Seems like the coyotes in my area really make a nuisance of themselves this time of year. And ranchers and land managers suddenly get concerned about calves, fawn crops, and the like. Since I do some private predator control work in my area, I'll usually (eventually) get contacted.
Here's the situation, though: The "evolution" of the solution to the coyote problem takes about 4 stages, including the one that involves me. First, the rancher/foreman/manager shoots at any odd coyote he might happen to see. But that's a common occurence, and I think even the coyotes come to expect that. Then, the next stage is the guy with the gazillion-candle powered spotlight...white...that "shines" the pastures, shooting at targets of opportunity. The coons, possums, and the like take a beating, but you can imagine the results on the coyotes. Next, since everyone knows at least one bona-fide, sho' nuff varmint hunter, comes the guy with the latest electronic call and a boxful of tapes sold to him by a clerk at the local Wal-Mart who hasn't a clue as to their effectiveness, only that "we've sure sold a lot of them". This guy might even kill a coyote or two, but for sure he lets them all hear a bunch of calls.
Problem still exists, as you might imagine. Finally, a casual comment at the coffee shop or barber shop usually turns up someone who knows me. And I'll get contacted.
NOW, here's my question: How would you guys hunt these coyotes? I usually start off with a mouth call, usually a Rhino or Sceery (they haven't heard those) interspersed with some excited coyote barks. This usually works, at least the first time out, but I'd like to hear some other suggestions from the "masters". The coyotes are normally very vocal, and certainly not difficult to "locate".
The area is usually thickly wooded, broken up by some open pastures, clearcuts, and pipeline right-of-ways.
Thanks,
ScottD
Here's the situation, though: The "evolution" of the solution to the coyote problem takes about 4 stages, including the one that involves me. First, the rancher/foreman/manager shoots at any odd coyote he might happen to see. But that's a common occurence, and I think even the coyotes come to expect that. Then, the next stage is the guy with the gazillion-candle powered spotlight...white...that "shines" the pastures, shooting at targets of opportunity. The coons, possums, and the like take a beating, but you can imagine the results on the coyotes. Next, since everyone knows at least one bona-fide, sho' nuff varmint hunter, comes the guy with the latest electronic call and a boxful of tapes sold to him by a clerk at the local Wal-Mart who hasn't a clue as to their effectiveness, only that "we've sure sold a lot of them". This guy might even kill a coyote or two, but for sure he lets them all hear a bunch of calls.
Problem still exists, as you might imagine. Finally, a casual comment at the coffee shop or barber shop usually turns up someone who knows me. And I'll get contacted.
NOW, here's my question: How would you guys hunt these coyotes? I usually start off with a mouth call, usually a Rhino or Sceery (they haven't heard those) interspersed with some excited coyote barks. This usually works, at least the first time out, but I'd like to hear some other suggestions from the "masters". The coyotes are normally very vocal, and certainly not difficult to "locate".
The area is usually thickly wooded, broken up by some open pastures, clearcuts, and pipeline right-of-ways.
Thanks,
ScottD