Fall Coyote Hunting Tips

Most hunters do their coyote hunting after deer seasons end. They usually don’t get out until December or January. While winter hunting is fun, fall hunting may be the best hunting of the year. Coyotes haven’t yet been educated by deer hunters or other predator hunters. When deer hunting gets into that period just before pre-rut it seems like action hits a lull. That is a great time to sneak in a few fall coyote hunts. Some states have very liberal coyote hunting seasons that allow hunting in late August and early September. This is a great time of year to put a few coyotes on the ground.

As summer comes to an end pups mature and start venturing out on their own. They’re forced to make their own kills to survive. This is the time to use your in distress calls. The classic rabbit in distress call that may not get much attention in February will often have young coyotes falling over each other to find out what the ruckus is all about. Predators respond to distress calls for a number of reasons other than hunger. Often times they’re just curious about what is going on within their territory. Younger coyotes may be attracted to the novelty of the sound while older, more established coyotes move in to protect a potential meal on their hunting grounds.

Distress calls are great for bringing coyotes in but don’t stop calling after you’ve made a shot. Veteran coyote hunters almost always hit their hurt pup call after putting a bullet through a ‘yote any time of year. This technique can be even more effective in the fall when young coyotes are often still living as a pack with others.

Another advantage to hunting coyotes in the fall is added cover. It’s much easier to find a good place to hide when trees and brush are still covered in leaves. Keep in mind, the coyotes have more cover too. If you’re hunting in a forested area, they can get pretty close before you lay eyes on them. Being still and scent free is just as important, if not more, in the fall. Don’t forget to hunt with the wind in your face but remember a coyote’s first instinct will be to circle downwind of where they believe their next meal is.

Many of your winter time hotspots can be very good in the fall. If you’ve seen coyotes in a location before, there is a good chance you’ll find them there again. Keep a log book of your success in all of the locations you have access too. Don’t be afraid to try new spots but start with my most productive hunting areas first.

Fall coyote hunting is often overlooked… but it may be the best time of the year to get up close and personal with some song dogs.