The Coyote Lifestyle

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BeaverMaster81

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BeaverMaster Here,
Quick question about Coyote dens. How important are they to locate? How close do Coyotes hold to them at certain times of year? Whats the average size or location? What do they look like?How valuable is it to locate them? Ect.... I have found a few in past years usually in a high areas where the ground stays dry for the most part. Example: Side of hills(berms), high spots in fields, under debris such as dumped concrete, ect..
I would be interested if anyone had any interesting stories to share about patterning coyote movement. One of the things I have learned from Bowhunting for whitetails is it pays off to identify patterns or behavioral charicteristics...This year bowhunting we would see the same coyote in the mornings (Oct-Dec) cruising through the woods down the same trail every time, crossing at the same locations ect...One of the things I like to wait for when Coyote hunting one of my locations is: I like to wait for the cold weather where the creeks freeze up with a little bit of snow on them... Seems like they turn into a coyote highway in my parts...Another thing is if your hunting a grass field with a road cutting through it, it seems that they like to get on the road or 2 track vs coming directly through the grass. Might be to general of a question but what are the little things you all have noticed that help you get in close?
 
Other than another sign of there presence they are of no value. Most as a rule leave them alone, myself included. We want to see them propagate a little. As far as use, I have had two dens behind my house in the U.P. and only saw them there when they had pups. The den is about 150 yds straight off my deck. Although a coyote hunter I just never bothered them and were actually entertaining for the wife and I to watch. They also seemed to have an inate sense that we were not going to harm. The den was originally a fox den.
Coyote like most all animals are creatures of habit (like us) and will follow much the same pattern day in and out depending on food resources in the area and also like us use the least path of resistance to get to where they are going. Your question would have been a good one to post under the predator biology. Some of the other guys will be of help on this too.
 
You'll be waiting a long time if your hunting around dens,they are used mostly in the spring,usually if they are disturbed yotes will move.
 
BeaverMaster81,
Locating den area's in spring and summer is important to the guys who are trying to control the killing of livestock by coyotes. Howling, or use of a siren at night can help locate the den area's. Slipping in to 1/4 mile or so of the den at first light and howling like a strange coyote will really tic the parents off.

I am no expert on the subject my any means but from what I have seen, you can still find coyotes hanging fairly close to den area during early morning hours as late as mid july. They don't "live" in the dens that long of course. Just seems to be a matter of habit for them.
 
Unless nescescary for adc work I don't think or worry about the dens.

That time you spend during the bow season can be one of the most valuable lessons you can get. Sit and watch that coyote as much as possible. Think about where and how it travels.See if you can find the similar connections in the directions it comes from and goes too. Like deer they use a travel lane to get from point a to b, just over a lot longer distance. Once you figure out what a coyote travel lane is your success will climb tremendously.

As you drive around the area there look for connecting features in the terrain that connect over long distance. They can be a creek, irrigation ditch, fence rows, a series of hollows , anything that gives them cover and an easy way to travel without a lot of energy spent. They never take a straight route unless that route is teh easiest on them.They will take the more gradual slope over the steep slope no matter what. Wind around the hill to get to the top if it's the least amount of energy expended.

The weather can play a roll in the selection of the travel lanes in winter. I have noted the creek travel as well during extended periods of cold bad weather. The frozen surface is easy walking and the banks provide cover and a wind break.Jimmie
 
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