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SIGHT-IN FOR PINPOINT ACCURACY Coyotes are small targets , real small in fact . As a commercial coyote outfitter , I can tell you most of my guests are enamoured by the idea of shooting coyotes because they ’ ve seen in so much on TV . The vast majority miss the first few shot opportunities because they aren ’ t prepared for the precision required to make the shot . I always encourage my coyote hunters to prepare thoroughly for their hunt by first ensuring that their rifle and bullet of choice are dialed right in for ½ ” groups at 100 yards and ideally hitting at least 2 ” groups at 300 . Tighter of course is better . One of the best tools I ’ ve discovered for practicing shot placement on coyotes is Champion ’ s Visicolor coyote target . It has the kill zone ( s ) marked and shows colour halos around each bullet hole .
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CALLING SET-UPS Setting up in the field demands attention to detail ; a few simple guidelines apply . First and foremost , consider the angles and whether you are using an e-call or a mouth call . If you opt for an e-call , place the unit close to where you want a coyote to show up . Visibility is critical but your own concealment is also important . Position yourself downwind of the call . One of the biggest advantages , is that an e-call can be placed some distance away - I like to put it between 30 and 50 metres from my shooting position - especially if the call can be operated with a remote control . If you are using a mouth call , concealment is really important but if you are calling for a shooter , position them strategically downwind that same 30 to 50 metres away from you .
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SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS Season dates and regulations vary in different jurisdictions across Canada and the United States . Always consult your provincial or state regulations to confirm opportunities and restrictions .
Coyotes breed from late January to late February with the most females going into heat from around February 10 to 24 . This can be a great time to take several dogs in pairs or groups of coyotes that are hanging out together . I ’ ve had phenomenal calling success during this time , but I ’ ve also seen
coyotes ignore the call to focus on their breeding activities .
In my experience early December is one of the best winter periods to call coyotes . To begin with , they are less educated at this time . Few varmint hunters have been out pounding the woods and fields this early on . Few dogs have heard predator calls and are more apt to respond . The snow is generally still shallow and soft . Early snowfalls put coyotes into a bit of culture shock . Looking for mice is more difficult and , in turn , coyotes are more eager to respond to the prospect of an easy meal . January can be good too , but with potentially extreme cold temperatures , coyotes will often hold tight in protective cover . While many of us tend to think the colder the better , in my experience both personally and running commercial coyote hunts for over 13 years , extremes of any kind can make coyote hunting tough . Too warm or too cold , too much precipitation and too much wind , well you may as well stay home . Likewise , March can be hit and miss as well as the snow becomes wet and heavy . Heavy wet snow is no fun for us to move around in and the coyotes feel the same way . For my own investment of time and money , December and February are my favourite months to call coyotes .
Some days every set-up works .
Wild Guide . Winter 2017 18