Blog / Coyote hunting strategies

By Connor Thomas
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

 
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Coyote hunting demands meticulous planning and implementation of efficient techniques to augment your chances of a fruitful hunt. These intelligent and elusive creatures necessitate hunters to employ specific methods tailored to their behavior and habitat. In this article, we will explore some essential strategies for coyote pursuit that can assist you in enhancing your skills and achieving a successful hunting experience.


Scouting:

Prior to embarking on your coyote hunting expedition, thorough reconnaissance is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the area, paying close attention to indications of coyote activity such as footprints, droppings, and vocalizations. Seek out locations with dense cover, such as thickets, brush piles, or ravines, as these are likely to be coyote hiding spots.


Opting for the Right Time:

Coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk, so plan your hunting trips accordingly. These twilight hours are when they are most likely to be foraging for food, making it an opportune time for successful encounters. Additionally, hunting during the winter months can be advantageous, as coyotes tend to be more active during this season due to mating and the search for food.


Calling Techniques:

Utilizing effective calling techniques is crucial for luring coyotes. There are various types of calls available, such as electronic calls, mouth-blown calls, and hand-operated calls. Electronic calls can produce a wide range of realistic sounds, while mouth-blown and hand-operated calls offer more control and flexibility. Experiment with distress calls, howls, and pup-in-distress calls to mimic natural coyote vocalizations and entice them within range.


Concealment and Cover Scent:

Coyotes possess exceptional senses of smell and sight, making it vital to prioritize concealment. Choose camouflage clothing that blends with the hunting environment and utilize natural cover to break up your silhouette. Employing cover scents like coyote urine or fox urine can help mask your human scent and increase your chances of remaining undetected.


Decoy Placement:

Strategically positioning a decoy can attract coyotes within shooting range. Coyote decoys are typically designed to imitate distressed prey or other coyotes. Place the decoy within view but slightly away from your shooting location, as this can divert the coyote's attention and provide a clear opportunity for a shot.


Shot Placement and Firearm Selection:

Precision is crucial when taking a shot at a coyote. Aim for vital organs, targeting the heart and lung area for an ethical and efficient kill. Selecting an appropriate firearm for coyote hunting is also essential. High-velocity rifles chambered in .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, or .243 Winchester are commonly employed due to their flat trajectory and sufficient stopping power.


Safety Considerations:

Safety should always be a top priority during any hunting excursion. Be aware of your surroundings and only take shots when you have a clear and safe shooting lane. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including hunter orange, to ensure visibility to other hunters.


Conclusion:

Mastering coyote hunting requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and patience. By conducting thorough reconnaissance, selecting the right time, utilizing effective calling techniques, employing concealment and cover scents, strategically placing decoys, practicing accurate shot placement, and prioritizing safety, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to always adhere to local hunting regulations and engage in ethical hunting practices. With these techniques in your arsenal, your coyote hunting experiences with "Find A Hunt" are sure to be rewarding and unforgettable. Happy hunting!