Suggestions for coyotes

[msmith]

I am having a little trouble doing a search, keep getting an error message, so I will just go ahead and ask away.

We have never had coyotes in the area up untill just a few years ago. Even then they were few and far between with just occasional sightings. In the last couple of years though, there has been an explosion in their population. I'm not sure it is a good thing but it brings another hunting opportunity.

 Being new to the game, I am going to assume that calling is going to be similar to turkey in that you can watch all the videos and listen to all the tapes you can find but experience is still going to be the schoolmaster. I am going to assume this with most aspects of hunting yotes but would like som pointers to get started.

My main concern is scent and scent control. Most of the 'ol boys around here just slap on some camo and head for the field with an electronic caller. Lack of success causes their caller to ultimately collect dust and the 'ol boys return to their porch without realizing that they stink. What do you guys with experience recommend in the way of scent control, cover scents, and attractant scents?

Next is camo. Not the style, brand, or pattern, but should the face be covered?

Any other recommendations, tips, tricks, or advice in any aspects of the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

[AZ223]

I don't have a lot of experience with coyotes, but I can tell you scent does make a difference. Yet for all the scent covers, etc. that you can buy, the surest way to cover your scent is to stay downwind. Not to sound smart, but it does work.

Coyotes are also smart, and they learn real fast. If they're growing in population in your area, they've learned to do something right. You're best bet is to find out what their habits are, what foods they're going for, etc. and then like you said, let experience be your teacher. One thing I found out recently is that in areas where humans are close by, cat calls seem to draw them in well. Seems they get used to preying on outdoor pets & such, and that can work to your advantage.

A good link to check out is http://coyotegods.com/ These guys have tons of information on just about everything there is to know about coyote hunting. I had a little trouble navigating this page; the forum is at:
http://www.coyotegods.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php


Good luck, and Happy New Year!

[msmith]

AZ223,

Thanks for the insight! Of course playing the wind would be best but... around here the terrain makes that a nightmare. I have literally had the wind in my face one minute and then quartering from behind me the next. While you may get a fairly consistant NW to SE wind or breeze on the very high ridges, in the lower grounds and hollows it can be very eratic and even with swirls at the head of the hollows. So, I figger the best bet is to play the wind the best you can, smell as invisible as possible, then use some sort of cover scent(s), hence the questions.

Since there are a lot of guys trying out coyote hunting, the cat calls sound like a plan as most are going for the cotton tail squeelers. Perhaps goat would be another good one. Thanks for the links! I appreciate your input.

[msmith]

AZ223,

Thanks for the insight! Of course playing the wind would be best but... around here the terrain makes that a nightmare. I have literally had the wind in my face one minute and then quartering from behind me the next. While you may get a fairly consistant NW to SE wind or breeze on the very high ridges, in the lower grounds and hollows it can be very eratic and even with swirls at the head of the hollows. So, I figger the best bet is to play the wind the best you can, smell as invisible as possible, then use some sort of cover scent(s), hence the questions.

Since there are a lot of guys trying out coyote hunting, the cat calls sound like a plan as most are going for the cotton tail squeelers. Perhaps goat would be another good one. Thanks for the links! I appreciate your input.

[msmith]

AZ223,

Thanks for the insight! Of course playing the wind would be best but... around here the terrain makes that a nightmare. I have literally had the wind in my face one minute and then quartering from behind me the next. While you may get a fairly consistant NW to SE wind or breeze on the very high ridges, in the lower grounds and hollows it can be very eratic and even with swirls at the head of the hollows. So, I figger the best bet is to play the wind the best you can, smell as invisible as possible, then use some sort of cover scent(s), hence the questions.

Since there are a lot of guys trying out coyote hunting, the cat calls sound like a plan as most are going for the cotton tail squeelers. Perhaps goat would be another good one. Thanks for the links! I appreciate your input.

[msmith]

AZ223,

Thanks for the insight! Of course playing the wind would be best but... around here the terrain makes that a nightmare. I have literally had the wind in my face one minute and then quartering from behind me the next. While you may get a fairly consistant NW to SE wind or breeze on the very high ridges, in the lower grounds and hollows it can be very eratic and even with swirls at the head of the hollows. So, I figger the best bet is to play the wind the best you can, smell as invisible as possible, then use some sort of cover scent(s), hence the questions.

Since there are a lot of guys trying out coyote hunting, the cat calls sound like a plan as most are going for the cotton tail squeelers. Perhaps goat would be another good one. Thanks for the links! I appreciate your input.

[msmith]

GBs server must be acting up again. I have trouble making posts with out getting an error message and when I finally get one through, it seems they all made it. This time it was only four though.