How far away to park a ranger/utv?

TN Lone Wolf

New member
I have permission to hunt coyotes over 700 acres of mostly adjacent properties. Since getting around to various locations to set up different stands takes time, I often use a Polaris Ranger to get around, especially during evenings when I can hunt after work and time may be short. I'll park it wherever I can hide it, then walk the rest of the way to where I want to set up. However, I've been unsuccessful lately and have been wondering whether the Ranger is part of the problem.

How far away should I park a Ranger when I use it to get to my various stands? Or, should I wait longer before setting up and beginning to call?
 
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In my country, the entire approach with the vehicle must be out of potential sight of any coyote I hope to call. If they see me drive in, they won't play my game.. but I'm hunting public lands and pressured dogs. Might be different in your neck of the woods.
 
I shoot right from the drivers seat. Depending on geography and terrain, plus weather they can hear you coming over a mile or more away.
Lots of little things can make the difference of getting a shot.
 
I agree with Jim Byers, keep it out of sight. I would not want them looking at a vehicle being in a place they do not normally encounter it especially if it is associated with a call.
 
It sounds like you've been hunting it quite regularly and the coyotes might be associating the sound of your machine with there being a hunter in the woods or you've just over called them.
 
My SIL has taken coyotes shooting from his Ranger in the winter. He puts tracks on the ATV in winter and goes where ever he wants. Last year several coyotes broke from cover and advanced on him at ranges from 60 yards to 200 yards. Problem was they spooked when he moved into firing position and he had to shoot while they moved out at Mach II.

Others I know just throw a netting over their ATV and the coyotes come - sometimes - I would think they see and know something is different but if they haven't been shot at yet, they haven't learned much yet, so you're lucky. Others don't show themselves during the day, as they have been shot at a couple of times and wouldn't come to a call if they were starving.
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Get behind a little rise or in a draw from the dog. Be quite as possible for certain. If a MV dont slam the dam door, just close it.

I watch a lot of youtubes and those guys on Foxpro use a tripod w/ a nice bright red ring on each leg along w/ their otherwise camo all over themselves?? I think Id give the red a shot of gray/brown paint.
 
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700 acres??? 1 & 1/8 square miles

Do a walkabout or get a bike and lay it down next to you while calling.

We at many times have taken a 4 mile or more walkabout, killed coyotes and went to retrieve them with the truck.
 
I my area I would have to use a mouse squeaker to call from 2 sets in the same section(640 acres). Coyote here have 2.5-8 square miles of home territory.
 
Originally Posted By: spotstalkshootI my area I would have to use a mouse squeaker to call from 2 sets in the same section(640 acres). Coyote here have 2.5-8 square miles of home territory.

Same here... If not more..1 mile between stands is a minimum for me.. exception would be if I'm calling in higher winds and I don't believe my sound is getting out there very far..
 
Originally Posted By: tripod3I shoot right from the drivers seat. Depending on geography and terrain, plus weather they can hear you coming over a mile or more away.
Lots of little things can make the difference of getting a shot.

I have called them and killed them well within sight of my Kawasaki Mule, our Polaris Ranger and I have even called them and had them run right in front of the truck.

I don't think the Ranger is your issue. Stand set up, over calling are more likely reasons for your drought.

We typically drive a mile between stands but will call within 100-300 yards of the vehicles. Yes, you might get a better response if you park it out of sight. Some will shy at the sight of a vehicle, so it can't hurt.
 
I just bought a camo net from Amazon, put some of those super magnets around the bottom & toss it over my Trailblazer. I’ve had coyotes lie down in the shade & were never bothered by being next to it.
 
A local coyoter emphasizes in his talks that he has a special high efficiency muffler put on his 4 wheeler so as to minimize the sound of his vehicle. I suspect sound as much as sight can tip off the critters to your presence. We always try to park behind a ridge to block the sound of our arrival. If I called in the flatlands I would be hiking a lot farther to get away from my rig.
 


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