How much do coyotes affect deer movement?
If you were heading out to a stand and spotted a coyote, would you switch plans? Maybe hunt anoter stand? Here's what happened to me...
There has been a rain and wind storm in our area the last two days, our rain gage says we got 4” of rain. The wind has been howling. The temperatures have dropped. Snow is predicted. Its downright cold and miserable. I had brought my hunting gear to work with me contemplating the possibility of a break in the weather and the associated increase in deer movement. It was raining at 3:30 pm, but by 4:00 pm it was slowing. On my way home I showered at the local pool, making the move to hunt the magic corner. This was the spot were I killed two deer last year (one with my bow and a small buck on the last day/last minute of the gun season). The bow killed doe was half eaten by coyotes when I recovered it less three hours after I hit it.
After I parked, I stepped out of the car and there to my amazement is a coyote working the tree line, toting along weaving back and forth, occasionally stopping to smell the air blowing out of the woods. It was trotting right toward me I leaned up against the car and watched. about 100 yards it looked up at me, didn’t startle - mainly continued its prowl but this time away and across the field. Now what, should I hunt this spot or not? I made the decision to go in and check out the place for activity, one that I would surly regret. On my hike in as I passed an orchard in middle of two fields, I notice the apples that had fallen from the tree we still lying in the grass. Also, A bare ground area which usually has tracks was trackless. Was this due to the storm keeping the deer down, which case they should be moving to this area soon, or was it the coyote? I made it to my stand and set up- disappointed with my clumsiness in the process. I sat until 6:45 no sign, no movement. Tried some doe calls and a fawn bleat, but though that probably is just bring in the “yotes”
On my hike out I approached the field edge cautiously, quietly and with slow movements. I stood near the edge when, in the dim light I noticed movement - Deer? The animal started moving toward me, back and forth, I froze. That movement was familiar, Damn it a coyote. It continued its hunt of the grass (for mice?) as it came with in 20 yards with out noticing me (the wind was in my face). I wondered if I can shoot a coyote with my bow license? And what I’d do with the carcass of I did” How do coyotes taste? It headed into the woods were I had walked out, probably smelled my trail, or me and lunged deeper into the woods at a running pace. I wondered how much that single “yote” would keep the deer away? Next time I see one on my stand trail I might just pick another stand.