First attempt at calling.

[tonblev]

Tried calling coyotes for the first time today. After about 15 minutes it was as if one just appeared sitting there looking at me at about 120 yds. I called a couple more times then it began to walk toward cover so I panicked a little and took a shot and missed. I was so nervious I probably could not of hit it at 50 yds. I was shooting a 30-30 since that is what I have. Should I have took my shot when I first saw it or should I try to get it closer? I felt like it was a successful hunt just to see one on my first try! I may be hooked now.

[lancewilkins]

Well, you will never kill what you dont shoot at, lol. I know the feeling, it pretty cool, it almost as if a light comes on "BING" and there he is. The your excitement can get the best of you it just like deer hunting, you gotta learn to gather your self and focus on the shot, then get all your excitement out while you retrieve that dead coyote. Good luck to you

[townsendtaxidermy]

It is a rush! I've called just for photography and when you see one coming in, it's such a rush!

[bigjohn]

Do yourself a favor and get a set of shooting sticks,it will give you a steadier rest.Also get a squeeker for those ones that get up on you like that.Once they get close like that,they can pinpoint you pretty quick.The coyote was probably getting ready to get downwind of you instead of leaving,if he didn't see you.

[countrykiller]

use a decoy. most important thing besides the wind in my opinion.

[silverfox]

My son is interested in calling. Tell me more about the decoys, please.

[countrykiller]

A decoy can be as simple as a piece of rebar with a feather tied to the top of it so it blows in the wind. I ordered a mojo critter I think is what it is from cabelas. Anything that has movement. Place the decoy away from you fifty yards or so. This keeps the critters attention on that decoy and not you. I will guarantee your success rate will go up using a decoy. If you use an electronic caller then place it by the decoy.

Dogs are dumb but they are smart. lol.... Play the wind and set out a decoy and thats all you need. If you have a mouth call and you cant get it to sound like it does on tv that ok. As long as its a sound from that call it will work.
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Stay on a stand for 15 to 20 min for a coyote.

Stay for at least 45 min if your calling cats because most of them take their time and will stalk up to your call.

[logger]

Decoys for sure!! I have a kids toy called a bumble ball. its a colorful little ball that jumps around. I think I gave a dollar for the last one at a garage sale. Wrap it in gray or dark colored shirt and let her rip. Had coyotes try to kill it a few times. We like to try to wait long enough to shotgun em!!

[silverfox]

Great info, folks!

We have a local "caller" who brings in lots of foxes, cats, and yotes. All shot right in one of their eyes at great distances. One day, the hunter's dad was selling me some fur and told me why he always hits them in the eye! He said, "that is the only thing he can see in his spotlight so that is where he hits!" Not super funny but true! He also is famous for shooting hoot owls and chicken hawks outa the air! Great shot! But,maybe not a super conservationist.

[krank]

A little early for me to predator call. Wait till it gets down to zero and everything is denned up. Them yotes get fearless when they hear a dinner bell after the ground has been covered with snow for a week and there aint no more gutpiles. Then you get into specialized gear like bedsheet ponchos and carrying a shotgun as a side arm with #4 buck. That extra gun makes a good shooting stick too.

[tonblev]

Thanks for the info I will try some of your ideas. This site has really helped me getting started trapping (2nd year) and now yote calling too. I just recently joined but have been gleanning info for about a year.