Hunting & Fishing Hunting coyote in woods

[regency]

I've been hunting coyote for about 3 months now in middle Tennessee. My property is about 1,300 acres. 450 of that is open farm land surrounded by woods. I have killed a coyote out in the open before but ever since I have had no luck. My friend and I are now starting to hunt the woods and get in close to the areas we always hear them and see tracks. We have had very good luck getting responses and hearing them get closer (they sound closer and sometimes we can even hear them on the leaves about 75-150 yds off.

The problem we are having is, they get somewhat close but then run off. I am thinking they smell us?

We wear really good camo, and when we set up a 'stand', we usually wait 15min to let things calm down before we start to call.

Any tips?

 

[RobertB]

Yes, scent is big in the woods. We hunt in the woods too. A yote feels more comfortable coming to the call in cover. Problem is, it can circle you much easier. I say move in closer to the woods so that it feels comfortable but still might show himself. I like them if they hang up on the edge if I can see it then shoot it. If you educate them you will never call that dog up again. Use a shotgun in the woods to as it might help out. First dog I ever called up was in the woods and it charged in after 20 secs of blowing the call. I've gotten a few in the woods. My buddy got me into hunting in the woods. I think its a good idea but you really need to make your you don't get winded. Have a buddy watch the backdoor if you do. I wouldn't hunt alone in the woods if I could help it. I've called em up along in the think but I don't know how many ever came and went either.

Good luck!

 

[40xs]

They have learned to tell when you are around, (you educated them), either by familiar calls or smells or noise. Try bait in a small clearing and stay a good distance from it. Anchor the bait because you would be surprised how much weight a coyote can pull away.

 

[godofthunder]

Try setting the caller up wind of your position.

That's what I have done and it has worked. Instead of setting it directly in front of me. I've had them circle downwind right onto my lap. Last one was shot at 3 yards with a shotgun.

 

[LanceS4803]

They have learned to tell when you are around, (you educated them), either by familiar calls or smells or noise. Try bait in a small clearing and stay a good distance from it. Anchor the bait because you would be surprised how much weight a coyote can pull away.

Unfortunately, we can't bait in TN.

Scent is what is getting you. They hear the calls but won't come in until they can verify with nose and/or eyes that everything is okay. The trick is to use the wind and EXPECT them to circle behind you. If there are two of you, you can position one person with the call and then set the other up a distance away. (Safety, safety!)
Check out this guys videos. Good info on hunting in the woods, as opposed to the guys out west that can see them coming hundreds of yards away.
Dogbreath Coyotes - YouTube

 

[Whoshotya]

If you have the extra time to sit, (2 hours or so), mornings or evening are best, try an ambush or element of suprise, and dont even call at all. You may be suprised if your setup up in there travel areas. We (brothers , Dad and I) kill over a half a dozen with a stick and string every year while bowhunting for deer. And have had shots at or seen dozens more. Its not uncommon to see a yote about everytime out anymore here in OH. Many times they come cruising in and stand and pose or sit on there hounches for a 10 to 20 yard shot and don't even have a clue your there. Element of suprise... But as soon as you fire up a call, that's a whole different game...

 

[Victor3N]

Don't waste time when you set up. In open ground I often glass before I call but in tight cover you have got to set up fast, quiet and just call. The longer you sit around waiting the more you risk having your scent drift and having the wind change. Once you get busted , it is often an uphill battle, especially in thick cover. If conditions change on you and are not favorable don't call. You should also try to put the open field downwind, behind you. Cover it with a rifle. Get just into the brush on your upwind, if you can and cover it with a shotgun. They will probably stick to the cover, but at least they can't wind you from that direction. Lots of little things you could try, but resting them might be the best, or hunting without a call.