Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure

BY BRODIE SWISHER

As we close the books on another exciting big game hunting season, it’s hard not to look back and reflect on the past season and wish for one more day to pursue wild critters. Regardless of whether you scored big or came home from the hunt empty-handed, ample
opportunities await the hunter that is still eager to pursue the prize. For those not yet ready to hang up the rifle or bow,
winter predator hunting offers what could be your most exciting hunt yet. This month we look at a few tools and tactics for hunting winter-time predators.
As the winter months set in, coyotes and other predators will be on the prowl more often than at other times of the year. Food sources at this time of year are minimal, so coyotes are vulnerable in their efforts to satisfy their stomachs. Coyotes that typically hunted at night and at the first and last hour of the day can often be found moving about in search of food at any time of the day throughout the winter months. Key in on local livestock populations such as cattle and sheep and you’ll likely find coyotes hanging downwind of such food sources
World Champion coyote caller, Al Morris says that a proper setup is the key to being successful on coyotes. You need to learn to find spots that make it easy for a predator to approach your position without seeing or smelling you,” says Morris. “In a perfect world, the sun would be at your back and the wind in your face, but you will seldom find those conditions. Use the terrain to your advantage and remember predators will usually always try to approach from down-wind. If possible, try to have a shooting lane down wind.
Blending In
Blending in to your surroundings in wide open spaces is of the utmost importance, particularly in the winter time. Coyotes will often have your calling location pinpointed as they approach. Their eyes are scanning the landscape to visually confirm the sound that attracted them. The slightest clue of an unnatural sight or sound will send them on a hasty retreat. The camo duds you wear should match your surroundings as much as possible. Dark camo patterns against white snow are a good way to get picked off by the keen eyes of an approaching predator. Be sure to add snow-camo, at least for your upper body, to your winter hunting gear for best results when hunting in winter’s worst. For a minimal
price ($25-$40) you can purchase a
non-insulated snow-camo jacket to be worn over the insulated garments you already have, for the ultimate in winter weather concealment.
The Ultimate Deception
Few hunting experiences compare to that of a coyote charging hard to the decoy. With proper decoy placement, shots within easy shotgun range – even archery range – are not uncommon. One of my closest encounters with a coyote came as I videoed a buddy killing a coyote charging the decoy at just 8 yards! The key to such success is greatly attributed to a motion-style prey decoy. One of my favorites is the Predator Supreme Decoy from Advanced Decoy Research (DecoyHeart.com). The Predator Supreme is the missing link that appeals to the basic instinct of predators. I’ve found that few predators can resist this decoy once they lay eyes on it. The Predator Supreme will not only get the predators attention, but hold his attention making shot preparation much easier. The decoy also allows the hunter to direct the coyote’s path of entry to a pre-determined area for the kill. They never take their eyes off of it!
One of the latest trends in predator decoys is the use of life-size coyote imitations. Whether it’s a full-body style or a photo-realistic silhouette, these imposters are proving that decoys that play on a predator’s territorial instincts can be a deadly tool of the trade. Flambeau Outdoors (flambeauoutdoors.com) taps the predator hunting market with their new Lone Howler full-body coyote decoy. One unique feature of the Lone Howler is its bungee leg system that allows the decoy to be placed in a sitting or laying position and easily transported between setups. Also, from the folks that bring us the world’s most portable life-sized decoys, the new Montana Decoy Coyote (montanadecoy.com) has looks that are sure to kill and ease of use like no other. The Montana Decoy Coyote is particularly handy when you’re
putting some miles on your boots and packing all your gear as you go. (For the
sake of safety, hunters should use extreme caution in how and where they set up when hunting with life-like coyote decoys.)
Canine Sounds
Coyote decoys are the perfect addition to your setup, particularly when you’re using canine sounds in your calling sequences. I’ve always been one to try and mix things up a bit when it comes to my calling routine. I don’t like to make the same sounds with my calls as the guy before me. You can bet that most predator hunters will be counting on prey sounds to lure their dog. And for that reason, the use of the coyote language has become increasingly popular among avid coyote hunters. Mastering the vocalizations of the coyote would be a benefit to any predator hunter. Howls, barks, yips, and distress whines are just a few of the sounds you may hear coyotes produce.
I like to begin a calling sequence with a long, drawn out howl prior to going into my prey-in-distress sounds. This tells other coyotes that not only is there an intruder coyote in the area, but that the intruder is now stealing their groceries. Many callers shy away from using barks and howls for fear of scaring coyotes off. However, you must remember that coyotes are extremely territorial and will seldom tolerate another coyote moving in to their area. On windy days, or any other time I need a little more volume, I use canine distress sounds. These ear-piercing distress cries not only carry a long way, but it’s a call that works on a coyote’s instincts like no other.
There is something extremely exciting about calling a coyote to your stand location. It may come from the fact that when the sounds of the calls leave your mouth you become the hunted. A coyote coming on the run to your calls will leave a lasting impression. There was a time when hunting coyotes in the winter-time was
nothing more than a way to pass time between hunting seasons. However, nowadays it seems that hunting cold-weather coyotes is a cherished hunting season all its own. Take the time this winter to try and match wits with one of nature’s most elusive critters. I promise it won’t be your last!
Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, and seminar speaker. Check out his website at www.BroOutdoors.com.