Hi everyone... I'm going to take up hunting coyote's.


what now?


How's that for a broad question? Anyway, I picked up an electronic call and I believe I have a couple of decent areas, but i'd like some input on how to best set up, use the call or any other bait/attactant. I've read that if I've called for 1/2hr to 20 min and haven't called anyting in, move. Is this true?

Anyway, never dont it, dont know anyone who does it so I'm looking for advice and input.


I'm headed to Colorado in a couple weeks hunting so once I fill a tag or two, I may have some time to take a couple dogs.. However, most of my hunting will take place here in Michigan.

thanks in advance

Hello Al

I've called with lots of others over the past four decades, enough to know that everyone will develop their own methods, all of which can be successful. You will, too. Here are a few suggestions, however, that most of the good callers agree upon:

- Make sure there are coyotes in the area you are going to call. Sounds pretty basic, but, I have been amazed at a few that believe because an area looks good to them, there should be coyotes there. So, confirm presence by fresh sign.

- When you have selected a stand, try to minimize any abrupt movement on your part. Sitting perfectly still for half an hour is something most of us find challenging, so, when you need to stretch a leg or swish off some ants or whatever, do it in slow motion.

- Approach a stand carefully.. We try an approach that minimizes our exposure, such as approaching the stand from the backside of a ridge or stalking into the last portion of the approach. A slightly elevated position can give some advantage in seeing coyotes coming to your call.

- Our normal proceedure is to wait five or more minutes after we are on the stand before calling. This gives time for things to settle down and for us to identify potential approaches.

- Coyotes have exceptional hearing and sense of smell. When calling, start with a very low volume for the first sequence and wait a few minutes for a response. Wash the clothes you wear without using commercial laundry soap. Just plain hot water will do. If you are using clothes washed with soap, let them hang in the open air a day or so before the hunt or put them in a burlap sack or something similar with some brush similar to what you will encounter in the call area. We use sage brush sprigs a lot and believe it minimizes the need for other scent masking. If practical for you, avoid showering before calling, avoid commercial deodorants and use non-scented if available.

- Park your vehicle out of sight from the stand at the very minimum. Preferably, walk a good distance from the vehicle before setting the stand.

- Call as early to first light as possible. While I have killed coyotes during all hours of daylight, the first light has been most productive.

- Learn to use handheld calls as they offer far more variables in sound and tonal quality. A problems with remote electronics include repetitious sounds and the need to set the remote up after you have been so careful to set the stand. Handhelds are cheaper, more effective and weigh a whole lot less and are far more reliable in the field. Closed reed calls are the easiest to master, however, an open reed call will give you far more versatility in sound production. One open reed can give a huge range of call signatures, such as woodpecker, rabbit, chicken, etc.

- Make sure your firearm is loaded (oh, the horror stories that can be told), you scope on the lowest power setting; practice taking the safety off without making noise.

- Keep a log of your calls. Note the time of day, location, approach and results. Compare your success with the solunar tables and moon phase.

- Call to the downwind or crosswind and try to avoid upwind. Most cautious coyotes will attempt to circle the sound and find scent.

- When calling with a partner, be sure you have an understanding as to how you are going to break the stand. Who decides? What signal is given that the stand is over, etc?

- After the last sequence of calls before breaking the stand, wait five or more minutes. Sometimes something may still be coming to the call.

- Avoid the temptation to buy ghille suits or elaborate camo. At some point you may find them useful, but, initially (and perhaps later) you may find that it is overrated. Wear shades of color that match your call area.

- If you are calling in snowy or wet areas, having a cushion or slightly raised seat can avoid getting a wet butt.

Have fun and let us know how its going!

Great reply Handloader. That will get you into the business.

The saw I always break out with new coyote hunters is know your weapon system and how well you can shoot it. Make sure you can hold the fur from a field position such as sitting at the distances you expect to kill the coyotes at. Your area may be wooded and rugged terrrain that will limit your maximum shot distance but in Handloaders AZ and here on the prairie we can see the yotes coming in form a long way off. Know your lethal range.

Handloader, very good info, thanks! Do you use the "no scent" laundry and body washes? I've found them very effective for whitetail. I've had deer at 8' that apparently couldn't figure out I was human (of course my wife sometimes questions that too...).

One more tip that I have learned, is that the coyotes will come in from the least expected spots. If you are set up in an opening most times they aren't going to just run out in the opening they will circle and try to get down wind of their prey. So always keep a 360 view.

^^ These guys know their stuff, some good advice given.^^

If you are in a good coyote population (and with a little luck) you may see quick results but don't get discouraged if you don't. Calling in a coyote(s) on every stand, seldom happens here in the east. Try to make every calling session a learning experience. Hang in there, pretty soon you will find what works in your area and what doesn't.


BTW< Welcome to Hunting Nut and good luck with those coyotes!!

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

Handloader, very good info, thanks! Do you use the "no scent" laundry and body washes? I've found them very effective for whitetail. I've had deer at 8' that apparently couldn't figure out I was human (of course my wife sometimes questions that too...).

Hello Pumpkinslinger

Above my desk is a photo of a coyote starring me in the face. One of his paws was on my boot. While he knew something was out of place and scrambled when I yelled at him (he got away clean), there seemed to be no scent problem. Of course, maybe, his sense of smell was poor.

When I wash my calling clothes I do so without detergent and let them hang on the line for a day or so. From there, the clothes go to a burlap bag filled with sage sprigs or branches of cliff rose where they stay until worn again. Those two plants are found in most places we call.

Increasing a scent, interestingly, can also be effective. We have used small dabs of Ben Gay on the soles of our shoes, especially, in areas that have been frequently called. Someone told me about this and I thought he was "jesting", but, it has worked numerous times. So, we have some scents we wish to mask, but, there are other scents that can be considered as attractants as well without the need to use coyote urine or other nasty smelling stuff.

I've used Skunk Oil as well by placing a drop or two (no more!) on a branch or bush on my downwind. Once, the bottle broke in my calling bag -- actually someone stepped on it inside the truck. Not good. and not ever again.

When we do use remote calls, it is common for coyotes to zero in on the speaker(s) and once they get a quick sniff, they are in 5th gear out of there. Where permitted by law, we open a can of pet food and place it by the remote speaker(s). This often gives us an added second or two of filming before the coyote bolts.

While I am rambling, over the years we have had hikers and other varmint callers come to our calls, often armed. The problem is usually resolved with a friendly "hello" and usually leads to some chit chat. But, once, it was a naked couple that came in and . . . . you just never know what will answer the call.

We don't get yotes here in Australia but I've spent alot of time calling dingos (a dogs a dog right). Just remember they are a predator and their sences are above and beyond ours, so sit still and don't make noises that will give you away. metalic sounds such as safetys or feeding a round will be heard a mile away. I usually use a shotgun and let them come real close. Good luck.

I have called many coyotes in with a Jonny Stewart electronic call when I was back in Manitoba. If I had of stopped calling after 15-20 minutes I would have only got half of them. We use to set up on top of a river valley and turn on the call, then start scouring the are for movement. Many times we would see a speck of a yote through the 4-12 scope looking for his free lunch. I have called for 1 1/2 hours before they were within range. They were likely still a mile away after the first 1/2 hour. I have also had them come out of a sunflower field and in to about 20 feet after 30 seconds of calling (and before I had loaded the rifle).
The only scent I have used is a skunk scent to mask our odors. We always found the best time to call was after a big snow storm or a real cold cold spell (-35 F) as they are looking for a easy meal with the least amount of effort.

Be careful coyote calling can be additive. I have used a Circe rabbit call for more than thirty years now and it still works just great. I have friends that use the electronic calls and they work too.

All of what handloader said works but it's my opinion that coyotes are also schooled in the proper use of cover when approaching any suspicious noise. They will come in very very close if you let them. It is also my opinion that while you may only see one they usually have buddies nearby. Remain calm when taking that shot watch the coyote even after the shot. While some leave on a jet plane, quite a few others will give you a second chance. They run a little ways and almost always stop turn broadside and look back to see just what the heck kind of bush just erupted in fire.

They can also see very well. I cover any exposed skin, wear a face mask that has netting over my eyes and try to keep my eyes in the shadows.

Also, don't worry if I've been on a stand too long. Drink in the view and enjoy the moment after all you are hunting not working. I once had five or six coyotes come in and before they got to me they jumped a jack and started chasing him, it was quite a show. When you do stand to move to another location be sure to do it slowly and look around twice as hard.

Calling for coyotes often brings in other animals, javelina, fox, bobcat, even deer. The bobcats will unnerve you, I have found them setting only twenty feet away on the other side of a bush looking right at me. You know they're thinking, now just how am I gonna get that big old thing back home? When they run they're gone in a flash, I think they train the coyotes in the use of cover.

I don't know enough about the terrain in Michigan to give any specific advice but I'm sure you do the same things like try not to silhouette yourself against the skyline, keep the noise down as much as possible, be aware of the wind, pick a spot with a good field of fire, settle in until things go back to normal, then start low and slow, give the call time to work.

It is very enjoyable, welcome to the hunt.

Tell ya what Mike...the picture you just "painted" and the story you told have got me wishing that I was a little closer than about 7000 miles from the USA mate. It sounds magnificent.

I'd be more than happy to bust a cap on them yotes...but to watch a bobcat, or any big cat, would be awesome.

Cheers, Vince

Use shooting sticks, the first year or two I was calling I didn't have them, but after I got them my kill rate went way up.
If you are right handed, set your rifle up as far to you right as you can, it is much easier to swing to the left than to the right. Visa Versa for left handed people. If you have a spot that a coyote might pop out at 30 yards or so, point your rifle there.
Set-up is much more important than how your call sounds. Keep the sun at your back as much as possible; the wind in your face; A good view is also very important.
Load your rifle at the truck and keep the safety on, much less easier to forget to load it, and you don't make as much noise at the stand. Don't slam the doors and don't talk on the way to the stand.

Oh, stay in the shadows and keep your face and hands covered.

yea I would have to agree with Canuck the colder it is the better it is I mean they gatta eat and all the cold nights and mornings I called they came a charging in the call even from 700 yards away dead run cold weather can't beat it if ya can take it that is