new coyote hunter needs tips!

[madmikeray]

hi all . i would like to get started in coyote hunting and was wondering if you guys can give me some tips on what i need. i have a 17hmr that i want to use, and my hunting ground behind the house consists of 2 large fields probably 40 acres each.in between them is a thicket with a small creek with plenty of varmints for them to eat. i use to see 5 to 6 rabbits in the yard every night , but now every once in awhile i just see 1 and my small dog has been missing 4- 4 weeks. do i need to hunt in  a stand or sit at the edge of the field and what kind of calls do i need?

[7magWoodsman]

I am sorry to hear about your dog, I don't know what to tell you as far as strategy goes without actually being there myself to give it a look see, but if it is possible maybe try to sit up in your house, those dogs are wiley and notice every little detail that is out of place, but they "know" your house is there...
I would recommend using a prerecorded tape right now, and as far as sound I would go with a dieing rabbit, since you have reason to believe the coyotes are getting all of em...
the more you listen to the tape and see how the critters respond to it, the easier it will be to take up mouth/hand calls in the future. Another sound I would consider is some sort of ground bird, quail,etc...

I would not rule out a bob cat being part of your problem either, and they will respond to the same sounds as a coyote, only they are not always as willing...

Also, unless there is an overabundance of fox, I would think twice about taking them, they keep the rodent population down dramatically, and I don't think they are the ones responsible for your dog or the rabbits, but they will respond to the same sounds as well. Just my opinion.

Stay Safe. Happy Shooting/Hunting.

[Catfish]

I would not recomand a .17 HMR for coyotes. A 17 grn. bullet at 2,500 fps is just not enough for consistant clean kill even at closer ranges and especially not at the ranges most coyotes will be shot. If that`s all you can get ahold of, get them in real close, 20 to 30 yrds. and place your shots well. BUT don`t be suprised when they turn and run.

[New Hampshire]

I too suggest using a caliber with a bit more punch.  The little 17 HMR bullets were made top violently explode on small targets.  You might wind up wounding rather than killing more coyotes.  But a "down and dirty" and cheap option I started with was a small, $10 tape player from Wal-Mart and a $9 Johny Walker Predator tape.  I also bought a howler, but thats not entirely necessary.
Good luck and I hope you bag those pests that got yer pup.
Brian M.

[oso45-70]

Madmikeray,
The first thing you must learn about coyotes is that he is in his element,
He knows every thing that goes on in his back yard, That said the best thing you could is find you a hunting buddy that knows what he is doing and learn from him what to do and what not to do. As for as the 17 Rem goes don't worry about them getting away ( won't happen ) I have shot many yotes with a 17 and they are rite where you shoot them. You pick one up and shake him and he sounds like a milk shake. To this day i have not lost one due to not having enough gun. If you can find some Calhoon
bullets That is if you load, OOps i went back and took another look at your post and you are using a hummer, Now thats another subject, You will need to get them under 100yds to make a good clean kill. You be the judge, Every animal deserves a instant death. Good luck and stay safe
...............Joe..........

[Wlscott]

My first bit of advice is to find more land to call coyote on.  I say this for two reasons.  First, the coyotes on your two 40 acre parcels are going to eventually get smart to your calls (it'll be even quicker if you call some in and let them get away).  Second, once you call your first dog in, you'll be hooked.

I don't like e callers very much because they sound exactly the same every time.  I use mouth calls.  The Tally Ho is my favorite right now because it is so versital.  You can bark, pup squeal, howl (which IS necessary by the way), as well as rabbit distress calls.  This is an open reed call and can be kind of hard to get the hang of though.  

Most Wal Marts carry inexpensive (5-10 $) closed reed predator calls.  These sound good, and are not as tricky as a open reed call.  They're usually higher pitched too (cotton tail)

The most important thing to remember when your calling is that coyotes WILL circle down wind of you, especially after they've been called a few times.  I like to call "cross wind" and sit so that I can see a long ways down wind.  It's even better if you call with a partner and have him sit about 50-100 yards downwind of the caller.  

Your HMR will kill a coyote, but you're going to have to get 'em in close (like 50 yards or closer).  You might be better served with a .17 center fire, or any of the .22 centerfires.  

Good luck, and remember......If it was easy, everyone would be doing it :-)

[Lawdog]

madmikeray,

Sorry to hear about your dog.  I would not try the .17 HMR on any coyote.  Even when loaded with the newer 20 gr. bullets they are not going to be tough enough for coyotes.  They are not designed for animals that large.  See if you can get your hands on a NEF in .22 Hornet.  Then those song dogs will be in trouble.

oso45-70,

"madmikeray" wasn't talking about a .17 Rem. but a .17 HMR.  Big difference between those two cartridges.  Lawdog
 

[oso45-70]

Lawdog,
Yep, If you noticed i went back and reread his post and corrected myself.
I'm well aware of the difference since i have a group of both guns.
Have a good day Lawman and keep your powder dry.......Joe.........

[bigjeepman]

madmikeray ...

You have been given very good advice already. There are exceptions to every situation, but, a larger caliber rifle would be best. I have two .17 HMR rifles that I shoot a lot and have been pretty successful at grouping small groups up to 150 yds on paper. I am a coyote hunter and I only took a .17 HMR with me one time and did not take a shot. I take my .243 with me all the time now.

I know a guy who does hunt with the .17 HMR and has terminated a lot of coyotes with it. This is the exception I was refering to earlier as this guy can shoot with the best shooters I have ever seen and still limits his shots to 75 yds or less. He can out shoot me with duct tape over his eyes.

oso45-70 gave you the best advice in that learning to outwit a coyote can best be learned by hunting with someone who is willing to teach you how to setup and how and when to call. I did not have this advantage when I started and it can get pretty frustrating. Some believe it is the most cunning predator there is.

Good luck and be safe.

[Catfish]

I don`t know where you are, but if you`re in the western part of Oh. I`ll take you out. I`m far from a pro, but I`ve got everything you needed and have several varmint rifles you could use.

[oso45-70]

Looks like i stirred up some controversy with the use of a 17 cal. I have used the 17 rem and have never had problem bringing coyotes to their demise. I have found them to be very deadly when placed in the boiler room. I WILL NOT TAKE A SHOT THAT I THINK WILL NOT BE A GOOD CLEAN KILL. On the post i made i missed the Hummer part of Madmikerays post, But i went back and re read his post and corrected my statement. With that said,, I still say the 17 hummer will get the job done
if the shooter does his part. I have seen what the hummer can do and it will darn sure get the job done. I will say if the person is not a good shot
he or she should let them get in close before cutting loose. The size of the
gun is not nearly as important as the shot its self. I SHOOT TO KILL.
Best of luck to all............Joe...............

[7magWoodsman]

There are exceptions to every situation, but, a larger caliber rifle would be best.

I WILL NOT TAKE A SHOT THAT I THINK WILL NOT BE A GOOD CLEAN KILL. The size of the
gun is not nearly as important as the shot its self.

Yes there are exceptions, and the size of the gun is no where near as important as the shot...I have killed SEVERAL brush wolves with a CCI Stingers fired from a Ruger M.K.II Pistol with a 4 3/4" barrel, but I limit my distance as well as my shots. I usually go for the skull buster but have killed a lot of yotes with the good ole behind the shoulder shot at close range.

[Glanceblamm]

Great Reading Guy's.

I really like Wlscots advice. (see the fourth paragraph)

Also Like oso45-70 advice. It can help a bunch if you go with someone who has been there. An educated yote tends to stay educated.

[Timberghozt]

The size of the
gun is not nearly as important as the shot its self. I SHOOT TO KILL.

I certainly agree with you in regard to dispatching coyotes.I shoot a 223 Rem with 40 gr Hornady VMax bullets.The majority of the kills I have made with this bullet have been one shot instant animal down kills.Either behind the shoulder or frontal chest cavity shots.I do not take head shots unless there is no other option,but that definately works as well.[/img]