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Category Archives for Predator Hunting

Coyote in the Forest

The Best Coyote Calls for Bringing in Dogs

  • September 10, 2016 /

Coyote in the ForestThe act of calling predators doesn’t have to be complicated. Some hunters prefer to use mouth-blown calling devices, but in many situations, they can be very inconvenient. They’re also not quite as versatile as electronic callers. To use a mouth-blown device, you must blow extremely hard, so it can leave you gasping for air, which is a problem.

Electronic coyote calls operate using recorded sounds and can be operated with a remote control. When compared to their mouth-blown counterparts, electronic coyote calls have several advantages to offer.

What to Look For

When shopping for an electronic coyote call, there are several considerations to make. First, it’s important to consider the weight of the product. For the best results, get a product that is lightweight. You don’t want to spend your entire hunting trip lugging around a heavy device.

The best coyote calls have minimal parts. If you lose any parts in the woods, there is a good chance that you’ll never get them back. It’s a good idea to consider the size and quantity of speakers. Larger speakers can produce more sound, but they tend to be much heavier.

Many coyote calls have at least two speakers, but there are several options that have only one. There are even systems that have four individual speakers.

If you want to add video to the setup, you’ll need to get a product that allows for this functionality. The quality of the sound produced by the product is just as important as the overall loudness.

Keep It Simple

The stores are packed with many different types of calls, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if you keep it simple, you can get a great product and avoid wasting your time. The better coyote calls give you several different sounds to choose from, but you shouldn’t need more than a few.

Electronic callers are the best products because they can be operated with a remote. As a hunter, the ability to remotely call a coyote is huge. Once the device has been set up, you can call a coyote from a distance, so the animal isn’t heading directly towards you.

The goal is to get the coyote to come to the call and not the hunter. Once it gets close enough, the coyote will be focused on the call, so you’ll be able to take a shot and avoid scaring the animal off.

Go Where the Coyotes Are

Even if you have the best electronic coyote call, you’ll never have any luck if you don’t go where the animals are. You can find an abundance of coyotes in Texas and Florida, but you might not be able to travel that far for your hunting trip.

If you haven’t seen any coyotes on your trail cameras, you can always ask some local farmers. By setting up where there is no evidence of coyotes, you’re wasting your time. Below, you’ll find reviews for the best coyote calls on the market, so you can choose the model that seems like the best fit for your needs.

Primos Alpha Dogg Electronic Predator Call

If you’re not on a serious budget, the Primos Alpha Dogg is a top product to consider. It’s powerful enough to transmit sound across large distances. This product is from a well-known brand, and it has been designed to withstand some of the toughest environments imaginable.

The Primos Alpha Dogg has been tested and proven in most hunting environments and uses a rotating speaker system. As the speakers rotate they deliver sound in all directions, so the odds of a wild coyote hearing the calls are significantly increased.

By producing realistic, dynamic sounds, it will draw the coyotes to you. The Primos Alpha Dogg delivers high-quality, crisp sound and comes with an ergonomic remote. To make your life easier, it has a full-color display, and the control layout is designed for simplicity.

This product comes with 64 sounds, which have been digitally mastered. You can even remove or add sounds to the memory within the device. You can use it to play custom distress calls, which can be obtained from several online sources.

There is enough memory in the Primos Alpha Dogg to store 1,000 different calls. An LCD screen makes the programing easy to read, and the remote is good up to a distance of 200 yards. Unlike some competing products, the Primos Alpha Dogg has a motion sensor, so it can start playing distress calls when it detects a coyote.

Primos Turbo Dogg Electronic Predator Call

If you’re looking for something that isn’t as expensive, the Primos Turbo Dogg is worth considering. This device will automatically increase your hunting game, so you’ll get even more enjoyment out of hunting. Like other electronic call devices, this product is designed to be set up and watched.

With a realistic camouflage pattern, the Primos Turbo Dogg is very difficult to spot, and the camouflage design makes it especially difficult for coyotes to see. Since it comes with a remote, you can remotely operate the device from up to 150 yards away.

The Primos Turbo Dogg was named after the 25-watt amplifier built into it. The amplifier increases the sound output and delivers loud, realistic coyote calls. When a coyote is getting close, you can adjust the unit’s sound. The Primos Turbo Dogg comes equipped with 36 calls, and it even has pre-programed hunts.

Since there are many different calls to choose from, you can select the best calls for each individual hunt. You can draw coyotes to you with the pre-programmed hunts because they’re good for 10 to 20 minutes of sound. You even have the option to add additional calls.

Like other Primos products, this device is made from high-quality materials and has been tested in a variety of environments. The Turbo Dogg can blast coyote calls long distances, and with a remote range of 150 yards, you can always control it at a distance.

The USB port is handy because it allows you to download custom sounds. The 25-watt amplifier is the best feature and delivers plenty of loud, high-quality sound.

ICOtec GC300 Call of the Wild Electronic Game Call

Here is an excellent product for hunters who’re on a budget. It’s a small, versatile device, and it’s very easy to carry around. The device is shaped like a large flashlight and can be carried on your hip. The ICOtec GC300 is designed for remote use, so you can use it from a distance.

The remote control is one of the top features that this product has to offer. The ICOtec GC300 can be described as loud, durable and affordable. It doesn’t offer all of the bells and whistles that you’d get from high-end products, but in most situations, it should get the job done.

Due to the simplicity, it’s one of the best coyote calls for beginners. It’s very easy to use and doesn’t involve confusing programming. You don’t have to memorize long sequences of numbers and can quickly activate the device.

Although it’s a cheaper product, the ICOtec GC300 comes loaded with features. The remote control is one of its best features because it offers an operating range of 300 yards. Unlike some of the alternatives, the remote doesn’t require a clear line of sight.

It has an external speaker jack, and the button controls are easy to use. Although it works particularly well for attracting coyotes, the ICOtec GC300 can be used to call a variety of animals. Overall, it offers great value for the money, and it’s affordable on almost any budget.

Cass Creek Mega Amp Predator Call CC416

This is another affordable coyote call. The Cass Creek Mega Amp is one of the cheapest products available, but it has several great features to offer. As an electronic game call, this device is effective for attracting coyotes. One of its greatest features is the single-hand control, which lets you operate the device with one hand.

It has 10 different calls to choose from and produces louder sound that most products in the same price range. For optimal versatility, the Cass Creek Mega Amp Predator Call weighs only 2.7 pounds and has a length of nine inches. A single trigger is used to activate the device.

It has an LED indicator light and can be attached to a belt. With an enhanced speaker system, the CC416 delivers sounds further than many competing models. If you’re looking for an affordable, hand-held device, this product is worth considering.

Foxpro Inc Deadbone Digital Game Call DB1

Here is one of the best coyote calls for beginners. the Foxpro Inc Deadbone DB1 comes equipped with 15 top-notch sounds and has a rugged ABS housing. It uses a single speaker to call coyotes to you, and although it’s quite small, the speaker has no problem delivering loud, clear sound.

Like almost all other electronic predator calls, this device comes with a remote control, so you can operate it at a distance. If you’re new to hunting and need a reliable way to attract coyotes, this could be the perfect product for you.

Coyote Hunting

56 Coyote Hunting Tips from the Pros

  • July 25, 2016 /

Coyote HuntingYou may think coyote hunting is a sedate activity. Waiting out there with only crows to keep you company. But coyote hunting is beloved by many hunters for its sheer adrenaline rush.

If you want to maximize the possibility of a successful and exciting hunt, be prepared.

  1. Put safety first. Being outdoors can be a great way to be with family and friends, but you have to take every precaution when firearms and wild animals are part of the package.
  2. Keep your vehicle out of view. Sheen, reflection, gloss and even the car itself could make the coyote suspicious.
  3. Always wear gloves. You can get excited about your prey, but coyotes are predators and susceptible to disease. When handling any wild animal, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, you want a pair of gloves that hold your position. When you see prey, your hands will need to move quickly and skin color could give you away. A good set of gloves can prevent that. Keep them thin and cool to avoid movement restriction.
  4. Know the laws in the area. Hunting seasons and regulations vary state to state, and county to county. Some locales may require a permit. Others may have specific hours or borders.
  5. Stay hydrated. You never can anticipate what could happen. Bring water and food. Bring high calorie snacks to replenish energy and stave off hungry. Avoid heavy foods because you want to keep your energy levels up in case you have to do some running.
  6. Gas up. Make sure the tank is full before you leave and, if it’s less than half full before arrival, fill it up again. You can get lost, especially if you’re heading into unfamiliar territory, and you’d hate to hit empty in the worst place.
  7. You may need a campfire. As it might get dark and cold, you want to keep fire starter materials on hand. If you’re not a boy scout, have reading materials on the best way to get a fire started. Many hunters have found out – to their frustration – it’s not as easy it looks. Also, keep a fire extinguisher on hand. There are small, almost deodorant sized cans on the market.
  8. First aid. Have a complete kit with everything you could possibly need.
  9. Make sure someone knows where you are. If you have a hunting partner, all parties should have told someone where you will be. Phones can stop working for inexplicable reasons. Give someone the directions or send them a Google Map of your location.
  10. Clothes. While you want to go with a nice camouflage, you want gear that’s lightweight and breathable. Clothes should blend into the natural surroundings and not pick up twigs and sticks.
  11. Shooting sticks. Shooting sticks have become essential gear for the hunt. It is believed the first time you use one, you’ll never hunt without them. They are more versatile than bipods and come with a range of features.
  12. e-Callers and mouth callers. Electronic callers help you stay hidden by moving sound away from you. That way minor movements will not give you away as you prepare a shot. There are also a variety of mouth blown callers.
  13. Using decoys. Coyotes are naturally cautious, but a good decoy increases the chance of pulling them into your field. If the decoy is associated with familiar sounds, you have them. If they don’t see anything, coyotes will move toward the sound source. If the decoy moves and the coyote determines its safe, they will attack the decoy.
  14. Choice of weapon and ammo. You can read many articles on what’s the best weapon for coyote hunting. Most professional hunters go with an AR15 or a shotgun. But you should do your research and find one that fits your style.
  15. Shooting chair or butt pad. Sitting outside with no support can put even the most enthusiastic hunter on the warpath. Pads and chairs offer a little comfort and the ability to move around as you get bored or limbs stiffen up.
  16. Use a face mask. A lot of hunting gear comes with hoodies and a veil. You can buy a hunting mask. Either way, you need a way to blend your face into the environment. A coyote is more likely to see you first, especially if you shift position out of the shade into even a sliver of light.
  17. Carefully scout your location. Get out early and survey the area. Make sure coyotes live where you hunt. If you are not seeing signs of life, like tracks, move elsewhere. Stay off private property without permission. If you do come across a friendly, ask them what they know about the hunting. And be polite. Clean up beyond yourself and report any problems you see to owners, like a broken fence.
  18. Locating potential prey. This is different from scouting locations. Locating is getting out early and checking out stand locations. Try and elicit responses from area coyotes using a siren sound. It will help you find the perfect spot.
    Google Earth. Online scouting has become a common tool for finding a good spot. Google Earth can help you find off the road sites like ravines, water holes and tree groupings.
  19. Find a county recorder. If there’s a digital GIS for the county, use it to get land owner info. Otherwise, you may have to visit county offices to see if potential hunting grounds are on private property.
  20. Habitation. Research the coyote lifestyle. They’re fairly adaptable as heck, known for living near large cities, in the desert, the forests and more. Knowing how they live and hunt will help you determine how to find and track them. They settle around ranches and farms for the cattle. Coyotes hunt for rodents near cows. Never shoot in the direction of livestock.
  21. Look for deer in coyote areas. Coyotes prey on deer. Many hunters follow deer herds for the coyotes. But it’s not always the case, so don’t depend on it.
  22. Look for bodies of water. All animals need water. Wherever there’s water in a coyote’s home ground, there’s a greater chance of finding one. Find lakes and ponds on Google Earth and check them out.
  23. Trail cameras. Trail cameras are excellent for checking out activity in your hunt area.
  24. Tracking the prey. Familiarize yourself with coyote tracks. They are narrower than a domestic dog’s. Old tracks (scats) will be dry and white. Fresh tracks are dark and have flies.
  25. Coyotes are always on the defense. It’s one of the reasons it can be so thrilling to hunt them. They notice anomalies and will avoid what looks suspicious. Outside of attacking prey, they avoid open spaces, hiding much like you will be.
  26. Agricultural fields. Coyotes will always prowl farmlands. In fact, farmers can provide great intel on the best places to find a coyote.
  27. Hunting with someone. Never assume you’re all on the same page. Limit conversation. Set up a stand area rundown of hazards, livestock, human activity and areas to avoid shooting towards. Set up fields of fire and who gets first shot. Know before you get out the car who sets up the call and decoy. No conversation unless necessary or you don’t care. Coyotes are likely to move away from areas with lots of unfamiliar sounds and activity.
  28. Tread carefully. Walk single file so that multiple scents don’t linger. If you make a sound, wait before proceeding.
  29. Keep it down. Never drive through a stand. Limit noise and the scent around your stand. Do not slam car doors or make a lot of sound when moving and preparing. Move slowly and to a minimum, avoiding gesticulation. Animals have better eyesight than you and any movement can trigger a wave of animals running away from you.
  30. Coyote in the ForestKnow where the wind blows. Coyotes use smell to survey their surroundings. If you’re downwind, they’ll smell you long before you see them. Before final setup, always check the wind. Remember, it can change at any time. Coyotes tend to come downwind and continue to move in that direction. Know where downwind is at all times. If you are going to shoot, it has to be before the prey catches your scent in the wind.
  31. Sun direction. Put your back to the sun as coyotes will have a harder time seeing you if they have to look toward the sun. You facing the sun? Not only will they have less trouble spotting you, but you may have more trouble catching them in your line of vision.
  32. Scents. Some hunters swear by them. Others believe a scent only makes you smell like you’re using a scent. A coyote’s sense of smell is its greatest weapon. Layering odors will not confuse them. Even if it did, the result will be the same. The coyote will avoid you.
  33. Skylining. To skyline yourself is to have the sky behind you, making you easier to see. Avoid cresting hills and definitely never set up at the top of a hill, a common newbie mistake.
  34. Find out about stand selection. Stands are unique and personal. Your stand will significantly impact the hunt. Some hunters will use a stand length of 15 to 20 minutes, others 30. Go with what makes you comfortable or necessary.
  35. Quietly chamber a round. Do it after you’re set up. Many a newbie has discovered they didn’t … when it’s too late.
  36. Camouflage. Before getting into the stand and calling, have all your camo gear on.
  37. Shade is your pal. Whenever possible, take advantage of the shade. Most animals cannot visually distinguish a figure in shade, whereas daylight will let animals pick up the slightest movement or reflection. And be careful with your emergency signal mirror and the sun.
  38. Keep your outline clear. Shrubs, bushes and trees should be behind you. Avoid resting on trees or bushes as they’ll break up the outline. Objects in front of you can interfere with visibility or opportunity to adjust shooting sticks.
  39. Power up. Make sure your remote and caller are on before sitting. Many hunters forget and have to get back up, turn it on, go back. Get in the habit of routinely turning your tools on.
  40. Choose your e-call distance. You need to decide how far to set the caller. Hunters go up to 200 yards away and snipe with a yote. Take note the further the caller, the further your shot is likely to be. The further the caller, the greater chance you’ll leave a scent line.
  41. Set your decoy distance. Decoys should be set within three feet of your caller. Use a branch or dirt pile in open fields as this can prompt prey to attack the decoy or call.
  42. Direction of your caller. No hard or fast rules here. Your best bet is to face it in the direction you believe a coyote will emerge from.
  43. Sound selection. Selections can vary based on locations and seasons. Choose sounds to pique predator curiosity. Animal distress calls can get good results. Volume: many hunters start low and gradually raise the volume, giving coyotes the idea it’s getting closer to some prey. Fidget with the amount of time you play sounds. Some hunters go with a few minutes, others 15. But you do want to play, stop, wait and repeat. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to switch sounds. Don’t become a radio station though. Stick with two or three.
  44. Mouth calls. Many hunters still prefer to do sounds the old fashioned way. Mouth calls are a science and you have to learn the techniques. This includes not just creating sound but knowing how to move so that you don’t scare coyotes away.
  45. Howling. Howling is another traditional art for attracting coyotes. There are professional hunters that rely on it. Most use it in conjunction with other techniques.
  46. The reed. Closed reeds are the easiest type of call. Blow and you have a distress call. Open reeds require practice to master. More versatile than a closed reed, you can get distress calls, howls, barks and more. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re going to get an emotion out of the predator that brings them in.
  47. Squeekers. It’s the rare hunter that uses only squeekers to seal the deal. It’s more likely a squeeker will be used in combination with some of the above tech for attracting prey.
  48. Learn to be still. Even the slightest movement can send a far away coyote running. You have to minimize movement. A coyote is going to avoid being seen as much as you want to avoid being seen. Seeing it first – before scaring it off because you scratched you chin – is always going to be a challenge.
  49. Don’t jump the gun. Hunters that get overexcited about the approach always screw it up. Let the decoy do its job. It will take attention off you. This will give you the time you need to adjust your weapon.
  50. Move carefully with the coyote. If you do see a coyote seeing you, be still. It will eventually start moving again. You can then carefully reposition. Move only when the coyote is moving. They are surveying the area, assessing your call and waiting. Just like you.
  51. Closing in on you. If a coyote happens to work its way in, be patient and let them. Carefully set up your shot and be ready to take it. Don’t wait for the perfect shot. It may not come.
  52. Looking back. Coyotes focus on what’s ahead. If they’re looking back, it usually means they’re moving with other coyotes. Play your cards right, you might bag more than one. But always go for the lead first.
  53. Knowing when to walk away. If you do lose a prey, wait patiently before leaving. You can always return with a different approach. Never shoot out of range. Miss and that coyote’s not coming back.
  54. Control your breathing. You’ll get better at this with experience. When the adrenaline gets going and the excitement pumps, it might be difficult to get a shot or to hit the target. Calm is your greatest asset.
  55. Avoid taking moving shots. Instead of the difficult shot, try to get the prey to stop moving. Mute the call, bark or squeek. If you believe you absolutely have no choice, go for it. But a moving target is hard to hit.
  56. Be ready to be flexible. No matter how you prepare, hunting is going to force you to adapt. You can study coyote behavior, but you can never predict it. You can scope out the perfect spot, show up and realize it’s not as perfect as you imagined. You may need to switch to a shotgun, which is going to require a much faster reaction. Just be ready to move!