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

[dave3006]

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?

 

[Rhett Steele]

That's every month behaviors for me.

 

[DoubleLungRage]

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.

 

[22magnum22]

I think they are staying close to home, protecting their turf. Get closer to that home and you will see some action.

 

[dave3006]

That makes a lot of sense. When that happens, do you hike in closer on foot in the dark?

 

[spotstalkshoot]

Pups keep adults(and helpers) closer to dens,plus a lot of prey are having young. Rabbits, mice, rats. Deer are close(my area) and as ground nesters start laying/sitting, it's a time of plenty for predators(and needs to be for the pups).

 

[bohunr]

I think they are staying close to home, protecting their turf. Get closer to that home and you will see some action.

This ^^^^

 

[hunt0168]

It’s the time of year where close proximity means everything. Get close to where you heard them and let some coyote vocals rip.

 

[22magnum22]

That makes a lot of sense. When that happens, do you hike in closer on foot in the dark?

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.

 

[bohunr]

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.

 

[dave3006]

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 : )

 

[bohunr]

all dogs like to go for a walk

 

[Dead Down Wind]

Don’t try to get them to go out for Hot Dogs when they are at home eating steak!

 

[spotstalkshoot]

Saw my first 2026 whitetail fawn this morning, still a bit wobbly following mom. I watched to see if coyote was trailing. Had 22 pistol, so could have provided cover fire.

 

[Dead Down Wind]

Coyote had a .22 pistol??

WOW! Shxt’s gettin cRaZy!!!