Since this is my first post here I wanted to introduce myself and tell you why I am qualified to tell you a few things I've learned about Coyote Calling. My name is Kevin Webster. I'm from Missouri and lived here all my life. Have been Coyote Calling and more recently Bobcat Calling for more than 20 years...and having a lot of fun and success doing it!
Before season begins I do quite a lot of scouting and planning. I like to find areas for calling that not only have a lot of good coyote sign, but also areas where I can make my set for calling from an elevated position. Now it is not absolutely necessary to be in an elevated position to call coyotes, but I do prefer it.
When I find a good area, I make note of which direction the cover where I expect coyotes to come from is in relation to where I'll be calling from. This is important because of wind direction when I'm actually calling. I always want to be down wind of the area I expect the coyotes to come from when calling. This is very important.
Coyotes have an exceptional sense of smell. If they get wind of you...they are gone...end of story!
Ok so now I have found a spot where I want to make a coyote calling set from. Here's what I do.
I like to go early in the morning, just about daylight. I prefer to go on days with not much wind blowing as well. I always where camo which blends in with the color of the season. If it is fall and trees and grass are starting to brown I wear brown and green camo. If it is winter and there is snow on the ground I wear white camo so to blend in.
I always find somewhere to sit where the outline of my body is broken up by something. Like setting up against a tree, building, or tall grass. Coyotes also have very good eyesight so this is key to success. I also use a cover scent to help eliminate my human odor as much as possible.
I also use a decoy so as to attract the attention of the coyote. I place the decoy approximately 25 to 50 yards out in front of me, no further. I use the Predator Supreme Decoy but there are many good ones on the market.
Now there are two different techniques that I use when coyote calling. One targets there need to eat, and the other targets their territorial nature. I'm going to tell you how I do it when targeting their hunger right now and in later post I'll tell you how I call when I'm going for their territorial side.
I use both mouth calls and electronic calls. I prefer mouth calls though because I can start or stop calling easier. I can also control the volume easier. Here in Missouri, one of the primary food sources for Coyotes is Cotton Tail Rabbits, so that's the primary call I use.
When I first start to call I do it somewhat low volume. The reason for this is in case there is a coyote close by. I don't want to spook him by calling to loud. I blow on the call for about 30 seconds and then take a 1 minute break between calls. After I have done this a couple times and no Coyote appears, I begin to call louder and louder. I try to imitate a rabbit in distress. The easiest way for me to do this is say or blow waaa into the call and vary the pitch a little almost making it sound like a baby crying. This is very effective! I highly recommend it.
Now on a good calm day, I have called coyotes from as much as a mile away. Maybe farther but I can only say that I have seen them from a mile away coming to me.
I generally use a 22-250 or .223 caliber rifle if coyote calling during the day, and a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with BB shot if hunting at night.
I usually let the coyote get as close as possible before I shoot. Inside of 50 yards if possible. Some will come that close and some will hang up out there a ways farther. If I don't think I can get him any closer, I'll take as much as a 250 yard shot during the day. I feel 50 yards at night using a shotgun is about as far as I will take a shot though and be comfortable I'll get the kill. The last thing I want to do is wound and not find a coyote.
I must tell you though that I am a very good shot and practice a lot, so use your own judgement as to how far you think you can shoot and make a good kill shot. Practice is key here as well.
Here in Missouri the Coyote population has dwindled quite a lot over past years due to disease in the Coyote population so Coyote Calling has become increasingly more of a challange. I can generally call coyotes in to me at about 2 of every 10 calling sets I make.
If you live in western states your chances greatly increase because of a much larger coyote population.
Well that's it for this post on coyote calling...hope it helps you. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and bookmark this site. Come back later and I'll have an answer for you.
