Author Topic: Coyote Hunters (Read 3323 times)

Dinny · « **on:** September 23, 2009, 10:21:55 PM »

Hoosier Hunters,
Please chime in with your hunting methods, equipment and techniques. I have tried hunting coyotes several times only calling in one. I was so excited that I shot at it long before I should have (495yds away). You guessed it right, a miss! That day I didn't use a decoy and think now that it may have come in handy. Anyone baiting them? Using NV equipment?

Decoys: Mojo critter, a Quiver Rabbit, and some twirling feather thingy.

Gun: Weatherby SPM .243 scoped with Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x50

Calls: Primos mouth calls, Primos Power Dogg, Knight & Hale Howler

Thanks, Dinny

Old Syko · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2009, 01:04:16 AM »

Around here you only occasionally see one or two during daylite hours. They pack up and run at night. During the winter months, when crops are down I'll occasionally go out on the back porch at 2 or 3 A.M. with a 22-250 and low light optics to quiet their singing when they get my dogs wound up. When you drop one, just let him lay. Usually the next night others will come to see what happened to their buddy. Cannibalism isn't unheard of either.

Dinny · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2009, 01:55:34 AM »

FYI, some good news from the DNR.

Dear Adam,

You can use night-vision devices to hunt coyotes. Please note that you
must carry a continuously burning (shining) light that can be seen for
at least 500 feet while pursuing coyotes between sunset and sunrise.

Sincerely,

Linnea Petercheff
Operations Staff Specialist
Division of Fish and Wildlife
402 W. Washington Street, Room W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-6527
Fax: (317) 232-8150

Thanks, Dinny

Old Syko · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2009, 02:36:34 AM »

And as far as the aforementioned "continuously burning (shining) light" goes, an amber lens cover does wonders. Keep the light pointed up and not out. At least it's always worked for me.

bstewrat3 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2009, 05:26:41 AM »

I have spent more money than I care to admit on the pursuit of coyotes and while using all of the technology my success rate is lower than when I just make odd noises from the tree stand while hunting deer. The coyotes are so much easier to see from up in the tree that I have actually started to use my climber when calling.

Decoys:
Hard Plastic Full Body Coyote - No success with this one.
Quiver Rabbit - Can't say it really moves enough to draw attention.
Stuffed Animal with a Bumble Ball Inside - This one works great, but make sure to put it on a leash.
I haven't been able to convince the beagle to decoy in coyotes for me.

Weapons:
I have used pretty much everything I own to take coyotes at sometime in the past.
AR-15 - Had a nice muzzlebrake on this one with no hearing protection - MISTAKE!
T/C Encore - Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun and Muzzleloader
10/22 - Not Recommended unless they are 10 feet from you and totally unaware you have their head in the crosshairs while squirrel hunting.
Mossberg 835 3 1/2" 12 gauge - AKA The Coyote Hammer - Never had one so much as quiver when hit with this one.
220 Swift Ackley Improved - Very bad on the pelts but it will reach out there.
Bowtech Guardian - Mostly when I'm after deer and the opportunity presents itself.

Calls:
Johnny Stewart Wireless Preymaster - Best sounds are the housecat distress and piglet distress.
Too many mouth calls to list.

Lights:
Lightforce Weapon Light w/ red lens - This one mounts much better than the clip ons you see at the outdoor stores - You pay for it though.

Camo:
I use a 6'x3' piece of the camo blind burlap and sit at the base of a tree and blend into the roots.

buffalo · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2009, 06:00:52 AM »

If its legal bait them. Get them coming around.Hunt the area no more than 1 time a week.Keep putting out new bait.If there are any in the area, you'll get them .

ELMO · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2009, 06:02:58 AM »

I tell you, one of these years I'm going to get me a coyote. I usually go and get in a tree stand and use the rabbit in distress call, but I have never called up a coyote. I have had red fox come to me a couple of times and thats it. I think I may need to put a little more effort into it and try some different calls. I have seen coyotes while on stand deer hunting, but just couldn't shoot because I was after deer at the time. I think I'll try late January or February when there is snow on the ground, we'll see.......

Lon371 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2009, 10:48:15 AM »

I have wanted to go, heck I bought one of the electric calls. Bought a Mosin for the range, and a Par3 pump action ak in a .223. But just not done it.

Daughter passed a shot on one couple years ago while deer hunting. It run up to 15 yards from her. she was on the ground next to a tree. When it left, she called me on the radio and asked if she could shoot it next time?

We do have some in this neck of the woods, guess it is about time to start.

Lonny

Dinny · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2009, 11:39:43 AM »

I like the Treestand idea. I have tried it once while hunting in a elevated blind. It was on a farm that had cattle grazing throughout. Guess what I got when I blew on the rabbit distress call? Yup, cows and lots of them.

This year the cows have been removed from that property due to poor grass growth. Maybe I'll give it another try.

Thanks for the great idea!

~Dinny

Hank in Indiana · « **Reply #9 on:** September 29, 2009, 01:17:05 AM »

Does anyone know of any rifle restrictions on coyotes in In.

Old Syko · « **Reply #10 on:** September 29, 2009, 02:55:13 AM »

There are none, unless something has been changed just recently that I'm not aware of. Just be sure of your backstop and don't miss.

tatonka · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2009, 04:52:08 AM »

I use a mouth blown call sparingly. It seems once you call one up & shoot & miss they are extremely reluctant to come in again even at a later date to the same call. Two years ago, someone poached a buck on my place and didn't recover him (looked like a varmint rifle wound). My neighbor found him several days later after the coyotes started on him. We tied the carcus to a utility pole on the back side of my shooting range. You could sit in the evening and shoot from my shooting bench. We got 6 coyotes and one stray dog off that carcus before it was gone. Full camo is a plus when calling or the use of a blind is good also. Coyotes have a great sense of smell so be careful with your scent. Walking in on a stand after you have gotten sweaty is a real action killer. Good shooting.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2009, 03:47:59 PM »

bstewrat3, Where did you get the Lightforce Light and how much do they cost?
I know they are not cheap. I bought a Cyclops Thor Serius yesterday but doubt I'll be satisfied. It has LED bulbs and I haven't been impressed with them in the past. Was told I could return it. About $80.00. I know the Lightforce are a good bit more but I haven't been able to find them for a couple of years now. Thanks

Lon371 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2009, 12:49:53 AM »

Just a thought,
Has anyone ever tried to usse a remote control car for a decoy. Was thinking of taking one of the boys oldones and hanging a rabbit skin on it. This way if you did see a coyote, you could move it to draw his attention. Also thought about putting the wifes rabbits on leashes

Lonny

Dinny · « **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2009, 01:25:06 AM »

Quote from: Lon371 on October 18, 2009, 12:49:53 AM

Just a thought,
Has anyone ever tried to usse a remote control car for a decoy. Was thinking of taking one of the boys oldones and hanging a rabbit skin on it. This way if you did see a coyote, you could move it to draw his attention. Also thought about putting the wifes rabbits on leashes

Lonny

Lonny,
I also have thought "outside the box" a few times in reference to hunting coyotes. i.e. I put live chickens inside a wire cage and and set them on the fringes of a farmstead. The coyotes know when they're caged and won't come in. I have also tried tying a rabbit skin hat to a piece of monofilament fishing line and dragging it across a field, once again, they knew it wasn't real and I couldn't coax them out of the woodlines. Those boogers have a sixth sense that is more keen than even a mother's intuition or anything else I have ever seen. They won't touch a fresh dead cow's body on the farm in Charlestown, but will devour their afterbirth within minutes of delivery. Talk about a miffed mother cow....

It almost seems as if there is no rhyme or reason sometimes, they just do what they want and sometimes not even that.

So I say, let's try your wife's rabbits!!!!

Thanks, Dinny

Lon371 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 18, 2009, 03:15:05 AM »

Dinny

She is setting here drinking coffee. So I told her YOU want to try a rabbit for bait

Her comment was HMmm

<<<that look followed the comment.

Of course I knew what she would say
LOL. But maybe we could sneak one out and tie it to the boys radio control car

and put it back before she noticed. But of course if we get caught I am blaming it on you

Lonny

Dinny · « **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2009, 03:27:24 AM »

Quote from: Lon371 on October 18, 2009, 03:15:05 AM

Dinny

She is setting here drinking coffee. So I told her YOU want to try a rabbit for bait
Her comment was HMmm <<<that look followed the comment. Of course I knew what she would say
LOL. But maybe we could sneak one out and tie it to the boys radio control car and put it back before she noticed. But of course if we get caught I am blaming it on you

Lonny

Lonny,
Thanks! With friends like you, who needs enemies? Your wife would have my scalp and tan my hide if we did that. Lol

~Dinny

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #17 on:** October 18, 2009, 07:00:59 AM »

A guy told me the live chicken staked out works. Guess if the yotes didn't take it you could fry it up when you were done using it for a decoy. I have a Fox Pro with the Jack in the Box. I tried it for the first time last winter and forgot to hook up the wire so the remote would control it. Sat up against a big tree a little too far from a woods I expected company from. I was waving the remote around thinking it wasn't getting the signal there and saw a yote watching me at the edge of the woods. BUSTED! I looked at him through my scope but decided not to take the shot. Hope to get him this year. I figure the first few times are a learning experience. They are SMART in their enviroment. I shot two last year back of my house and saw at least one more but couldn't get him in the scope in time. Left him for seed. Was gonna post a picture but it must work different here. Have to read the top. Going out to try some 223s I just loaded. Hoping for one hole

Lon371 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2009, 10:59:40 AM »

Quote

I was waving the remote around thinking it wasn't getting the signal there and saw a yote watching me at the edge of the woods. BUSTED

Did he wave like the white tails do. LOL

Lonny

Saloon slug · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2009, 04:00:47 PM »

I am originally from Ca were dog hunting is a year round thing

. The down side is it is real hilly country so my set up is light and minimal.

Decoys: I use a large feather tied to a stick with fishing line ( I know not fancy but it works)

Weapon: Stevens 200 in .223rem with a 3-9 scope ( usually take my shots with it set at 4x but like the extra power so I can take a good look)

Calls: I used to use a couple Primos calls but now I use my MP3 player with an audio amp from Radio Shack and an external speaker. (it is light simple and I can tailor my playlist for different areas and time lengths)

Cammo: I use my hand made Guillie suit.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #20 on:** October 20, 2009, 04:32:57 PM »

Saloon slug, Nice gun. I'm gonna try the feather this year. It don't take long to get too much stuff to lug out in the fields. I've been wanting to make a guillie suit for a few years now.

Lon371 He wasn't waving but he sure had a big grin.

I Learned to set up a little closer to the woods. If they don't run right out I bet they sit at the edge and watch a bit before they commit. If I would have had my 22-250 I might have shot. He gave me plenty of time, just didn't feel right.

Saloon slug · « **Reply #21 on:** October 20, 2009, 05:12:59 PM »

bigvarmint
It takes some time to make one. It took me about 14 hours to make the jacket never made any pants as I am usually sitting and I wear one of those cammo face nets. Now that I am here in In. I will have to make something for when there is snow on the ground. I learned the hard way when it comes to having to much stuff. I got to the point that hauling the weight of all my crap took all the fun out of it so now I travel light and the coyotes dont know the difference.
For a feather a turkey tail feather works great or if you have any hawk nests in your area you can find discard around their nest trees but you can always go to an arts and crafts store. I used to use stuffed animals but got tired of replacing them when a dog would grab them before I could get a shot of and shred them a bit plus they are bulky. The feather goes in my hat when walking to a new stand.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #22 on:** October 25, 2009, 05:25:04 AM »

Slug, Did that Stevens come camoed like that, scope also? How does it shoot? What's in Auburn that's better than Cal? Have you been here long enough to get any IN yotes? How does their size compare?

Lon371 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 01, 2009, 12:33:03 AM »

Ok I stated the following a week or so ago.

Quote

We do have some in this neck of the woods, guess it is about time to start.

This morning 4:30 am(whoops forgot the time change 3:30), while trying to get my coffee and sign on to GBO. The dogs(indoors) went crazy!. My hear is not really that good(thanks to M1 tanks) So I unplugged the coffee pot, shut off the T.V. and low and behold I hear coyotes. Now guys, I am in the house and hear them. I do live in the country, and hear them when i am outside at night. BUT I have never seen them or heard them any where near the house! I grabbed the 410 Mossy load up some 6 shot. Out the front door to the back of the house. Hear one yelp and call 50 -60 yards out back in the brush, weeds. I walked out a little ways, flood lights(on the house) on, flash light in hand(spot light loaned out) Then silence. So I waited a bit, back to a tree. Heard nothing else for about 15 minutes. Gave up, came back in the house for my coffee and GBO fix.

Project for the day, getting off my butt today and going to go do some Yote hunting!

Lonny

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2009, 04:42:46 AM »

DO IT! You may want to take a 12 ga. with #4 buck next time. I have close to the door a 223 for medium range, a 22-250 for when they're a bit far, a 12 ga. with #4 Buck, and a 410 3" #4s for when Dinnys friends come by. Running out of corners, been thinking of making a gun rack for the kitchen wall. Some folks have given me some strange looks over the years when they come in the house. I just brought the Hornet down for a cleaning and some loading. It's nice for close work.

Get out there shoot one and post some pics.

I wonder if their fur is prime yet or needs to get colder

Any pros know?

Lon371 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 01, 2009, 04:59:02 AM »

The only reason I grabbed the 410 and # 6 Is because it is the only one close with shells close. I am going to remedy that today. It will be joined this afternoon by my short barreled 12

Pelt wise I am not sure, not been close enough to see yet.

Lonny

Lon371 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 10, 2009, 11:36:03 AM »

Ok, on the coyote front. I just talked with a neighbor who has a chicken farm, over the hill behind the house. He said the coyotes are hanging out at the end of his property. He has a wooded lot, they are staying in and around. He has a "compost pile" that is where dead sick chickens go. They appear most everynight around midnight at the pile.

He gave us permission to come up anytime our finger itched

So when we get our stuff together I know where we are going.

My question of the day is, why are the coyotes and beavers acting up this close to deer season?

Lonny

Dinny · « **Reply #27 on:** November 10, 2009, 01:16:29 PM »

Quote from: Lon371 on November 10, 2009, 11:36:03 AM

My question of the day is, why are the coyotes and beavers acting up this close to deer season?
Lonny

Lonny,
I think to best answer your question and remedy your problems, I have to ask another question. "Where did I put that old dynamite?"

Let me give you some tips on hunting coyotes that come into a bait pile after dark. First you have to hope the bait pile is out and in the wide open(more light and less shadows). Second you have to hunt the full moon nights or close to full moon. Third you need good optics with a scope having a bell diameter of 50mm or larger and preferably a lighted reticle turned down low. If no lighted reticle, then use a scope that has a heavy reticle. Next you need to be in a comfortable hide, something you can sit in/on for several hours nearly motionless. Watch the wind and the bait pile. Eventually they may come after a midnight snack and you may get your shot. Blinds work best for these situations because they limit your scent dispersal and mask some movement. Nightvision optics are a premium that some of us can't afford, but certainly are helpful, but they have their own specific issues too. I will save that for a later post. If you have a sawmill nearby, spreading sawdust around the pile will run the coyotes off for a short while, but when they return, the color contrast may make it easier to spot them around the bait. It worked for the hogs in Germany, why not here? This is especially helpful when there's no snow on the ground. Also a game camera placed nearby will confirm when they are visiting the pile. I happen to know a great place to read all about the game cameras, too.

When all else fails, I can give you a phone number of an old man in N. IL that hunts coyotes almost all year long over a bait station and always at night. He has nearly $6000 wrapped up in his rifle and NV scope alone. It's pricey but he is also successful, shooting nearly 50 coyotes a year.

I'd be more than happy to come over and help ya if I have any time left over from deer hunting.

Dinny 4 more days........

Saloon slug · « **Reply #28 on:** November 15, 2009, 04:38:24 PM »

Quote from: bigvarmnt on October 25, 2009, 05:25:04 AM

Slug, Did that Stevens come camoed like that, scope also? How does it shoot? What's in Auburn that's better than Cal? Have you been here long enough to get any IN yotes? How does their size compare?

Naw Krylon and I are good friends as far as how it shoots its a tack driver with about anything I have tried threw it.

Why I am in Auburn is a very good question

I am an Active Duty Marine on recruiting duty and this is were they put me for the time being.
I haven't shot any here yet I have only just gotten permission on a couple places and am making arrangements for days to make stands but from the dogs I have seen here they are much bigger then their south western kin and the coats this time of year are beautiful.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #29 on:** November 15, 2009, 05:04:14 PM »

Saloon Slug, There you are. Thought you went west. Pretty good job painting.
I haven't seen any yet. Was wondering when there fur kicks in. It's been warm for this time of year but we have had a couple good frosts. I found a small piece of meat and bone yesterday. Looked down and there it was, about the size of a quarter. Would rather hunt them in snow. You probably never done that.
Plan to try to call coon in to a fight this year. Heard it works but they may climb in your lap. Might get nasty.