Too many hunters believe that the only way to hunt coyotes is with a predator call, which is a huge mistake. After all, the most cunning coyotes have learned to ignore those odd noises, rendering the calls nearly ineffective. So, how to hunt coyotes without a call?
In reality, hunters were able to capture a large number of coyotes long before predator calls became popular. Hunting coyotes without using calls necessitates a unique method that relies on stealth, patience, and careful observation. Instead of attracting coyotes with artificial calls, hunters use these elusive carnivores’ natural instincts and actions to their advantage.
If you’re looking for ways to hunt coyotes without the use of a call, this article is for you. Modify these hunting strategies to suit your local conditions, and you, too, can become a silent coyote hunter. Keep reading for an overview of the skill set required for this challenging and rewarding endeavor.
How To Hunt Coyotes Without A Call
Hunting coyotes without using calls is a distinctive and difficult method. Hunters can still effectively pursue these elusive predators by abandoning the typical use of sounds to entice them in using six following strategies.
Scout The Area
The first stage is to locate the coyotes and learn about their daily activities, which often include nighttime foraging and daytime napping. Because a coyote’s day centers around finding food, you should begin by locating a food source. Livestock operations such as cattle feedlots, pig farms, and chicken coops are excellent locations to start.
Check out bale yards and unharvested crops, as they can be infected with mice and voles, which coyotes love to eat. Don’t forget about other natural food sources. Coyotes are known to frequent areas with a lot of brush, so be sure to check these areas thoroughly.
Ambushing
You can set up an ambush along a travel path once you’ve recognized it. Coyotes, like commuters, will use these routes during sunrise and sunset.
In reality, the best time to shoot is around dawn, so plan to come long before legal shooting light. Terrain features don’t always allow for this, so you’ll have to make due with what nature provides.
Use Scent Control And Camouflage
Whether your ambush spot is within shotgun range or permits for a long rifle shot, keep in mind that coyotes live by their noses. Because coyotes have an excellent sense of smell, scent management is essential when hunting them. Wearing scent-blocking clothing, using scent-free soap and shampoo, and avoiding strong-smelling meals and beverages are all examples of this.
In addition, using scent control boots for hunting is a great idea. By reducing your scent, you’ll increase your chances of getting close to a coyote undetected. Along with fragrance management, it’s critical to blend in with your environment. Wear camouflage gear that is appropriate for the terrain you will be hunting in. This will keep you hidden from coyotes’ keen eyesight.
Pushing
If hunting at dawn isn’t practicable, there are additional choices for midday hunts. Pushing is one such method, although it requires a group of hunters to be successful. It simply entails sending two or three individuals going through an area where you anticipate coyotes are spending the day. Then, pushing them out into the open where the others can take a shot.
This strategy works best in broad countryside with sporadic patches of bush. The pushers should position themselves so that their scent is carried by the wind to the coyotes, causing them to retreat in the opposite direction toward the waiting shooters.
Making noise is also beneficial – barking like a dog is especially effective, because coyotes are wary of both humans and dogs.
If there is a disadvantage to this method, it is the amount of care required to ensure that none of the pushers are in danger when the shooting begins. To avoid risky shots at running animals, try barking at coyotes once they emerge from hiding. This will frequently cause them to come to a halt long enough to present a stationary target.
Use Bait
Baiting might be one of the most effective coyote hunting tactics when it is permissible. It is feasible to hunt over undisturbed roadkill, a rancher’s dead pile, or winterkilled big-game animals.
However, such baits are not always available in prime hunting locations. In that instance, you can either try to work with what you have or strategically place the bait in a different spot.
The ideal spot to place bait is near dense cover. This gives the coyotes confidence that they can slip out of sight with just a few bounds when approaching the bait. Similarly, the hunter should be able to approach the bait spot and sneak into shooting position without being noticed.
The optimum location is 200 meters away from the bait. That distance provides the ideal balance between not being observed and having an easy shot. Of course, choose a site that is downwind from your hunting location and place the bait there. Although coyotes might visit a bait station at any time of day, setting up early dawn is usually the most effective technique.
Spotting And Stalking
When you’ve had enough of waiting for a coyote, it’s time to use the tried-and-true spot-and-stalk method. The first obstacle, like with any other game animal, is to actually spot a coyote.
It is critical to remain attentive. Coyotes can be seen sleeping on top of round bales, foraging in open fields, patrolling the borders of cattle herds, or just remaining on the move if you keep an eye out. Performing a good stalk on these haphazardly met predators can be difficult, but it’s well worth the effort.
Long-Range Shooting
To be a complete coyote hunter, you must be able to take animals from a long distance. Long shots will certainly present themselves and any correctly set up coyote rifle should be capable of putting fur on the ground out to 500 meters.
Shots at far coyotes are typically ephemeral, so you’ll have a better chance of success if you can swiftly range, dial, and shoot. Shots of 800 to 1,000 meters are not impossible, but they require specialist guns and tremendous expertise.
For most hunters, the trick is to begin practicing at distances that challenge them, even if it’s only 200 to 300 meters. This entails practicing long shots on a rifle range under simulated field conditions. The skills you learn there will quickly become very useful in the field.
Coyotes Hunting Tips And Advice Without A Call
The following tips and advice will help you increase your chances of success in hunting coyotes without using calls.
- Scouting: Spend time scouting your hunting area before the actual hunt. Identifying their travel routes and feeding areas can be invaluable.
- Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Utilize natural terrain features for cover. Rocks, trees, and brush can provide concealment and help break up your outline.
- Stay Quiet and Still: Coyotes have acute hearing. Avoid making needless noises or movements. You should sit or lie down comfortably in your preferred position and remain still for extended periods of time.
- Patience: Be prepared to wait a long time. Coyotes can be extremely wary, and it may take some time for them to expose themselves. Maintain your patience and alertness.
- Use Optics: Binoculars or a spotting scope can help you spot coyotes from a distance, allowing you to plan your approach or shot better.
- Learn Their Body Language: Study coyote body language. They may display curiosity or discomfort before fleeing, giving you a heads-up.
- Shot Placement: Always prioritize ethical and humane shots. Aim for vital areas like the heart or lungs to ensure a quick and humane kill.
- Practice Marksmanship: Regular practice at the shooting range is essential for accuracy. A familiarity with your firearm and its capabilities is vital for a successful shot.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure you have the appropriate hunting permits and follow local regulations, including hunting seasons and bag limits.
- Hunting with Partners: Having a hunting partner can enhance your chances of success. They can watch for approaching coyotes while you focus on the shot.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, hunting coyotes without calls is a unique and difficult strategy that requires expertise, patience, and stealth. It necessitates a thorough grasp of coyote behavior and habitat, as well as a dedication to ethical hunting methods. While it may not provide the same level of activity as call-based hunting, it does provide a gratifying experience for individuals who like the art of the hunt. These method hunting stresses observation and skill over luring techniques.