Oct 14 2008
Prowling for Predators
Prowling for Predators
The typical coyote has all the senses and wariness of a big whitetail buck and the stubbornness of an old gobbler.
Late winter is a prime time to head afield for furbearers. The weather is typically at, or just past it’s coldest, and the predator’s fur is at its thickest, richest point. It’s also just the time of year when the woods are the most barren and predators are most likely to respond for a meal.
Although prices for furs are good, there are other benefits for hunters. Chasing predators offers excellent experience, and that is something we can never have enough of. It’s another great way to sharpen your outdoor skills. The hunt normally requires skillful calling, good camouflage and sharp shooting skills. By practicing all this we will become better deer, turkey and waterfowl hunters. During the predator season hunters can amass a great deal of knowledge and observe how many animals react. Although hunting predators is truly exciting, rarely is it easy.
In modern society, the common furbearer has no true predator. Often the eco-system gets out of sync, allowing predators to deplete other game. Research has shown that decades of poor predator control (i.e. lack of hunting) have had an adverse affect on waterfowl and game bird populations. While it is true predators are not the sole reason for the decreasing numbers of ducks, geese, pheasant and quail, they are major factors. Therefore, widespread sport hunting of predators will likely have beneficial results on game species such as waterfowl and upland birds.
Rarely does a hunter encounter a quarry as challenging as he does when pursuing coyotes, fox or bobcats. The typical coyote has all the senses and wariness of a big whitetail buck and the stubbornness of an old gobbler. Seldom does a mature coyote come right into the calling location. Normally they’ll circle “downwind” and approach when their nose gives them the “all clear.”
For these reasons, it’s best to treat these game animals with respect. Choose your hunting location carefully. Setup where you have good visibility and cover. Train your eyes down wind, but focus on the ditches, tree lines and other terrain features that might conceal a predator’s approach. Look for the slightest movement, all the while remaining as still as possible.
Normally I locate my predator hunting locations while afield for other game. When I notice canine tracks, stool or other, I make a note to return later. Often the best deer or turkey stand will offer excellent opportunities for a predator.
Unlike most game, predators don’t require a lot of specialized equipment. Full camo is necessary, as is a call and firearm but that is where it ends. Hunters can give this exciting pursuit a try simply by investing in a ten-dollar call, and utilizing the gear they have for deer, turkey, or waterfowl hunting.
Calls come in all different varieties. Hand-blown mouth calls are common and very effective. Currently there are several varieties. Close range calls are typically a “squeaky” call designed to coax in the predator for the shot. The most common hand call is the mid-range rabbit-type call. When blown, this call produces a raspy scream or whine, imitating an injured rabbit. There are many excellent choices to choose from, since most models have been around for decades and are proven performers.
Another unique type of call is a “howler” type call. Normally one utilizes a “howler” call to locate coyotes. The call produces a bark or howl, which imitates a singing coyote and often causes others to sound off. By far the mid range rabbit call is the most versatile of all and will produce excellent results allowing the hunter to be successful with just one call.
Although one can get started without much investment, to be consistently successful it helps to utilize additional tools. A high quality pair of binoculars can be a blessing. I prefer a set of Burris Landmark 8×42 field glasses that allow me to distinguish a coyote from scrub brush at several hundred yards. Good optics allows the hunter to closely inspect the shady areas where predators like to approach from. Binoculars also prevent the extra movement caused when a hunter uses a riflescope to identify objects.
Remember, keep movement to a minimum, and peering through binos is much less visible than scanning the horizon with a scoped rifle.
Wide-open country often requires additional volume. The simple hand call is not nearly as loud or effective as an electronic calling device. The electronic caller such as those manufactured by FoxPro allows the hunter to increase the calling volume, thus also increasing the range of the call as well. Additionally, the electric devices allow the hunter to set up in a location offering excellent visibility, yet place the calling device in another location away from him. Moving the caller away from the hunter is a great trick since the coyote will pinpoint the sound and head directly to that location which gives the hunter a better opportunity for a shot. Pick a spot with good vision in all directions, but be sure to use good camo and keep movement to a minimum. This is an effective method for hunting the seasoned coyote or bobcat that typically busts the hunter before a shot presents itself.
Only the terrain dictates the choice of firearm. Turkey and waterfowl hunters shouldn’t despair if they don’t own an adequate rifle. Shotguns can be just as effective as rifles given the proper location. When choosing a shotgun, I prefer to hunt areas with thicker cover where fifty-yard shots are the maximum. This is a great time to get out those old lead goose loads that might be gathering dust on the shelf. Fox and bobcats are no match for a load of #2 or #4 shot and BB shot is perfect for stopping the largest coyotes around. Be sure to pattern your shotgun to ensure lethal hits, and establish a maximum range.
Any centerfire rifle can be used to take predators. The biggest consideration is pelt damage caused by the larger calibers. I prefer a center fire .22, .24 or .25 caliber rifle for most hunts. Typically, I carry a bolt action .243 Winchester for the versatility it offers. This caliber is extremely flat shooting with high velocity and is available with lightweight bullets that don’t do a lot of damage to the fur. I mount a quality scope such as a 3×9 Burris on top, and it’s ready to go. Hunters can get lots of invaluable practice with their deer rifles if they don’t own a small caliber rifle. The additional practice with that rifle will obviously help them become more proficient when taking shots next deer season.
The hours of sunrise and sunset are the best times to call in a predator. Remember that most coyotes, fox and cats are nocturnal, so hunting during mid-day can produce, but is not the best. Practice approaching your stand without making any unnecessary noise. Slamming truck doors, breaking limbs, causing fences or gates to squeak merely alerts the predator to your presence.
Use stealth when hunting these cunning critters. Coyotes and bobcats can be extremely cautious, so ensure your clothing and body doesn’t emit any foul odors. A facemask such as those used by turkey hunters helps avoid the shine reflected by a hunter’s face or eyeglasses. When the predator is approaching keep all movement and noise to a minimum. A seasoned coyote, fox, or cat will spook easier than an approaching gobbler. Never underestimate their sense of smell, hearing, or their great sight. Occasionally they will come in on the run, but a sly predator can just as easily leave on the run and offer the hunter no opportunity for a shot. Remember that these animals are actually hunting you.
As you can see predators offer a great challenge to anyone. Calling and hunting these wary animals will keep your skills sharp and your interest high. Don’t let one or two uneventful trips cause you to quit. Predators are always on the move. Often one area will be the “hot spot” and contain several predators on any given day. Some days can be extremely rewarding while others frustrating. Yet the challenge of hunting these “hunters” is a great one indeed. Give predator hunting a try.
written by Tom Cannon
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