Calling gets tougher in the Spring and late Winter, at least for me. Our success ratio drops as here in Arizona the coyotes are packing up, mating and denning. But, the phone call from a friend that he saw a pack of 14 coyotes near his area made me dust off the old 220 Swift and head his way.

Packs of coyotes this time of year often indicate males vying for the favors of in heat females. Now, when Senor coyote has his mating urges up, it is hard to divert his attention to a bleating rabbit or woodpecker call, something with which most us understand and empathize. About the only calls that seem partially effective have been the distressed pup calls or male coyote challenge calls. And, that is what we used the past two days.

Four kills after two days and twelve stands isn't anything to brag about, but, I'm happy we got something to show for the effort. All four were males and all were young and stupid. Wind wasn't helpful as it blew constantly and our best success was calling to the crosswinds.

We normally stop calling around the end of April and wait out the long months until September rolls around, at least for coyotes. Now, the time is approaching to put some serious effort into mountain lions and my hope is that I can call in another one during the next few months.