Am I doing this right?

[Bill (MI)]

Hello all, great website here…been doing a lot of reading here trying to gather as much knowledge as I can. I took up predator hunting last year and I am still looking for my first coyote or bobcat. I started out last year with a homemade e-caller and a few tapes. But I just went out and bought a JS PreyMaster, which is much easier than hauling that tape player around, about ten pounds easier. Also picked up a couple mouth calls, which I am getting better at.

I am wondering if I am setting up properly…sometimes I think I am over thinking this.

I hunt during the day and also at night. I hunt in northern lower Michigan, mostly wooded areas, sometimes with small open areas (acre or so). During the day hunts, I park the van and general walk in 200 to 400 yards to my stand, trying to be mindful of noise and wind direction. When I get to my spot, I set for about 5 minutes to give it a bit of quite time and get a look at the surroundings. When I start to call, I start out with the volume on low or call softly when using the mouth call, I call for about a minute and then wait a couple minutes and then another series of calls for a minute. Then I wait for 10 – 15 minutes watching. If I see nothing, I will increase volume and repeat the sequence, after about 15 minutes more if I see nothing I generally move on to another spot.

Night hunts are my favorite, though I must say it gets a bit creepy out there by myself in the middle of the night with only my .22. But it is so cool out there on a quite moonlit night in the middle of winter. Night hunts I generally start calling soon after I get to the stand, I will call for a minute or two, then wait 2 to 5 minutes and then scan the area with my red spotlight. So far only thing I call in consistently are raccoons. Usually I work a spot about 20 minutes then move on.

I think I must be doing something right, cause a couple times when walking out I have found fresh tracks crossing my tracks in. I figure they circled around and busted me. I wear snow camo during the day, along with my hunter orange hat, set up in front of a large brush pile or blow down to blend in, keep my movement to a minimum and have cover scent.

I know I have to pay my dues, so to speak…these are very smart creatures…but I’d be happy to see one run by. Sorry to write a book here, but does it sounds like I am doing this correctly. I am open to all suggestions.

Thank for your help,

Bill

[skandiaman]

I hunt the U.P. pretty much same terrain as you. Sounds like you're doing everything right. A hunting partner would help if you can find a good one. I'd hate to tell you my average hrs. calling between sightings/shooting during my best year. It would make you quit right now. They say Mi. is about as tough as it gets for calling coyotes. Just keep doing it is the best advice. You'll figure out what works best. May want to look at a .22mag at least for night hunting unless thats what you meant. Good luck and happy holidays.

[Bill (MI)]

Thanks for all the information. I figure is just a matter of time. Like they say the first one is always the hardest. But I am having fun. Made three stands this morning…on the way out of the first stand, I found some tracks and decided to follow, sure enough down the power line into the woods and hooked around to my downwind side where I was calling…darn smart little creatures! But did boost my confidence.

This evening I made two stands…. nothing one the first one, lost tractions going up a hill on the way to the second, started sliding backwards, darn near got the van stuck. But found a cool looking spot. Called till dark, no takers. But on my way out had a doe jump out in front of the van followed by the biggest buck I have ever seen in the wild…made the trip worth it.

Once again thank for the help,
Bill