How To: Calling/Hunting Predators

[cnelk]

If there is anyone who would like to discuss basic calling/hunting coyotes or is having a problem with a specific issue, let’s have a discussion here.

Let’s start the discussion about how to begin or hone your skills of predator calling/hunting. We can address the basics and talk about the finer points of this very thrilling sport. Topics like calls, camouflage, set-ups, getting permission to hunt on private land, perseverance, decoys, and weapons will be reviewed and talked about.

Let’s get going!

Predator calling can usually be done year around. This makes it nice for those who want to practice their shooting skills, help out a rancher that has too many coyotes, or just to get outdoors with a good friend. You can also supplement your income and harvest the fur during winter months when the fur is prime and sell it on the fur market.

It does not cost much too get into calling predators. You can purchase a hand call at most any sporting goods store and usually the call comes with an instructional video/DVD. There are many hand calls on the market. They will all work. There is also the option to use an electronic caller. But they are more expensive and a little larger.

Any rifle you have will work for predator calling. Shotguns work very well in brushy or short distance shooting. A real adventure is to shoot a coyote with your bow!

Let’s hear from you who may have a question or offer your own experiences.

cnelk

Brad fur bundle.jpg

[NECoyoteHunter]

One of the things that I have learned over the years is that if I screw up on a coyote (other than just missing him), I have probably violated one of these five rules. . . . .

Five Rules For Successful Predator Calling

[tmrschessie]

Howdy

Excellent post, looking forward to more input on this subject. Tom

[cnelk]

The 5 rules that NEcoyoteHunter posted are very true.

Not limited to just calling predators, but I like to take a "lesson learned" from each outing.

[cnelk]

Here is a pic of a spot I call "Lucky Draw"
Notice how I am hunkered down in the sage with snow camo, the sun is facing me and I'm facing downhill, being careful not to be silhouetted.
The wind was blowing slightly to me...

I have called in multiple coyotes, multiple times at this very spot.

SnoCamoBrad.jpg

[aksarben57]

Hello all, just wondering if the mange is as widespread with the coyotes in yur area as it is here.

[tmrschessie]

Where is here??? Tom

[aksarben57]

Sorry, Northeast Nebraska.

[cnelk]

I havent seen mange up in the mtn coyotes (yet).
If they do get it, I dont expect them to live very as cold as those big moutain valleys get in the winter!

[aksarben57]

Seen some last winter that looked like hairless rats, this fall while deer hunting i would hear them calling in the evening, but since about 1st. of the year, that has even stopped. I don't know how any off springs are going to avoid getting mange also, anyway, I sure do miss what is was to go calling like it was a couple of short years ago...............

[coyote_buster]

Camo isn't necasary but it cant hurt to use it anyway, and if anything it might help.

[NECoyoteHunter]

It's amazing how tough those coyotes are even when they have mange. In late January, we called in and killed a coyote that had mange terrible. It was 15 below the night before. And this coyote was still alive. I have seen only one worse with mange, but Les and Jeff Johnson (who I was hunting with) said it was the worst they have ever seen. And they have seen more coyotes than probably all of us on this board combined!

And it survived 15 below!

[tmrschessie]

Aw members of the Gerry Blair club...wondered how long it would take....LOL . I was in Az when he called them in, wearing a santa suit....But let me tell you, those coyotes came a lot easier then their northern brothern...I used to hunt them also. With that being said, after the first few trucks up here start trying to run them down, you want to use all the camo and craft of the art to get them on a regular basis...Just my 2 cents...Tom

[cnelk]

I've been spotted by coyotes WITH camo on.
But thats all part of the fun! Kinda like a good chess game!

Coyotes are very tough.
I tried using FMJ bullets one winter so I didnt have to do as much sewing.
Those bullets went zippin' right on thru and the 'yote took off running. Never did find some.

I shoot a .243 with 80gr bullets. It has enough punch to ususally put them down on the spot and with very little sewing.

When I do have to sew, I like to use a canvas needle and waxed dental floss.
The heavy needle goes thru the hide pretty well and you can tighten/pull on the floss without it breaking.

[tmrschessie]

Got any more on sewing up holes? did you happen to take any pictures? Tom