Hunting & Fishing Coyote Hunters; help me out

[TheGerman]

I've been going on BLM land now off and on for a few weeks and have to say that after I figured out where what was and got a map setup in my GPS to make sure that I was on public land while hunting, I thought things were looking up. Ended up finding an area at night that I figured had to yield many critters and coyotes and started calling. Always made sure I was walking into the wind, called at night, set up to where it was practically impossible to see me or flank me due to the terrain and got good with my rabbit distress close reed call. I'm using a PVS14 on my helmet and have a ANPEQ2A on my M4 that is using 55g VMAX ammo.

First time I went out it was more of a recon mission. Checked out where I was, wandered around, got the lay of things.

Second time was short and just called the 'front' of where I checked out the first trip and was only out for an hour. Figure I needed to go back further.

Third time, went back further and got 2 to wander within 30 yards of me and got both.

So things were looking up.

Went out in that area again on Tues and again on Saturday, both times going further back and in different directions, even found a large watering hole with signs of a ton of pigs and did not see 1 live creature in 8 hours of total time out on the land. Nothing. This is in southern Utah so coyotes are always hunted so I am factoring this in somewhat as well.

Thinking back about this, it was a bit frustrating. This has led me to think about it alot over the past days and I ended up with more questions than answers so I thought I'd ask here instead of either being frustrated by doing something wrong, learning this is part of it or just getting some feedback so I at least know whats going on and I'm not guessing.

- My initial thought was since I got 2 roughly 4 days before going out again that I was in an area that was being avoided because of the 2 I got. On the other hand, I figure 2 is a drop in the bucket and this couldn't be that big of a deal. Which is more true?

- I know coyotes are territorial but how big is their territory and how many are usually in a designated territory? Is this something where there are just a small number per square mile or what is a good rule of thumb? It occurred to me that the 2 I got could have been in their domain, and there were no other coyotes within X distance of here because of the respect for territory.

- I'm hunting in southern Utah where coyote is a year-round season, no tag required and has a $55 per coyote bounty paid by the state. Someone told me that there isn't a coyote out here that hasn't heard a call before and they're probably right. I am thinking that I didn't see anything because the coyotes are outsmarting me or that I am setting up like an idiot, but because I may not be going back far enough on my initial drive. I've only been driving roughly 4 miles on BLM trails at this point and have mapped out further areas to try next.

- I've been using either a Jackrabbit or Cottontail distress, closed reed call. I'm actually pretty good at it, and stay in a stand for 15-20 minutes while constantly scanning for movement with my monocle and turning my IR illuminator on a minute or so after each time I call to check for anything reflective. Are the rabbit calls not the best (what coyote wouldn't like a rabbit?!) or what would be suggested?

- When calling a stand, now far geographically should I relocate before trying again? .25 mile, 1/2 mile, a full mile?


Thanks guys. Looking to go out again tomorrow night; this is very addicting and I'm just trying to get some solid answers in regards to things I keep asking/doing but am not 100% on.

 

[R.Speir]

At $55 per yote I bet they have heard distress calls....

Get a FoxPro, get the caller away from you, try piglet in distress and other oddball sounds that others may not have tried before.

Play the wind, always. Have a good crosswind and good camo.

 

[augnmike]

Nothing wrong with hand calls but I bet your take will go up with an e-caller. You can focus more on spotting movement or eyes, switch sounds from prey to vocals easier, and you keep the animals focus off you during the day (doesn't matter at night since you want the animal looking toward you and the light.

As far as distance between stands it depends on terrain, wind and how loud you call.
Terrain - Wide open flatter land at least a mile for me between stands. Heavy canyons, thick brush and hills 1/2 mile. Calling into heavy wind 1/2 to 3/4 you should be able to do without problem. Don't think in terms of your hearing ability.

Most importantly if there is good sign don't put too much on sometimes gettin' 'em and sometimes not, that's the nature of the sport. Also if there is a lot of people sign (read other hunters) pressure could be an issue. Good luck.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Don't know where to start? First, this is strictly night hunting with NV, right?

You can assume the coyotes in southern Utah have heard a call. Maybe in August or September, with young animals, they are a lot more eager, but by January and after big game hunters have been tramping all around, they are going to be more shy. That's just the way it is.

A hand call in wide open places like southern Utah, (which I know well) is okay, but the suggestions above to use electronic is not a bad idea, although it will weigh you down more. But, even though everybody has a Foxpro, you have all those exotic sounds, not strictly cottontail or Jackrabbit. The best are coyote vocalizations and this is going to mean stretching out your stands because with distress, they are in a hurry and want to get there first, maybe they will circle downwind and maybe they will come in on a string?

But, with coyote sounds, they are usually more cautious because they don't want to get beat up by some alpha male if it is his territory; a lot of factors to consider. But a coyote "thinks" differently if he believes he is approaching another coyote. Even if he hangs up and you see eyes, switching to a soft prey sound at this point might convince him to come in. But, learning to use the sounds on your caller gives you quite an advantage. Sometimes a sheep sound, sometimes a fawn bleat, sometimes a sage rat, or an ace in the hole is kitten distress, or puppy distress.

And, you can still use your hand calls. Personally, I like diaphragm calls, or even what they call a bite call. Very versatile calls. And, don't be afraid to use some ambient sounds. What's that? swatting a branch on a bush, or kicking some gravel? Make some digging sounds, that gets their attention, especially cats.

You have to pick your spot very carefully. I prefer a cross wind location where I have a clear view downwind. If it is hilly, even if he manages to get downwind before you can stop him for a shot, sometimes he might stay there if the currents are carrying your scent over his head. So, how do you stop him before he gets downwind? The most reliable is a bark. It's easy, and they always lock up on a bark. You have to be ready for it, don't bark when he is behind creosote or a cedar. He can look through it better than you, but your bullet probably won't, so stop him where you can kill him.

There is a lot of stuff to consider, but you have to start with baby steps. I'd say you did damn good getting a double right off the bat. Some people go a long time before that happens.

Good luck.....B

 

[Killswitch Engage]

i would switch it up right now for night time and use howls, barks, invitation etc. they want to start finding each other so they can do it doggie style. be more patient with this. it can take a bit to coax them in and them interested. they dont come blazing like they do to a distress when they do it.

 

[knockemdown]

Great advice above.
Will only add this:
Each time you return to call the same general area, the remaining local coyotes will be exponentially more difficuly to fool.
Try something totally different to mop up what's left. Different sound, go in with a different wind from another angle, etc. Just remember, each time you go to the same general location and DON'T kill one, you potentially educated every local coyote that heard you...
Have fun!

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Is that you, Fred?