Predator hunters... sound off

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Welcome back Bopeye,

Yea I did a major overhaul of the site a year ago, even changed webhosts to get more functionality. I think it was worth it as the new system offers a ton of really amazing features. Its also pretty easy to customize and write new things for like the Reloading Database and the PointBlank Online. Lots of fun.

The old website still exists but only as a data backup. I have all the old posts and information but it was incompatable with the new system and I dont have the time or interest to write a conversion utility. My appologies to those who have to re-register.

-DallanC

Handloader · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:41 pm Post subject: Re: Predator hunters... sound off

coyotehunter_1 wrote:

Just wondering how many coyote hunters we have on board.

Tell us a little about yourself and what state you hunt in.
Wink

In 1962 I started varmint calling with the old wooden Circe calls. In the intervening years, varmint calling has become much broader in appeal and the sport has evolved in response. The amount of gear and goodies available is amazing. And, now, with Internet access, information flows more freely to the advantage of all.

By the conclusion of yesterday's hunt, I have killed 1,601 coyotes, 132 bobcats and two mountain lions that have responded to the call. My favorite states for calling are Nevada and New Mexico, although, we have had success in Utah, Arizona and Idaho as well. I have kept records since 1983 on each stand, conditions and results. Five volumes so far.

What impresses me, after calling with many successful varminters, is that there are few hard and fast rules about calling. I have witnessed responses to all sorts of calls and techniques. At one point, I thought I knew a lot about calling and what was "proper" or "improper" but then realized that everyone comes to the sport from their own perspective. Now, I'm not so dogmatic and I am more receptive to the viewpoints of others and how they approach the same game of calling. It's all good.

Personally, I prefer handcalls and feel more involvement when using them. I have electronic as well, a Fox Pro with remote, and have good results with it as well. Decoys are fun to use under some circumstances, although, the simpler ones seem to work as effectively (bundled feathers hung from a bush for example). The main thing is the challenge of adapting techniques and gear to varied conditions.

skb2706 · Member Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269

I am Steve.....Colorado native and long time varmint hunter/pd shooter.
With varying amounts of success I have handcalled coyotes for about ten years and only just recently tried an e-caller. Hunt most all of the eastern plains of CO and have access to several thousand acres of private land to work with.
I am basically 'self taught' and have no where near the success as some of these guys. I am however extremely thankful to the many various forum members for getting me headed in the right direction.

Little Obion · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 15

I got interested in calling as kid back in the seventies. Bought myself an Olt 33 and gave it a whirl. But there was no one calling in the area so no one to teach me. And not a lot of information in the magazines I was reading at the time.So calling went to the wayside.

I saw my first Ky coyote in 81 while out with a fellow coon hunter one night. By 87 we heard them howling fairly often but the population was still low. Couldn't find the calls I wanted locally so I hit the mail order and got myself a Burnham Bros long range call and a Johnny Stewart pc3. First year was a bust . I was totally ignorant about the habits of my prey. I got lucky and killed my first in 89.

I got started reading anything and everything I could find about coyote's. And looking on the ground for the stories they left behind. When I found sign or kills I studied it all I could right there and then no matter what else I was after or doing at the time.

The longer this went on the more into it I got. I did not care for waterfowl hunting. Small game was too easy. Deer hunting was getting so it was like shooting squirrels there are so many of them. But here was a critter that peaked my interest! A real challenge to take on a regular basis and was always teaching me something new. An animal that adapts and changes with the seasons and conditions presented to him at the time. Always somewhat elusive and you can never totally predict what it will do when.

I don't know of anything more thrilling than doing everything right and getting that coyote to within ten feet. Right where you can see the oh crap look on it's face.

As much as I know about them I am still ignorant and I know it. They will always be teaching me until I am no longer able to get out and hunt them. I am hooked for life and a full fledged member of coyote's anonomous. L.O.

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

I'm in Phoenix, AZ And love the thrill of fooling a coyote with a mouth call. Recentlly I've enlisted the help of a Mojo Critter and it really holds a dogs attention.

Been using my 6.5 x 55 Swede w/ 120 Core loks, but am switching to a Howa .204 Ruger.

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

Handloader, were in Phoenix do you live? I am near 24 st./Indian School.

george20042007

Hey Arizona Hunter, I'm out in Surprise, close to where some good hunting is. Won't be long before it's Dove season.
Keep it coming...

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

George, you still have undeveloped land out there in Surprise? Just kidding.

I remember in 1989 going dove hunting near Chandler Blvd & 48 St., two years later it was all houses!

This Valley is too big. Lord willing, if things work out ok, we will move to Mont. or Idaho in 3-4 years. Both of us are small town people, and 26 years of Big City is enough for both of us.

coyotehunter_1 · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 6:10 pm Post subject: Re: Predator hunters... sound off

I just wanted to bring this back to the top for the new members here. Smile

Chet

moose2 · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 8:43 pm Post subject: Re: Predator hunters... sound off

Arizona Hunter wrote:

George, you still have undeveloped land out there in Surprise? Just kidding.

I remember in 1989 going dove hunting near Chandler Blvd & 48 St., two years later it was all houses!

This Valley is too big. Lord willing, if things work out ok, we will move to Mont. or Idaho in 3-4 years. Both of us are small town people, and 26 years of Big City is enough for both of us.

Moved out of North Idaho 4 years ago. That area is just going nuts.
Out here in SW N.D. coyotes seem to be making somewhat of a come back. Hadn't seen many last few years. Started seeing more this summer and fall. Did get one a couple of weeks ago with the 20 ga. while sharptail grouse hunting. Hope to get alittle more calling in this winter and hopefully few more yotes with my new 6MM.--tr

badland · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 30, 2006 Posts: 8

Tim from western North Dakota, new at this predator hunting, just bought a FoxPro FX3(only had a chance to use on 3 days with no luck yet but I understand it just just takes time in the field). Ordered a few Griebel hand calls, one long and one medium range, would some day like to get good at using these versus using a FoxPro(if any one has any tips here I'll take them all). I have been looking at some different bullets to load in my 22-250, does anyone out there load Barnes Triple Shock bullets? I know they are little pricey but I have heard good things about them. Thanks, some good reading here. Tim

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5944

Welcome to the forums section of this site Badland! Howdy

Dimitri

tracker

Stu here, I'm in southern Manitoba but lived in the northern half most of my life. I don't hunt wolf or bear, but out where I'm living now, about 1/2 hour north of the border, there's coyote packs all over the place. Buddy of mine hunts them. I actually enjoy listening to their yowling and barking at night and have always just left them alone. I usually hunt for meat (see signature line, lol) but last week my son told me some of the prices their hides were getting and I thought..hmmm.... The guy I know that's been hunting them uses a .223, any thoughts on that?

204Shooter · Member Joined: Jan 28, 2007 Posts: 68 Location: Diana, TX

Jerry Here in Sun City, AZ located between Arizona Hunter, george20042007, and Handloader - probably closer to george or Handloader. I have only hunted Coyote one time without any success. However, I have hunted about everything else (Elk, Deer, Javelina, Fox, Rabbit, Pheasant, Quail, etc.). Here in Sun City we have a L-A-R-G-E population of Coyote. They run in packs of 5-7 and eat a lot of dogs and cats. There have been several reports of the coyotes taking a small dog right off the leash while the owner watched in dismay. Every time I see the coyotes in the streets, I chase them with my truck or the wifes SUV. She usually convinces me to stop the chase before I hit something. :-) Recently I purchased a new Savage Model 12FV in .204 Ruger. I have been working up a load and am about ready to give it a try. It shoots really well! I hope to be able to thin the Arizona Coyote population starting real soon (just not in the city). :-) I'll keep you guys informed as to how well I am doing.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:02 pm Post subject: Re: Predator hunters... sound off

Welcome to the HuntingNut 204Shooter. Sounds like you have quite a few yotes there, good luck in thining the population Shooting

.
Joe