Why won't they commit? Any coyote psychologists out there?

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dave3006

Well-known member
A friend and I went night hunting last night in an large area we have hunted and killed coyotes before. We did 6 stands. On every stand, we had coyotes coyotes howling at us in the distance. But, we didn't have any come in.

There was no moon, 6 mph wind, and temps in the 40's and 50's. We used everything to try to get them to commit. Prey distress, pup distress, coyote vocals, and bird sounds.

Is there something about the month of May that makes them more hesitant?
 
dave3006 said:
That makes a lot of sense. When that happens, do you hike in closer on foot in the dark?
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Yes, keep the wind in your favor and utilize all available cover. AND, quiet...quiet...quiet!
If you are not acquainted with the terrain, do some day time scouting, know where the low places are and any fences, gates etc.
 
we got two last night around 2:45 am. we walked into the field, the coyotes were already there on the other side. slowly heading our way. a few little distress sounds put them right in front. we did a pew pew, whap whap and they laid right there :)

male and unbred female.
 
A coyote wanting to stay close to the den and with a heightened territorial nature this time of year seems to explain why using a live coyote decoy dog does so well in May. It makes sense to me now.

I don't have a dog. But, my friend has a small 5 lb Yorkie Terrier. I'm sure his wife will understand if we draft her into service. It's for a good cause.

Just kidding - the dog has a stroller and a bow in her hair : )
 
DoubleLungRage said:
Since they are denning they may not venture as far now?

I went a few nights ago and had some howling in the distance so I left the place I was calling and got closer. As soon as I played a vocal a huge single male came in, but he was VERY cautious and he won the chess match.
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That something I do a lot . And that is go out and sit in areas for couple hours at night and just scan, and ' listen '. I just did this 2 nights back on an area I going into as soon as the 1st cutting of tall field grasses starts around here. I was geared up with rifle. But I never chambered a round or even made a call. Just relax and listen, do a little scanning. Once one coyote hears another, it's just a chain reaction. The 1st group howls of several kicked off about 23:30 and another at almost 01:00 . I pin pointed where 3 good size groups are hanging in that particular area .
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Have you read the book, "Coyotes By the Calendar" written by Andrew L. Lewand? Interesting take on the yearly behavior. Not sure how valid it is though.
 
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