Coyotes - Beat The Winter Blues! 

It's cold, gray, overcast, snow covered or maybe just wet and muddy...and you think hunting season is over.  Wrong, beat those winter blues, now is the time to key in on the alpha predator, that's right, old laughing dog himself, aka Wiley Coyote. 

This is not just any animal your hunting, it is the result of tens of thousands of years of nature's genetic refinement.  This is an animal that can out see, smell, run and out think even you...but you can get him with patience and a little strategy. 

Focus on staging areas, those out of the way travel corridors along streams and brushy areas surrounded by open fields.  These are the coyote's typical hunting grounds and it's source for food.  Coyotes often hunt for mice, chipmunks and moles along these edges as they work to fill their empty bellies. 

This is the single weakness, hunger, that you can use to your advantage. 

Camoflauge is critical, scent control is of the utmost importance and stealth is imperative.  Call loudly at first to let the locals know you're an intruder,  A few howls or yips can be deadly as the first sentinel is sent out to survey the situation.  Often times your calls will be answered immediately or after a few minutes but once answered it becomes an exercise in patience.  Wait 20 minutes and if still no visitors have arrived follow up with a predator distress call...call aggressively, with a variety of pitches and volume...then wait.  After 20 minutes with no success use your distress call again.  If 20 minutes again passes with no opportunity it's time to relocate. 

As with most hunting, the early morning and late afternoons are most productive, however, mid-day on those bitter cold days can also prove productive as predators search for food.  Food is energy and energy equals body warmth, even for coyotes. 

Some other tricks that might be worth remembering...cluttered fence rows make good travel corridors and also hold coyote food.  On windy days tie a dull colored rag on the bottom wire, from a distance this will look like an injured rabbit and might just play on the predator's curiosity.  Predators are fast learners so be prepared to mix up your game.  What worked yesterday, might not work today.  One thing for certain, a missed shot or botched opportunity on any predator provides them a quick education that they will remember. 

Persistance pays off in this game of cat and mouse...some days are more productive than others just as some areas are better.  Try, try, try again. 

The great thing about hunting coyotes or any predator for that matter, is that most landowners and farmers are very willing to allow you the opportunity to hunt as they are often viewed as a threat to livestock.  Remember common courtesy, keep gates closed if found that way, the same rule applies for open gates, don't harass livestock.  Follow these rules and you might find yourself being invited back for other hunting opportunities. 

Pit yourself against the coyote or any predator for that matter and you will definitely beat the winter blues. 

Mark Nethery
www.bluegrassgamecalls.com

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