The Itch to Shoot Something

Okay guys, call me sick or twisted but after every deer season, I feel that I go through withdrawls, since i’m not going to be able to put the drop on something for another 9 months.

My question is, how difficult is it to hunt yotes? Is my best bet to bang on doors to find willing landowners with farm land, then call them in with an electronic call?

I suppose I need a new gun too, since a .300 mag might be a little to harsh

Any tips are appreciated!!

Learning to hunt coyotes falls within the same process as any serious deer bow hunter. There is a learning curve just like anything else.

All you really need to get started is a firearm of some sort, whether it be a rifle or a shotgun, a few calls, some camo, and the desire to give it a try.

I will spare you my personal opinions on rifle choice and give you the bare bones edition. Any rifle above a .22 calibre is sufficient for coyotes especially for calling. I will give credit to the .17HMR however, because it has proven to me that it is an effective close range calibre.

If you already deer hunt, you probaly already have enough camo clothing and can use it for calling coyotes. I would definitely reccommend adding a facemask as well as gloves if you do not already do so while deer hunting.

Calls can range anywhere from basic hand calls all the way up to the $600 top of the line electronic callers. The fact is, you really only need a few hand calls to get the job done.

I would also reccommend either getting together with an experienced caller, or pick up an instructional dvd. Either of these will shorten the learning curve tremendously.

As far as where to go? In our region, we are blessed with 1000’s of acres of public land and much of it is suitable coyote habitat. You may also do as you mentioned and start knocking on doors to gain more permission. It is rare that a landowner does not allow coyote hunting if you ask. You will find an occassional few that will refuse, but like I said, it is rare.

Remember, a coyotes senses are much better than a deer. Don’t call too much, sit still, move your eyes more than your head, really concentrate on even the smallest movement, and have fun.

If you have any other questions, there are a few of us on here that are very passionate about the sport and would be more than happy to help you out.

It’s a fun sport to get into. Once the bug gets you though your in trouble. Pretty soon you’ll be wishing for below zero weather. I prefer hand calls becouse they are lighter when you make long walks. Plus your sounds never sound the same as with a ele. caller.
Any more ? feel free to ask.

I am a huge fan of the 22-250 though i did just get a .223. Both round are excelent for yotes in my personal opinion. However, to those who are thinking of the .17hmr for preds I would caution you on the effectiveness of the caliber. I believe that a .17 does have its place but not in the coyote field. Often times when I hunt I am in an flat open area that has a good cross wind. The .17 just doesn’t have the stamina to cut through the wind. I have attached 3 ballistics wind drift charts from Federal Ammunition’s web site to illistrait my point. The first is the .17 seccond graph is .223 and the third is the 22-250. All are based on a 10mph crosswind. I think that anyone wanting to get into the predator arena should go with a caliber that will be versital in many different environment, and always offer the shooter an ethical kill. A 10in drift at 160yrds is the difference between a dead coyote and a wounded one. Above all know your rifle and accept it’s limitations.

I will argue that the .17 HMR DOES have its place in the predator arena, but with limitations

For most, not all, calling situations, the goal is to get the coyote to come in close. If you can do that, the .17 is a perfect rifle.

I will admit, in more open areas and situations where the coyote does not get up close, then discretion should be used by the shooter. I firmly beleive anything up to 100 yards will result in a dead coyote with a well placed shot in the vital zone.
Also, scenarios are a factor as well. In my local area, rarely will you be shooting in the wide open fields or any fields of any size. In parts of Iowa and other more open areas the terrain is different and a larger calibre may be needed.

I myself prefer a .22-.250, but will admit to the use of other calibre’s not considered the norm, as useful in the predator hunting sport.