Despite a long history of being hunted, trapped, poisoned, and disliked, coyotes are more abundant than ever. They have readily adapted to human encroachments and are often responsible for the disappearance of urban pets.
Coyotes can now be found almost anywhere in the country. Howling packs are commonly heard at dawn and dusk. Anxious predator hunters can drive around the countryside early and late in the day, often hearing the serenades of hunting packs. Mark the locations on a map and seek permission to hunt on a later date. Most farmers and ranchers are open to allowing coyote hunters access to their land, as they often want to have these animals removed.
If coyotes are silent, do not become discouraged. Scouting will likely reveal tracks, droppings, and fur from kill sites. Coyotes prefer wooded areas, hills, and rough terrain. In open country, they seek grassy depressions, gullies, swampy areas, and brushy fencerows.
Planning Your Approach to Coyote Hunting in Alaska
Do not expect to sneak up on a coyote; it is unlikely to happen. Coyotes have a natural security system enhanced by keen senses and instincts. Begin your approach by keeping the wind in your favor, moving slowly, and using the terrain to your advantage. Camouflage yourself from head to toe in a pattern that blends into the surroundings.
A 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 3-inch magnums with No. 4 shot is a preferred choice for hunting coyotes. If locating coyotes proves difficult, reconsider your entry into the hunting area. Ensure the wind is in your face, as improper wind direction ends more coyote hunts than any other factor.
The best setup locations are usually elevated, allowing the shooter to see long distances. Approach these vantage points stealthily and avoid skylighting yourself; circle a hill if necessary rather than traveling across the top.
Setting Up in Your Coyote Hunting Location
Coyotes are survivors and efficient predators, using every natural terrain feature and piece of vegetation to their advantage. Hunting from an elevated position provides a distinct advantage over these cunning animals, which excel at remaining undetected.
Hunting in wooded areas with shotguns often results in visibility of less than 75 yards. Utilizing slight elevations provides the best advantage in thick cover. Humps, knolls, and even the slight rise created by the roots of a fallen tree can enhance hunting success.
The hunting territory often consists of oak-hickory forests with open spaces like cow pastures and hayfields. A favored tactic is to hunt the edges of these fields, ensuring to set up on a hillside to maximize visibility for long-distance shots.
Calling Coyotes: Techniques and Equipment
The market is filled with predator calls, making the selection process daunting. To simplify, hunt with experienced hunters to see what they use. While it’s not necessary to use the same calls, it provides a starting point for personal preferences.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of predator hunting is refining techniques that fit individual styles. As skills develop, hunters often demonstrate their proficiency with chosen calls. The Johnny Stewart® Grim Speaker GS2 Predator Call comes pre-loaded with 10 game calls and allows users to import hundreds of additional sounds. Randy Anderson Calls are highly sought after for handheld percussion calls.
When selecting a call, prioritize those that effectively imitate the sounds of prey animals in the area. Rabbits are prime targets for coyotes, so a rabbit squealer should be included in the arsenal. However, avoid overusing it, as coyotes can quickly catch on.
Experienced coyotes can be challenging adversaries and may require a diverse range of calls. They consume various prey and are particularly attracted to distress calls from rodents, birds, fawns, and young livestock. Mastering the raucous calls of crows adds another tool to the coyote calling arsenal.
Hand-held mouth calls offer an intimate calling experience but have disadvantages, especially when coyotes approach closely. Electronic callers are available in various models and come with interchangeable cards for a wide variety of animal sounds.
Making the Shot: Tips for Success
Watching a coyote approach can induce “coyote fever” even in veteran hunters. Success in taking the animal depends on several pre-established factors, including excellent camouflage, proper setup, wind management, range time to understand gun performance, and practice with calls.
Unless highly experienced, beginners should only shoot at standing coyotes. A running coyote can be a challenging target, which may be enjoyable but requires experience for more difficult shots.