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Post by icefishnh on Aug 10, 2006 16:59:24 GMT
Heys guys, a few questions. What are a few of the most important things to have coyote hunting? calls, camo, firearms used, etc. Also, is the time of day important and wind and scent control important?
-Dave
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Post by browning204 on Aug 10, 2006 17:46:36 GMT
There are lots of different things to consider when you are going to hunt coyotes, depending on your intended hunting spot, will depend on what firearm you chose to take. If you plan on hunting woods or smaller pieces of land or urban hunts, maybe a 12 gauge would be best for you. Obviously go with a rifle for longer more open terrian shots. .223 .204 .243 calibers like that are a good choice. Calls, that depends on the person. Some swear by Distress calls and others like to use howls. Distress seems to be the way to go especially for a beginner because I believe that they are easier calls to make on a mouth call. Howls require alot more practice and understanding of what the different Vocalizations mean. That call that you get from THO should do the trick for you! Camo and hiding your movement is a must!! wear good camo, something that breaks up you outline well. always sit with your back against something that will kinda blend you out. A tree, rock even on a hillside, anything so they don't see your outline. Try to cover your face with netting and wearing gloves is good also. Stand selection and wind playing, this is the most difficult for me, Just last night I had one sneak up to my 4 o'clock position, give me a couple barks and took off. It seems like every time I get a good spot, wind changes or they come in a different route from which I thought they would come. The biggest thing you can do to learn is just get out there, you will learn from mistakes. Sometimes after a hunt, I will be laying in bed thinking about how I was busted and think wow what the hell was I thinking, but know I know better for next time. Good luck
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Post by troutpro on Aug 10, 2006 18:05:59 GMT
Electric calls are great for beginners if you can afford one. You can set them away from you taking the coyotes eyes off of you and they circle the call instead of you. I have heard a lot about THO's calls from more people than just browning so his calls are a great way to go also. I agree with browning on the distress sounds being easier and I feel more effective. I still can't figure out how to use howls properly though.
As for camo browning did a good job on. Find a backround, cover up all exposed areas of your body, coyotes can easily catch your head turning or your hand moving. Daytime hunting look for the shade.
As for firearms there are some debates. Some people that keep the fur love .17's, but a lot of people argue that it as unethical. I would recommend the rounds browning mentioned. Any big game animal rifle will cut it. I use a .223 wssm. Shotguns for close range shooting.
As for the time of day, I love night hunting. I do a bit of early morning hunting too.
I don't use anything to eliminate my scent or cover it up. I stay away from scented products the day before and the day of the hunt. Wind direction still confuses me. I set up where I know the coyote won't be coming facing where I think he will come and an occasional scan everywhere else.
As browning said you will learn from your mistakes. My strategies improve each time I go out.
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Post by browning204 on Aug 10, 2006 18:45:37 GMT
10-4 Troutpro, thanks for the props! but I or we don't take the scent thing that seriously because if you play the wind correctly ( and it IS hard sometimes) you don't gotta worry about that (as much). Don't forget, we are in the North east where coyotes see, smell, hear and contact humans all the time. so a weak hint of human shouldn't cause them to panic all that much. The last couple of coyotes that we have called in have all stood there and looked at us while we were standing and talking. One time there was a cigarette lit. I am not saying it will happen all the time but, just keep an eye on the wind and set up accordingly. to repeat, it is not easy, but if anything will get you got, it will probably be the wind....
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Post by icefishnh on Aug 11, 2006 2:38:13 GMT
Ok thanks alot guys. Am thinking about going out in the next few days and try to call one in, nevermind shooting them. lol. Also, what do you do with them? Probably get the first hide tanned and thats about it...
-Dave
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Post by browning204 on Aug 11, 2006 11:56:40 GMT
I think you will be hard pressed this time of year to get a coyote that has good enough fur that you will wanna keep. Maybe I am wrong, but the winter hides are what you want.
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Post by troutpro on Aug 11, 2006 15:11:23 GMT
I don't know of anyone that keeps furs this time of year. I take my coyotes back for pics then toss them along side a field. This year I will probably sell them to a local trapper. He offered $15 for a unskinned coyote I shot last year in December or January.
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Post by browning204 on Aug 11, 2006 15:16:55 GMT
Icefish: you should probably ask the guy upstairs if he will buy our coyotes for the fur, I wish I had a buyer for the ones that I plan on shootin. at least have the furs pay for ammo or maybe put a lil' gas in the truck.
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Post by troutpro on Aug 12, 2006 17:21:52 GMT
Last year we were thinking about skinning them and selling them, but after watching a dvd on how to do it realized you needed to buy some equipment and have some know how and spend more time than what it is worth for us. When the season rolls around I will have to get in contact with the trapper. Haven't decided what gun to use this year considering I want a small exit. Wish I had the money for a 22-250.
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