Begginer, How do I get started???

[Idaho hunter 58]

In Idaho we have some preditors like cyotes that I have spotted while deer hunting. I would like to be able to hunt them. The season lasts all year, so it would be something to do in the big game off-season. I have a preditor call, and a great .243. What types of areas do I want to hunt, and what calls, attractants, bullet type do you recommend? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the help.

[Howler]

It's hard to tell a guy where to start without knowing your hunting abilities and what type of terrian you have access to hunt, but in general, I'd suggest going where you've seen coyotes in the past. In the winter, coyotes like to hang around livestock, so keep that in mind. If there is snow on the ground, drive the roads and look for tracks, that's an easy way of finding them to start with. Your .243 will do fine with about any bullet weight that you choose, but expect pelt damage with about any bullet you choose too. If you've never called predators before, I'd suggest buying a calling video, I really like Randy Anderson's video or the Verminator video with Randy in it. His last video really goes over the "how to's" of calling. After seeing and hearing how to call predators, you will have a better idea of how to go about it. As far as attractants such as scents or decoys, they really aren't necassary. If you get the sounds any where close to sounding good to the coyotes, you won't need anything else to bring them in. As far as cover scents, don't waste your money, play the wind and hunt. Calling coyotes is a blast, it's not hard, and the pelts are worth some money this year. Have fun and good luck!

[noway]

howler gave good advice.
I agree that Randy Andersons videos are a good place to start.
Also go to www.predatormasters.com that is where the callers hang out.
Some of the best callers in the country post there and tons of information is given out daily.

Watch the wind and set up where you can see a coyote if you do call one in.
Use camo including hands and face, sit still and start calling.
It is tough until you have success and build the confidence that it will really work for you.
Good luck.

[Idaho hunter 58]

I tried going to that site but it came up unavailable? I will try searching at cabelas.com or something. How much are the pelts worth? Do you prepare it yourself or do you just take it to a taxidermist and sell it to them?

[Howler]

Try to do a search for predator masters site, it is the best site for predator hunters and there are some very knowledgable hunters there that are willing to answer lots of questions. The coyotes are selling for around $25 in the round and around $50 for finished pelt. Some taxidermist will buy them, but usually you need to find a fur buyer to sell them to.