PREDATOR ISSUE
6SCENT CONTROL & ATTRACTANTS Coyotes have an ultra keen sense of smell . Most often they will circle downwind in an effort to catch a whiff of what ’ s making all the racket . As humans , we can never eliminate our scent altogether but we can take measures to minimize it . I like to spray down with Tink ’ s Vanish to assist in removing as much of my own odour as possible .
Attractants have their place , but should be considered secondary . Hunters Specialties ’ makes a product called the Predator Bomb , a 5 oz . canister of coyote urine , fox urine , or fawn urine . These cover scents can be distributed around the hunter , their decoy , or e-call to minimize the chance of detection by incoming predators . With call shy dogs , these scents can be an asset .
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RIFLE & BULLET CHOICE Dealing with a kill zone half the size of a pie plate , there is little room for error . Sniping a coyote is an exercise in precision shooting . Seasoned varmint hunters often customize their rifle with all of the bells and whistles . Most importantly , it must be flat-shooting and capable of consistent Loonie-sized groups out to 300 metres and beyond . Common calibers among coyote hunters include the venerable high velocity . 22-250 , . 223 , . 243 and . 204 Ruger .
Many coyote hunters like heavy barrels but I find them cumbersome , especially if I ’ m hiking long distances in deep crusty snow . I know several who shoot heavy barrel rifles because of the stability and precision they offer , but my own go-to varmint firearm is a Winchester Featherweight in . 22-250 . To minimize damage to the hide , a mid-range varmint load like a 55 grain pointed soft point bullet is ideal . I will go as high as a 95 grain when using my . 243 but I ’ m also prepared to see a bit more damage to the hide with less than perfect shots .
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight www . winchesterguns . com
17 Wild Guide . Winter 2017