by Derrick |
Last Updated: July 3, 2023 If you’re planning on going coyote hunting, then you need to learn how to call coyotes like a pro. Coyotes are creatures that respond well to calls, so your best chance of a successful hunt is to lure them to you using calls. The time of day you target coyotes is also an important factor.
Learning how to call coyotes can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. Coyote calling sounds can be found online and you can listen to them to get an idea of what to expect. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about coyote calling, including the best coyote calls, the right sounds to choose, and the best time of day to target coyotes.
Table of Contents
Understanding Coyote Behavior
To be successful in calling coyotes, it is important to understand their behavior. Coyotes are intelligent animals with a strong territorial instinct. They are also highly adaptable and can survive in a variety of environments, from rural to urban areas.
Coyotes communicate with each other through body language and vocalizations. They use their sense of smell to mark their territory and to detect prey. Understanding these behaviors can help you become a more successful coyote caller.
When calling coyotes, it is important to know that they are territorial animals. They will defend their territory against other coyotes and predators. This means that if you are calling in an area where coyotes are already present, you may be calling in a coyote that is defending its territory. In this case, it may take longer for the coyote to approach your call.
Coyotes also communicate through body language. They use their ears, tail, and posture to communicate with each other. For example, a coyote with its ears forward and tail up is likely on the hunt, while a coyote with its ears back and tail down may be feeling threatened.
Coyotes have an excellent sense of smell and use it to mark their territory and detect prey. When calling coyotes, it is important to be aware of wind direction and to position yourself upwind of your call. This will help to ensure that the coyote can smell your call and will approach from the downwind side.
In summary, understanding coyote behavior is an important part of successful coyote calling. Coyotes are territorial animals that communicate through body language and vocalizations. They have an excellent sense of smell and use it to mark their territory and detect prey. By being aware of these behaviors, you can become a more effective coyote caller.
Coyote Calling Basics
If you’re new to coyote hunting, learning how to call coyotes is a crucial skill to master. The key to successful coyote calling is understanding the different vocalizations coyotes make and knowing when to use them. Here are some basic tips to get you started:
- Start with the right equipment. You’ll need a good quality coyote caller, whether it’s an electronic caller or a mouth call. Make sure you practice using your caller before you head out into the field.
- Know when to call. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can be called at any time of day. Pay attention to the weather and wind conditions, as these can affect coyote behavior and make them more or less responsive to calls.
- Use the right volume. Coyotes have excellent hearing, so you don’t need to call too loudly. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it until you get a response. If you’re using an electronic caller, make sure you adjust the volume to match the conditions.
- Master the different vocalizations. Coyotes make a variety of sounds, including howls, whines, and yelps. Each sound has a different meaning and can be used to elicit a specific response from the coyote. Practice making these sounds with your caller until you can do them confidently.
- Mix up your calls. Don’t rely on a single call or vocalization. Mix up your calls to create a more realistic scenario and keep the coyote interested. Try different sequences of howls, whines, and yelps to see what works best.
- Be patient. Coyotes can take a while to respond to calls, so be prepared to wait for up to 30-45 minutes on a stand. If you don’t get a response, move to a new location and try again.
By following these basic tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful coyote caller. Remember to practice, be patient, and stay alert for any signs of coyote activity. Good luck!
Types of Coyote Calls
When it comes to coyote calling, there are two main types of calls: electronic callers and mouth calls. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the right call for your hunting situation.
Electronic Callers
Electronic callers, also known as e-callers or e-calls, are devices that use pre-recorded sounds to simulate the calls of prey animals, such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. These calls are played through a speaker, which can be placed at a distance from the hunter to draw coyotes away from their hiding places.
Electronic callers are popular among hunters because they are easy to use and can produce a wide range of sounds. They are also effective in windy conditions, as the sound can carry farther than with mouth calls. Some popular brands of electronic callers include FoxPro and Primos.
Mouth Calls
Mouth calls, also known as open-reed calls, are devices that use the hunter’s own breath to produce the sounds of prey animals. These calls are made by blowing air through a reed or other type of mouthpiece, and can produce a wide range of sounds, including distress calls, howls, and barks.
Mouth calls are popular among hunters because they are lightweight and easy to carry, and can be used in a variety of hunting situations. They are also more versatile than electronic callers, as the hunter can control the pitch and tone of the call to create a more realistic sound. Some popular brands of mouth calls include Primos and Flextone.
When choosing a coyote call, it’s important to consider factors such as the terrain, wind direction, and the behavior of the coyotes in your area. Both electronic callers and mouth calls can be effective in different situations, so it’s a good idea to have both types in your hunting arsenal.
Specific Coyote Calls
When it comes to coyote calling, there are specific calls that are more effective than others. In this section, we will cover three main types of coyote calls: Prey Distress Calls, Challenge Calls, and Pup Distress Calls.
Prey Distress Calls
Prey distress calls are arguably the most effective type of coyote call. Coyotes are opportunistic predators and will prey on almost any animal within earshot. Using a prey distress call can trigger a coyote’s natural instinct to hunt and can lead them straight to you.
Some common prey distress calls include jackrabbit distress, cottontail distress, and fawn distress. It’s important to have a variety of distress calls in your sound library to increase your chances of success.
When using a prey distress call, it’s best to start with a low volume and gradually increase it over time. This will help to create a sense of urgency in the coyote and make them more likely to come investigate.
Challenge Calls
Challenge calls are used to mimic the sounds of a coyote defending its territory. These calls can be effective when hunting in areas with high coyote populations.
Some common challenge calls include female invitation howls, male dominance howls, and female distress howls. It’s important to note that challenge calls can sometimes deter coyotes if they feel threatened or outnumbered.
When using a challenge call, it’s best to start with a low volume and gradually increase it over time. This will help to create a sense of confidence in the coyote and make them more likely to come investigate.
Pup Distress Calls
Pup distress calls are used to mimic the sounds of a young coyote in distress. These calls can be effective when hunting during the spring and summer months when coyotes are raising their young.
Some common pup distress calls include coyote pup distress and rabbit pup distress. It’s important to note that pup distress calls can sometimes attract adult coyotes looking for an easy meal.
When using a pup distress call, it’s best to start with a low volume and gradually increase it over time. This will help to create a sense of urgency in the coyote and make them more likely to come investigate.
In conclusion, when it comes to coyote calling, specific calls are more effective than others. Prey distress calls, challenge calls, and pup distress calls are all effective in different situations. It’s important to have a variety of calls in your sound library and to start with a low volume and gradually increase it over time.
Coyote Hunting Techniques
Hunting in Different Seasons
When it comes to coyote hunting, the time of year is an important factor to consider. During the winter months, coyotes tend to be more active during the day, while in the summer they are more active at night. In the fall, coyotes are often more focused on finding food, making them more likely to respond to calls that mimic prey.
Another consideration is the breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter and early spring. During this time, coyotes are more territorial and may be more aggressive in response to calls. It’s important to be aware of this behavior and adjust your hunting techniques accordingly.
Hunting in Different Locations
Coyotes can be found in a variety of locations, from open fields to dense forests. When hunting in open areas, it’s important to pay attention to wind direction, as coyotes have a strong sense of smell and can quickly detect your presence. In wooded areas, it’s important to use scanning techniques to locate coyotes, as they may be hiding behind trees or other obstacles.
Cattle pastures and agricultural fields can be prime locations for coyote hunting, as they often attract prey that coyotes will hunt. When hunting in these areas, it’s important to be aware of any livestock or other animals that may be present, as well as any local hunting regulations.
Additional Tips
- Use camouflage clothing to blend in with your surroundings and avoid detection.
- Pay attention to wind direction, and position yourself upwind of where you expect coyotes to be.
- Use a variety of calls to mimic different prey and increase your chances of attracting coyotes.
- Hunt during the early morning or late afternoon, when coyotes are typically more active.
- Use electronic calls to increase your range and attract coyotes from a distance.
By following these tips and adjusting your techniques based on the season and location, you can increase your chances of a successful coyote hunt.
Dealing with Different Types of Coyotes
When it comes to coyote calling, it’s important to understand that not all coyotes are created equal. Some coyotes have been hunted more than others, while others have learned to avoid common calling tactics. Here are some tips for dealing with different types of coyotes:
Hunting Pressured Coyotes
Pressured coyotes are those that have been hunted before and have learned to be cautious. These coyotes are often more difficult to call in and require a different approach. Here are some tips for hunting pressured coyotes:
- Use different sounds: Pressured coyotes may be less responsive to common distress calls, so it’s important to mix things up. Try using different sounds, such as coyote vocalizations or prey distress calls that are less commonly used.
- Change up your setup: Pressured coyotes may be wary of certain setups, such as electronic callers or decoys. Try using a hand call or hunting from a different location to avoid being detected.
- Be patient: Pressured coyotes may take longer to respond to calls or may not show up at all. It’s important to be patient and persistent when hunting these coyotes.
Hunting Educated Coyotes
Educated coyotes are those that have learned to avoid common calling tactics. These coyotes are often more challenging to hunt and require a different approach. Here are some tips for hunting educated coyotes:
- Use stealth: Educated coyotes are often wary of human activity. It’s important to approach your hunting location quietly and avoid leaving any scent behind.
- Use different sounds: Educated coyotes may be less responsive to common distress calls, so it’s important to mix things up. Try using different sounds, such as coyote vocalizations or prey distress calls that are less commonly used.
- Use natural cover: Educated coyotes may be less likely to approach an open area or decoy. Try using natural cover, such as brush or trees, to hide your presence.
Grey Fox
Grey foxes are often mistaken for coyotes, but they are a different species with different behaviors. Grey foxes are less likely to respond to common distress calls and may require a different approach. Here are some tips for hunting grey foxes:
- Use different sounds: Grey foxes may be less responsive to common distress calls, so it’s important to mix things up. Try using different sounds, such as grey fox vocalizations or prey distress calls that are less commonly used.
- Use natural cover: Grey foxes are more likely to approach an area with natural cover, such as brush or trees. Try setting up in an area with natural cover to increase your chances of success.
- Be patient: Grey foxes are often more cautious than coyotes and may take longer to respond to calls. It’s important to be patient and persistent when hunting grey foxes.
Remember, every coyote is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to be adaptable and willing to try different tactics to increase your chances of success.
Other Considerations in Coyote Calling
When it comes to coyote calling, there are several factors to consider beyond just the sounds you use. Here are some other important things to keep in mind:
Success is not guaranteed: Even with the best calls and techniques, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in your coyote hunt. Coyotes are smart and adaptable creatures, and they may not always respond to your calls as you hope.
Scent control is important: Coyotes have a keen sense of smell, so it’s important to take steps to control your scent. Use scent-eliminating products, avoid smoking or using scented products, and be mindful of wind direction when setting up your calling location.
Patience is key: Coyotes may take some time to respond to your calls, so patience is important. It’s not uncommon to spend hours waiting for a response, so be prepared to stay in one spot for a while.
Keep your calls organized: When carrying multiple calls, it’s important to keep them organized and easily accessible. A lanyard or other carrying system can help you quickly switch between calls as needed.
Watch for magpies: Magpies are known to follow coyotes, so if you see magpies in the area, it may be a sign that coyotes are nearby.
Consider using fawn distress calls: In the spring and early summer, fawn distress calls can be particularly effective in attracting coyotes. These calls mimic the sound of a distressed fawn, which can trigger a coyote’s maternal instincts and draw them in.
By keeping these factors in mind and using a variety of calls and techniques, you can increase your chances of success in your coyote calling endeavors.
Notable Coyote Callers
When it comes to coyote calling, there are a few notable names in the industry that you should be aware of if you’re looking to up your game.
One of the most well-known coyote callers is Randy Anderson. Anderson has been a professional predator hunter for over 20 years and has won numerous calling competitions. He is also a spokesperson for Primos Hunting and has produced several instructional videos on coyote calling. Anderson is known for his expertise in using mouth calls and his ability to mimic a wide range of coyote vocalizations.
Another notable coyote caller is Les Johnson. Johnson is a professional predator hunter and has been featured on several hunting shows. He is known for his expertise in using prey distress calls and prefers to call coyotes during the half hour just before dark. Johnson has also authored several books on predator hunting and has produced instructional videos on coyote calling.
Abner Druckenmiller is another expert coyote caller. Druckenmiller is a spokesperson for FoxPro and has won several calling competitions. He is known for his ability to harvest coyotes all across North America and throughout the year by making the most of the many sounds and vocalizations available on his electronic caller.
Other notable coyote callers include Mark Zepp, Al Morris, and Byron South. Each of these hunters has their own unique style and approach to coyote calling, and studying their techniques can help you improve your own skills.
In summary, there are several notable coyote callers in the industry that you can learn from to improve your own coyote calling skills. Whether you prefer mouth calls or electronic callers, studying the techniques of these experts can help you become a more successful predator hunter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coyote calling is a highly effective technique for hunting coyotes. By using the right calls and understanding the habits of coyotes, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Coyotes follow a predictable cycle of seasons, so it’s important to know what season you’re hunting in and adjust your calling accordingly.
- Spend at least 30 to 45 minutes on stand and consider targeting coyotes during mid-morning or mid-day.
- Use decoy calls in combination with mouth or electronic calls to create a more realistic hunting scenario.
- Know what prey animals are likely in the area you will be hunting and use the skill of cadence, timing, and precision in using coyote calls.
- The Eastern Coyote Coefficient combines three specific factors that produce a result. The factors are the population of coyotes, the pressure put on coyotes and the personal calling efforts utilized.
Remember that coyote hunting is an exhilarating experience, but it also requires patience and persistence. Don’t give up if your first few hunts don’t go your way. With practice and experience, you can become a skilled coyote caller and increase your chances of success. Good luck and happy hunting!