For those of you that are just getting started with the exciting sport of hunting coyotes here are some of the fundamentals of how to call coyotes.
Calls
First things first, you need a call. The cheapest way to get started is to purchase a mouth call which you can get for less than $20.
There are two types of mouth blown calls; the closed reed call and the open reed call. The closed reed call is easier to learn how to blow, but the open reed call is more versatile and won’t freeze up in cold weather.
Camouflage
Now that you have your call you need some clothing that will keep you concealed. There are many different camouflage patterns on the market. Pick one that will blend into the terrain you are going to hunt.
Rifle
What about a rifle? There are some common calibers that are used for hunting coyotes like the .204, .223, and the .22-250. If you don’t have one of these you can just start out with your deer rifle. Basically, almost any gun will work.
Location
Now that you have the essentials, where do you go to call in a coyote? Start with places that have food sources and water. Some of the animals coyotes like to feed on are fawns, rabbits, mice, and other rodents. Cattle ranches and farms are great places to look for coyotes. Once you find areas where coyotes might be located you need to find out if coyotes are really there. The best indicator that coyotes are in the area are tracks and scat. You can also go out at night and see if you can hear them howl.
Setup
Once you find an area that coyotes are frequenting, you need to determine the best spot to call from. Find a location where you can get into the area undetected, but once there be able to have a good view of the surrounding area. Pick a spot to sit infront of something that will break up your outline from an approaching coyote.
Calling
It is now time to bring a coyote in. The most common sound that a coyote responds to is a rabbit in distress. If you don’t know what one sounds like, you search the internet for a sound byte of a rabbit in distress for an example. So now how to call coyotes? Start out calling making a series of distress cries for 20 to 30 seconds, then stop and wait a couple minutes. Repeat this process until you have been there for about 15 minutes. Most coyotes respond between three and eight minutes, but some take longer.
Making the Shot
Here it comes, now what? Be patient and Don’t move! The first thing a coyote will spot is movement and the game will be over. Find a time when the coyote dips out of sight or is behind an object to raise your gun. If it never does and you have to move, do it slowly. Wait until the coyote gets to within gun range and comes to a stop. It is better to take a standing shot instead of a running shot. If you have ever seen a skinned coyote, then you know it is a small target. A great help to combat coyote fever and steady your rifle when making the shot is a pair of shooting sticks or a bipod.
Hooked for Life
Once you have learned how to call coyotes and have seen your first coyote respond you will be hooked for life. It is a fun and exciting sport that gets your blood pumping every time you call in a coyote.
