Bowhunting coyotes

TributeTim · 06-27-2007, 04:14 PM

Hi all, have some questions about hunting coyotes.
1. Should I hunt from the ground or my stand?
2. Should I use a digital caller?
3. What are the best times to be out?
Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Howler · 06-27-2007, 06:09 PM

1) either way will work. But if you use your treestand, don't be fooled into thinking that you can draw without being busted. They catch movement very quickly. So, either way, try to draw when they can't see you doing so.
2) An ecaller, or a buddy, both do the same thing in that the sound that is bringing the coyote is away from you, which helps keep the coyotes attention and allows you a chance to draw. Also, Ecaller or buddy need to be set up to your upwind side, or in other words, you need to be downwind of the sound that is bringing the coyote, because 9 times out of ten, the coyote will end up downwind of the distress sound. They do sometimes take the most direct route to the sound.

3) In general, early mornings are best. Actually night time calling is best, but coyotes can be called any time of day, early morning probably being best during day light.

Calling coyotes is the easy part, getting them within bow range is tough and then getting drawn on them without being busted is the hardest part. If you've never called coyotes before, I'd suggest buying a calling video or two, and watch, listen, and learn to how it's done. There is a predator with bow only video on the market done by the Verminators. It's gotover 20 kills including coyote, bobcat, and racoon.
Be prepared to call several in before you actually get a shot opportunity and don't get discouraged.It's tough with a bow. Good luck!

TributeTim · 06-27-2007, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the info. I love hunting with my bow, I'm just trying to fill in the gap until Sep 16th. I know this isn't going to be easy, if it was everyone would do it. I would love to get my son out there with me, but the only thing open in Kentucky is Coyote (tough), groundhog (tough), and pig (tough). So, I want to go out and see how it goes. If I find a nice spot to put up a blind, the boy will be going with me. Thanks again.

Sportsfann · 06-27-2007, 08:58 PM

I heard if you miss them with a gun you will never see them again?

Howler · 06-28-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

I heard if you miss them with a gun you will never see them again?

Usually true, BUT the word "never" in calling coyotes, is never going to be true for all. Same as the word "always" because even though coyotes have strong tendacies to act certain ways, there will be those that don't read the same play book. I've seen coyotes that have gotten shot at, barked at by mouth, and they stopped only to get shot at again, and once again stopped because of yipping sounds or other sounds, and then get shot at again. I even witnessed a single coyote that got shot at 10 times before getting hit on the 11th shot, and it never fleed the area. Don't ask me why, but it happened, on film for those that doubt that statement.

As far as calling them in and shooting at them and missing, even then they can be called in again some day. Simply by sitting up in a different spot and using a different sound, they can be brought in some where down the road, weather it's a week later or a day later, it can be done.

Dryridge · 06-28-2007, 10:28 AM

Tim, First of all you certainly like a challenge!!!
I would concentrate on stealth. Look for areas where there are lots of vermin...I don't know where you are, but in WV when the acorns are spotty, and the squirrels and chipmunks are concentrated in mountain areas (NO FIELDS) then we see lots of cats and coyotes in those spots as well. Lowlight times of course seem best. Cats evening, coyotes usually troll in the evenings but are noisy in the mornings at first light.

Don't have a clue as to how to tell you to call, but I would use a natural blind and ghille suit. Calling I would use soft turkey calls w/decoys, squirrel calls and boneless tail tied to a stick w/black thread to blow inthe breeze, or mouse calls and do some faint scratching in the leaves. I would use low draw wt. Don't need the kinetic energy and I would say drawing easily and holding longer would be much more important.

Just some thoughts. But hey, I have only drawn on one coyote and that thing stopped behind the only bush in the woods then split out of there after a deer. They are still running as far as I know!!!

Good Luck, Keep us posted if you try it.

TributeTim · 06-28-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks for all the help, like I said, this will be the first time coyote hunting. Just like anything else, trial and error, but I figure asking you all for advice will hopefully mitigate that.

Something off note, my 7 year-old and I were at a 3-D shoot Saturday, when I spotted a fawn about 10 yds. behind my son. I couldn't believe it. The fawn eventually made it's way over too us and was smelling everything. I bet it couldn't have been more than 3 days old, it was still really shaky on it's legs. I've got a little video on my cell, but can't get it downloaded to my computer. That made my sons day. When we moved to the next target, it was following my son down the trail, kinda funny. I don't think that will happen again. Just thought I'd share that with you all. Thanks again. Keep the advice coming. I plan on going out on Sunday and giving it a try.

Howler · 07-01-2007, 05:27 PM

If you happen to use a pop up blind, you will be best off if you brush it in to make it blend into the surroundings the best you can. Unlike turkey that allow you to pop up a blind in the middle of a plowed field, coyotes will either need time, as in several days, to adjust to the new "wierd" thing in their surroundings, or blend it in such as you would for deer hunting.