The guys from Primos did a great video on setting up for a coyote hunt. One of the most common questions they receive when doing seminars and live appearances is “How do we set up for a successful coyote hunt?” Pull up your rocking chair and join the boys in this discussion:
Take away points from the video:
Set up depends a lot on the terrain your hunting. A lot of folks believe that coyotes are harder to call east of the Mississippi then out west. That’s not really the case it’s just that the terrain is different and you have a lot more woods. In the woods it’s not uncommon to call a coyote in and never see it. Old time coyote hunters are famous for saying “Call into the wind” but in a heavily wooded situation that puts the coyote right behind you because a coyote will circle. The most important thing about the set up for a Coyote hunt is the wind. Try and set up where the down wind is open for a shot. If your in heavy woods find a food plot or opening that is downwind and the coyotes will come to the edge of the opening presenting you with a shot. If your sitting looking into the wind the coyote will circle behind you almost every time. When a coyote smells you it’s over and that coyote is gone. You may not see the coyote but you have educated him so that next time he hears that call he is less likely to respond.
Reflections- A lot of new hunters won’t tape up their gun and if a coyote sees a reflection they will stop and run the other way. The guys from Primos have seen a coyote get spooked at up to 500 yards from a gun reflection. Much like turkey hunting it’s important to cover your watch, wear a face mask and gloves and blend into the environment with a good set of camo. One of my favorite analogies from this video is that a coyote is like a turkey that can also smell. If you have ever spent any time in the turkey woods you know how important it is to stay still and be well camouflaged.
Where available coyotes like to run down trails. They will use deer trails, logging roads, cow trails in pastures etc. When your calling in heavy woods don’t call to much. They will often spot you before you spot them. Let them search for you.
One thing the guys at Primos say is when you howl they don’t seem to circle as much. They make more of a bee line to the caller. As soon as you switch to a distress call like a jack rabbit or a cotton tail sound the coyote is likely to star circling.
Scouting- When hunting a new area the guys a Primos will talk to the farmers, game wardens, park rangers, mail men, dairy milk drivers or any other residents in an area. Ask them where they are hearing the coyotes howl in the morning or evening. Also look for droppings or tracks on trails.
Coyotes love manure- especially baby calf manure. Hunting pastures and feed lots can be productive for this reason. According to the guy from Primos coyotes can live off manure if they have to. Especially during a ruff winter.
When you set up and kill a coyote or are unsuccessful in that set up how far should you move for your next set up? The guys in the video recommend moving about a half mile under light wind conditions. It depends a lot on the terrain but you want to move far enough away that you are out of sound range from your last set up. During strong winds the sound doesn’t carry as well so you don’t need to move as far.
