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Author
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Topic: Odd Year So Far
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csmithers
unknown comic
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posted January 26, 2008 01:28 PM
This has been by far the most unuasual year for coyotes in my area.
Background: Over the last six seasons that I have hunted, called and been schooled by the venerable coyote, there has been a distinct absence of what I would call bold displays of presence. Territorial markings, random yip and group howls, in general, letting others know they are out there. Times they are a changing...
It was not uncommon to go an entire week or longer w/out calling in more than a single coyote. This year, for some reason is different. There has been a major upswing in the "look at me" type banter and markings. It's new and it is not just localized to my favorite haunts.
There are the spots, you know the ones, that hold them from year to year. The old reliables. Well, this year they are running 4 and 5 deep in the old reliables and 4 to 5 deep in new, unexpected and previously uninhabited places. Everywhere, it seems!
For an instance, my last three times out I had a triple, two doubles (one double was last night) and loner come in. Of course, because I hunt alone, bad stand selection and/ or thick cover or it could be that I have the luck of a... something that has really bad luck, Zero are dead. Three times out, maybe a total of 4 hrs. total and 8 coming in is unheard of, for me, atleast. That is the oddity, now on to some other worthless drivel.
I have been using my M1 a bit more this year in addition to hand calls (upping the ante). It takes some effort, more than I had previously thought, to choose the best location to set the e-call.
I set up in the woods because, experience has taught me that coyotes respond better, for me, in a nice thick wooded area as opposed to more open terrain.
Also, random testing has showed me that placing the call in or near a blowdown or brush pile nearly guarantees a closer approach than does setting the call in a tree or out on a trail in the open. Duh.
They are paying no mind to the wind and it irritates the shit out of me! I am setting up, as in the past, with the wind in my favor and to my advantage. These bold sums a batches could give two furry turds about the wind. With the extra activity all around from other groups one would figure they would circle even more. Hell no! Just the opposite! Also, they are responding to prey distress like they are about to be executed and it's their last meal. Howls were my staple until March for years. All of my longheld coyote hunting techniques are being pulverized by this new breed of coyote. I am in Bizarro Coyote World and I am going insane!
Insult to injury... One of the two that came in last night took a dump on it's way in. The other night one pissed while staring at me, and now this. Backtracking them, they came in about 115 yards further West than I had anticipated and made a beeline straight for the caller, of course, after dropping a deuce. Six feet from the caller they turned tail and beat feet for the fenceline.
Coyote bum in MI needs hunting partner that can sit still, shut up and wield a shotgun. Must have own car. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
[ January 26, 2008, 10:58 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
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tlbradford
Rimfires are MAGIC on COYOTES! If you do your part
Member # 1232
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posted January 26, 2008 01:56 PM
Sounds like the population is up, competition for food and territory is increased, and they are hungry. I am unsure as to what you are complaining about? Except of course no dead coyotes. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif) How come you couldn't kill the one that was taking a dump near your caller?
I think a ladder stand might just be the ticket. I am sure someone here could explain the set-up.
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"Dan Carey ain't that special" - LB
Posts: 423 | From: Spokane Valley, WA | Registered: Mar 2007
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csmithers
unknown comic
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posted January 26, 2008 02:22 PM
I am not really complaining. I am giddy.
Competition for food in these parts is an oxymoron. That is why howling has worked for me for a long time. The last few years have been pretty warm here so maybe they are going freakin' nuts with the cold we've been having. The rabbit population seems to be up this year as well but that wouldn't explain all the yammering on. I love it! Just need to tweak the old stands.
One of them took the double when they were still out of sight, about 90? yards. I noticed the gift when I back tracked them. It didn't tatse very good but it was still warm.
I am hunting in the dead of night Eight is Enough...
Everyone deserves a nickname. Tom Bradford, Eight is Enough. BwaaHaaHaa! ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
The ladder wouldn't help much. It's low thick brush, high thick brush, overstory, understory, lots of trees both big and small and even more vines and briars. I cope. It's fun for me anyway. Better than sleeping at night.
[ January 26, 2008, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
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