"Typical" Set-Up

[Bobcat]

Byron, et al,

Tell us about what you look for in a typical calling set-up for coyotes........

Bob

[Byron South]

Hey, Bob

I think your set-up is probably the most important ingredient to your success. The things I look for first is to get as many things in my favor as possible. Calling predators is unlike many other types of hunting in that you are giving your location away the minute you start to blow the call. You have to first choose a stand where you can see an aproaching coyote. It will do you no good to call him if you can't see him. I like a place where I can see my downwind side. Coyotes, and fox coming to the call will come dirrectly to it for a ways and when they get close enough where they think they can smell it they will ussually end up downwind. If he has to expose himself to get downwind you have set the stage in your favor. Also be aware that if they cross your trail where you came in they will ussually spook. Your aproach once you have chose a stand location is also crutial. You have to get there undetected. It does no good to have a perfect setup if you don't get there undetected. Don't slam doors, and talk while apraoching your set up, and be aware of where you are spreading your sent. Don't walk down ridges where you can be seen. Another thing I look for is something to back up against to break up my outline. It can be some brush, a tree or a grown up fence line. I use full camo including face mask and gloves.

I have a check list in my head I try to follow.

1. Where do I think he is.

2. How can I get where he can hear my call undetected.

3. Do I have the stage set in my favor when I start to call.


That all being said its rare to have everything in your favor. Just remember to get as many things in your favor as possible and try to use his assets against him.

Good Hunting

Byron

[Cronk]

Everyone interested in becoming a better caller should read Byron's above post about seven times. There is much wisdom in his words. Although I don't often wear a headnet anymore, I still believe it is a good idea to wear one. When calling open country where I can see coyotes approaching from a very long distance, I use mainly mouth blown calls. When calling the brush, I like to use an electronic caller which I place crosswind of my hideout at a distance of 40-100 yards. I usually have a good idea where the coyotes will be coming from, and this method helps cause the coyote to circle downwind of the caller instead of downwind of ME. I usually begin a stand with a lonesome sounding howl. If I get a vocal answer, I try to imitate what the responding coyote just said and say it as quick as I can. When coyote shuts up it usually means he is coming in to kick my butt. If I see no incoming customer within three minutes, I repeat the sequence. If no customers after five minutes or so, I go in to puppy squeals. I feel that this method works best from about may 1st thru august, with late winter's mating season being second best. Howling works all year around, but I feel that mostly the older, more aggressive coyotes are called and killed with this method. Beginning in month of september there are a lot of pups of the year out there hunting on their own, and with coyote population being highest at this time of the year the standard prey distress sounds will bring you a lot of action. Burnham's "cottontail duet" was my favorite calling sound for coyote and cat's for many years, and still remains to be a very good choice in calling sounds.