by Derrick |
Last Updated: June 10, 2023 Coyote hunting with dogs has become an increasingly popular and effective method for managing coyote populations and protecting livestock, pets, and game animals. As an avid hunter, you might be considering training your dog to hunt coyotes to add a little excitement and challenge to your hunting trips. By understanding the training process, learning about the most effective breeds, and using the right gear, you and your canine companion can become a formidable team in the field.
When hunting coyotes with dogs, choosing the right breed for the task is essential. Some popular breeds for coyote hunting include the American Staghound, Greyhound, and various scent hounds like the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Plott Hound. These dogs are known for their speed, stamina, and keen instincts, making them excellent partners for tracking wily and elusive prey.
To begin your journey with coyote hunting, you must train your dog in tracking, scenting, and decoying the predators. The training process will vary depending on your chosen breed and individual dog’s abilities. It’s essential to take a step-by-step approach, using a combination of patience, knowledge, and perseverance to build a strong bond and trust between you and your dog. Remember, successful coyote hunting requires teamwork, so be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Table of Contents
Understanding Coyotes
When hunting coyotes with dogs, you need to understand their nature and tendencies. In this section, we will discuss the behavior, habits, habitat, and distribution of coyotes.
Behavior and Habits
Coyotes are intelligent and cunning animals. They often try to outsmart or ambush your dogs during a hunt. To improve your chances of success, you should observe and understand their behavior:
- Coyotes are primarily nocturnal but can also be active during the day.
- They have excellent senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which they use to detect threats and potential prey.
- Coyotes are social creatures who usually live in packs but can also hunt individually.
- They communicate using vocalizations such as yips, barks, and howls.
- Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat various food, including small mammals, insects, fruits, and vegetables.
By learning their habits and behaviors, you’ll be better prepared to hunt coyotes effectively with your dogs.
Habitat and Distribution
Coyotes are found throughout North America, from urban environments to rural areas:
- They prefer open grasslands but can also inhabit forests, deserts, and mountain regions.
- Coyotes can even adapt to living in urban and suburban areas, where they may come in contact with humans and pets.
- Their adaptability and ability to thrive in various environments have contributed to expanding their range across the continent.
Understanding the habitat and distribution of coyotes will help you identify the best locations to plan your hunt and increase your chances of success.
Dog Breeds for Coyote Hunting
Coyote hunting can be challenging and exciting, but having the right dog breed by your side can significantly impact your success. This section will discuss the various dog breeds suitable for coyote hunting and how they can help you on your hunting expeditions.
Hounds
Hounds are known for their incredible sense of smell and stamina, making them excellent choices for tracking and hunting coyotes. Some of the top hound breeds for coyote hunting include:
- American Staghound: This dog is a cross between the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. They have outstanding eyesight, a keen sense of smell, and impressive speed, making them perfect for hunting coyotes. The American Staghound weighs between 45 to 100 pounds and has a muscular build and long legs for running.
Terriers
Terriers are small, energetic dogs that excel at hunting smaller game and can be an asset when hunting coyotes. Though not as large as hounds, terriers are known for their tenacity and can help chase down and corner a coyote. Some terrier breeds to consider for coyote hunting include:
- Airedale Terrier: Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale is a medium-sized, brilliant, and athletic dog. They are fearless, making them excellent for tracking and cornering a coyote.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are brilliant, trainable, and agile dogs that can help with coyote hunting. While they may not have the size of hounds or the tenacity of terriers, they possess excellent problem-solving abilities, helping you outmaneuver a cunning coyote. Here are some herding dogs to consider for your hunting team:
- Border Collie: Originally bred to herd sheep, Border Collies are known for their intelligence, speed, and stamina. These traits can be beneficial when hunting coyotes, as they can analyze the situation and respond accordingly.
Remember, any dog breed you choose for coyote hunting should be well-trained and physically fit. Additionally, ensure that your dog can handle the various challenges of hunting coyotes, such as their cunning nature and ability to outsmart their pursuers. Good luck on your coyote hunting adventures, and may your chosen dog breed be a loyal and successful companion.
Training Your Dogs for Coyote Hunting
When training your dogs for coyote hunting, focusing on a few key areas is essential to ensure their success and safety in the field. This section will discuss three main aspects of training: Obedience and Basic Commands, Tracking and Trailing Skills, and Working Together as a Pack.
Obedience and Basic Commands
Before your dog can become an effective coyote hunter, they need a strong foundation in obedience and basic commands. Start by teaching your dog common commands such as sit, stay, down, come, heel, off, and no. This will ensure they listen to you and can be controlled in the field. You can train them yourself or enroll them in obedience training classes at a puppy school, local pet store, or animal shelter.
Tracking and Trailing Skills
Once your dog has mastered basic obedience, it’s time to teach them the skills they’ll need for tracking and trailing coyotes. To do this, expose them to various terrain and scents, and encourage them to follow trails and track scents. Remember that not all breeds are naturally suited for tracking, so it helps to choose a breed with an intense nose and innate tracking instincts.
In the early stages of training, keep your dog on a 20- or 30-foot tether when out in the field to prevent them from getting too far ahead of you or becoming tangled in gear. You can gradually increase their off-leash time and monitor their progress as their skills develop.
Working Together as a Pack
Coyote hunting is often a team effort, with multiple dogs working together to locate, track, and corner their quarry. To teach your dogs to work together efficiently, gradually introduce them to each other and encourage them to hunt as a unified group. Managing their interactions is essential, as some dogs can become overly competitive or even aggressive.
Begin by allowing your dogs to interact while on a leash, gradually increasing their time together. When they become comfortable with each other’s presence, introduce them to the hunting environment and encourage them to work together. Remember to reward their cooperation and monitor their progress as they learn to become a cohesive hunting unit.
Coyote Hunting Strategies with Dogs
Spot and Stalk
One effective method when hunting coyotes with dogs is the spot and stalk technique. With this approach, you and your hunting dog will first locate a coyote or a group of coyotes, typically from an observation point or following their tracks. Once you’ve spotted the coyotes, it’s time to develop a stalking strategy. You aim to get as close to the coyotes as possible without being noticed.
You can approach the predators slowly and quietly, using your knowledge of the terrain and wind direction to your advantage. Cover your scent and watch your dog closely as their instincts come into play. Your coyote hunting dog, trained to work with you, will also be stalking the coyotes, attempting to lure them closer, which increases the chances of a successful hunt.
Coursing
Coursing is a high-speed pursuit strategy for hunting coyotes with dogs. In this method, your dog is trained to chase down and pursue the coyote at a fast pace. It’s important to remember that coyotes are quick and agile animals. Therefore, a dog with exceptional stamina, speed, and endurance is ideal for coursing.
Some breeds often used for coursing include the American Staghound, known for its excellent eyesight and ability to maintain the chase throughout long durations. When planning your hunt, make sure your dog is well-rested and in peak physical condition. Choosing the right location, such as open fields, can also help maximize the dog’s abilities in successfully coursing the coyote.
During the coursing, you’ll follow behind your dog at a safe distance, keeping track of the chase, and staying ready for your opportunity to take a shot. The high-speed pursuit can sometimes cause coyotes to make mistakes, presenting a clear shot for the hunter.
Safety Measures
Protective Gear
When hunting coyotes with your dog, it’s important to prioritize safety for both you and your canine companion. One crucial item to invest in is a protective vest or collar for your dog. These items help shield your dog from the coyote’s sharp teeth and claws during an encounter. Additionally, ensure you and your dog wear high-visibility clothing to increase safety during the hunt.
It’s equally crucial for you to become acclimated with your firearm. Start out with a pellet gun and gradually work your way up, following bird dog training guidance. This will help your dog become comfortable with the sound and presence of a firearm.
First Aid for Dogs
Be prepared to handle any injuries your dog might sustain during the hunt. Carry a canine first aid kit that includes the following items:
- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic ointment
- A digital thermometer
- A dog-specific painkiller, such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx (get a prescription from your vet)
Familiarize yourself with basic dog first aid procedures, such as cleaning and bandaging wounds, checking body temperature, and administering dog-safe medications. If your dog sustains an injury during the hunt, addressing it swiftly and appropriately before seeking veterinary care is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds are best for hunting coyotes?
When choosing a breed for hunting coyotes, you should look for intelligent, defensive dogs that can evade confrontation with predators. Breeds such as hounds, terriers, and herding dogs are often suitable options. Remember that not all breeds are suitable for hunting, and an inadequately trained dog will not suffice.
Can coyotes hunt dogs?
Yes, coyotes can and do hunt dogs, especially when they come into contact in the wild. It is essential to ensure your hunting dog is well-trained and able to evade a predator, like a coyote if it encounters one while hunting. Keep your canine companion on a leash when not actively engaging in hunting to minimize risks.
Where to find coyote decoy dogs?
To find a coyote decoy dog, start by doing some research on suitable breeds and reputable breeders or rescue organizations. You could also reach out to hunting clubs or dog trainers in your area to ask for recommendations. Connecting with experienced coyote hunters who have used decoy dogs could also provide invaluable information on where to find suitable dogs.
Top dogs to kill coyotes?
Hunting dogs are primarily used for tracking and decoying coyotes rather than killing them. The hunter usually shoots when the decoy dog lures the coyote. However, larger, more aggressive breeds like the American Staghound or the Kangal have been known to protect livestock and engage with coyotes directly.
What are decoy dog breeds?
Decoy dog breeds lure coyotes and other predators into range for the hunter to take a shot. Some common decoy dog breeds include hound breeds, like the Plott Hound or the Mountain Cur, and terriers and herding dogs, like the Border Collie or the Australian Cattle Dog.
How do dogs assist in coyote hunting?
Dogs can be valuable in coyote hunting, helping hunters locate, chase, and decoy the elusive predators. A well-trained decoy dog will attract a coyote’s attention and then lead it back toward the hunter, allowing for a clear shot. Some hunting dogs can also be trained to track coyotes by scent, improving your chances of success in the field.