Songdogslayer,
I'll be up in your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks. Don't shoot them all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I have a pair of CA Lund 58" snowshoes made in 1943. Of course I shouldn't be wearing classic snowshoes but what the heck. They work!
I would recommend something with a narrow, long track. Our snow is powdery so you want to float. I really don't think ski's will work for me as we have too many hills but they may work very well for you. I used to cross country ski alot and you can really move on them. That is if you are in shape!
I have yet to see a coyote plowing through the deep snow. You should've got that one on tape. When I was hunting with Redfrog up in Canada, called two in through CRP. One of the dogs was running and leaping in the air trying to see over the grass. Now that was a sight. I killed him! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Don't ask Redfrog what he did to his! 
Here's a picture of my snowshoes. I think you can still get some like these. Remember though, I'm not an expert. I'm learning as I go as far as snowshoes are concerned.
