The evolution of a Southeastern Coyote Hunter
Having come from a family of hunters and trappers it only seemed natural that I followed in my ancestors footsteps. My lifelong hunter’s training course began at an early age. When I was around five years old, my dad started taking me along on his rabbit and quail hunting trips, which were very exciting for a young lad. At age ten, under proper supervision, I was allowed to carry a .410 shotgun.
One of my grandfathers was a vigorous squirrel and crow hunter. He also introduced me to mouth blown calls for predators. A simple homemade device built from two wooden blocks and a few rubber bands, the rubber band call, was what I learned on. Later, I acquired a few “store bought” predator and crow hand calls from the local hardware store. My first “electronic” caller came into my possession further down the road. It was a used Johnny Stewart battery operated record player complete with a sampling of 45 RPM records. With this wonder of modern technology in my hands, I envisioned new doors into the world of game calling swinging wide open. Although considered portable I soon found it was not the easiest to use and it was quite troublesome. It was not quite what I expected. While it did fool numerous crows and a few fox, I still depended heavily on hand calls. Not giving up, little by little my fox and bobcat calling techniques improved.
Like numerous locations in the southeastern United States back in the early 60’s, coyotes were few and far between… non-existing in my area. Some hunting magazines at the time featured articles on calling coyotes. I was fascinated, often wishing we had coyotes.
Only a few decades ago my wish came true. In the late winter of ‘73, while hand calling for fox and bobcats, I called in and shot my first coyote. Little did I know it would be quite some time before I put another on the ground.
Unlike today, information on hunting coyotes was fairly limited. About all I had were those few coyote hunting editorials for reference. It was apparent those hunts were centered in wide open plains and/or desert areas in some of the western states. Still, the tales and photos were very inspiring to a young want-a-be coyote hunter. It seemed to successfully call coyotes I needed to do like the guys in those articles.
They hunted open ground. The closest thing here was pasture fields. I figured what worked for them would surely work here too. I often saw where coyotes had been using the fields so I figured they would easily come into the open. No problem. I could find a big open field, sit in the middle, blow a call for fifteen minutes and the coyotes would come running in.
After about a year of this type of calling I did catch a glimpse of a couple of coyotes. One stuck its head out of a briar thicket, only to retreat quickly. The other one was in the open…almost. It was traveling along the grown up edge of a field, about five hundred yards away, too far off for me.
As hard as I tried I failed miserably at being a successful coyote hunter. For some reason calling coyotes into open fields was not working. My aspirations became rather grim. I became frustrated and was almost ready to call it quits. Those magazine guys did not seem to have any problems so what was I doing wrong?
This made me stop and think. What was I doing when I called in that coyote the previous year? Our terrain looks nothing like western turf. My home, the southern Appalachian region of Tennessee, consists of a large variation of topography. We have anything from gently rolling farmland to steep ridges and tall rugged mountains.
Most undeveloped areas are rural and thickly wooded. They often contain deep hollows and wandering streams lined with thickets of mountain laurel and briar bushes that are often perfect locations for coyotes. With our moderate climate, ample bounty of both prey and cover our predators find living easy. This abundance can also make predators finicky and harder to call.
Let’s get back to what was I doing wrong. You need to remember I had hunted other game but was green as grass when it came to coyotes. Reminiscing back to my earlier deer hunting days, I always made several scouting trips before the hunt. For coyotes, I had just been going out and setting up since I knew from the tracks in the fields that they were there. It was time for a change of strategy. After some very intense scouting I discovered coyotes like to use any available cover to their advantage. It makes them feel more at ease.
The answer to my question soon came to light. When I killed the coyote it was in the woods, and not in the middle of an open field. It only seemed reasonable that they were more secure in the woods and dense thickets that surrounded the open fields. Since it is not legal to predator hunt at night here I was hitting the fields at the wrong time. They were working the open areas under the cover of darkness. I realized trial and error was going to be my only teacher.
As soon as I started calling from inside the edges of fields (and into the timber) I started seeing more coyotes. After a few more near misses, I realized coyotes usually favored the downwind side when approaching my stand. Not only were they utilizing their sharp eye sight but also their keen sense of smell to detect my presence. Wind currents can carry human scent a good distance. With close shooting ranges, undulating terrain and thick timber, wind becomes a major factor. Essence le’ hunter going towards where the coyotes might come from will most likely ruin an otherwise good stand. How could I set up using these drafts to my advantage?
Some locations are limited when it comes to selecting a good vantage point. Sitting up on a rise, where the wind hopefully carries scent above any incoming coyotes often helps. An open area at my back, wind blowing into my face or an angling cross wind are also likely choices.
Now what areas do coyotes like best? During my scouting, I started noticing where coyotes were using certain trails more often than others. Most of those game trails were in places where they could move easily and make a fast escape whenever necessary. Today, I hear these areas being referred to as travel lanes. Tracks and scat, often on deer trails, old roads and fence lines are a good indication of travel lanes. Funnel areas like ditches, fence lines and creeks are always worth checking out. Many of these locations are also favorite small game hang outs. Find these and most likely you will find coyotes.
Striving to become a dedicated coyote hunter, I have gained a working knowledge of the habits and behavior of the eastern coyote. I’ll never be an expert but I’m still learning.
In addition to the above, here are a few tidbits that should work in most situations. You may already be using some of them.
Being still and quiet is one of the keys to success. There should be no quick movements. I prefer to use camouflage or at least "earth tone" clothing. In daylight, bright metal and bare skin can glow like a neon sign. Cover it up. Sit in the shadows whenever possible. This keeps glare down and also breaks up your outline. Back up against brush, stumps, trees, fences or whatever is available. Nothing is set in stone. Coyotes make their own rules, only they know what they are going to do next.
Which sounds work best? Almost any calling sound will do. When using sounds we are triggering a few basic instincts: hunger, territory control and curiosity. Sometimes even a sound not normally associated with predators will produce. When I first started calling, I created a lot of sour notes with my hand calls. Some did not sound like anything natural but coyotes still responded. Don't be afraid to experiment because sometimes a different sound will generate a positive reaction. Often I start slow and soft. Other times, I will be more aggressive especially if strong winds are a factor. Regardless of the tempo, I work a hand call for about thirty seconds, stop for a few minutes, then look and listen. Predators are hunters... I like to let them hunt for the sound. Remember, if you are using a distress call, small prey don't have high volume.
Regardless of where you think the coyote will come from, expect the unexpected. They can pop up anywhere. Be ready to shoot as soon as you start calling.
The pleasure of knowing I deceived some of the smartest animals in the woods is one reason I enjoy the sport. Although I often call coyotes that I never get a chance to see or shoot, that‘s just part of hunting. We know they are out there… just keep calling. Sometimes nothing works, no matter what you do. Have patience. Critters coming in on every stand look good on videos but that seldom happens in the east. Now let’s talk about coyote vocalizations: Mouth blown howlers are another tool available for the caller that works (when used correctly). I really don’t like canned howls on an e/caller due to their limitations. Several types of hand calls are available but they take practice to use correctly. Before and after weather fronts are usually good times to call, if the wind is light. Heavy or swirling winds can kill a stand. In my area, coyotes don't seem to move about during heavy wind or rain unless very hungry or pressured from their cover for some reason. If they are working an area you will see scat and tracks. Coyotes travel a wide area, sometimes as large as a 30 mile radius. The coyote you see today maybe miles away tomorrow but it will be back.
Hunting with a partner can be a big advantage, both for safety reasons and the pleasure of being able to share the hunt. I am lucky to have found someone that shares the same enthusiasm as I do. He also happens to be good with hand calls, which is a plus. Our time spent in the field together has been a very enjoyable experience for me.
Don't give up! Don't give up and last... don't give up! I have brought coyotes in within five minutes. Other times after an hour of intermittent calling, I have gotten up and gotten busted. Make every trip a learning experience. Have patience and enjoy the sport. Time spent in the field is precious, enjoy every moment to the fullest.
By Chet Parsons (aka coyote_hunter1)
