunting and the winds not right... just stay home and have a beer instead.|
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Digging for Gray Dogs Now it's time to get our exercise. After you get the adults dogs, now you must dig out the pups. If you are getting $50 per head for coyotes, and there are 6 pups in the den, well ... it's time to dig. Those 6 pups will bring in $300 so it's time to go to work. Some times there are more than 6 pups... that's a bonus. It's often hard to find a coyote den. We prefer to send one of our dogs in the direction that we think the den is near. Once you send in a dog you must stay in the same spot from where you sent in your dog. When the coyote sees your dog... the chase is on. The dog will be running as fast as he can back to you with one or more growling, snapping, very mad coyotes on his tail. The coyote is so intent on catching the dog he will not see you until it's too late. It's a great time for a shotgun. After it's over, you can follow your dog back to the den to finish your job. Eight gray dogs is $400, plus pelts and your retainer, not bad for a few hours of hunting. If you are going to use your dogs for locating coyotes, you must keep them in good shape for the chase. Mr. coyote is very fast and hates dogs with a passion.
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What Kind of Dog? Q. Bill Flanders ask, "what kind of dog can be used as a coyote dog"? A. That's a good question Bill. These are two of our dogs on the way to a hunt. They are very excited and ready for action. In the picture below the dogs have done their job. I think most any kind of dog will do if he is properly trained. We use Border Collies and Border Collie/Blue Heeler cross. We like Border Collies because they mind well and are small enough to give the coyote confidence. When you send in the dog to locate the coyote den, the dog will be out of sight for some time. When the dog reaches the top of a hill he will look back at you for direction. Give him a point in the direction you want him to go and he will go there. If he tops another rise he will look back again for more direction. You must use a well trained dog to work coyotes or you may loose your dog. One important thing to remember is... don't move from the spot from where you first sent in your dog. When the chase is on, your dog will be running back to that spot. If you have moved at all, it will confuse your dog and the coyote may catch him. Remember this... this coyote is mad-as-hell about this dog being in his space, and he is a running machine able to catch almost anything that walks or runs. Never try to find a "better spot", it won't help you. The coyote is so focused on catching the dog that he will run right up to you before he realizes his mistake. I hope this answers your question. If you have questions please send them in. We are happy to help you become a better coyote hunter. |
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The Best Coyote Cartridge? Q. By far the most asked question to CoyoteClub is, "what is the best cartridge for hunting coyote"? A. And that's a good question. The best cartridge for you is the one that you can shoot the best. After all, if you miss your shot, it really doesn't matter what you were shooting. Use the gun that you shoot the best and hit what you aim at. The answers as we receive them are posted in our poll below. If you would like to participate in our member poll please e-mail us here. If you have questions about hunting coyotes, please send them in.
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1. .223 (711)
2. .243 (271) 3. .308 (97) |
4. .30/06 (80)
5. .22/250 (86) 6. .22 mag (53) |
7. .270 (57)
8. .762/39 (29) 9. .22 (71) |
10. .222 (27)
11. .17 (31) 12. 12 gauge (23) |
"What Do I Use On Coyote"?
Q. In Jeff's email he stated he used a .243 for our poll and asked "what do I use on coyote?
A. I use a .223, but any thing that will get the job done is good. A .243 is a very good choice
as is a 22/250.