Finding Places To Hunt Coyotes

            There is nothing more discouraging than making stand after stand without calling in a coyote. There are many factors that contribute to a successful coyote hunt, but it doesn’t matter how good a hunter you are if there aren’t any coyotes to be called.

            So how do you find good hunting spots? One of the best ways is to ask those who are in the know.

Talk to farmers and ranchers

            Not every landowner will allow you to hunt on their property. Some have had bad experiences with slob hunters, some want to save the opportunities for friends and family and some like to have the coyotes around. Still, if they have been seeing and or hearing coyotes, you know you are in the right general area. You might even get an invitation to hunt some prime and undisturbed country. Many ranchers will be glad to have you hunt coyotes as they sometimes prey on livestock, especially young animals.

This pair of coyotes was harvested on a local ranch that I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to hunt the past couple of years. I waited until I had killed a coyote and had it on the front rack of my side-by-side before pulling into the yard to ask permission.

“It looks like you know what you’re doing,” was the reply and the answer was yes. Always conduct yourself with confidence in yourself and respect for the landowner. Not everyone will give you permission, but I have learned over the years that if you don’t ask, the answer is always “No.”

Talk to campers

            Visit with people who enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Ask them if they have heard coyotes howling at night. Talk to scoutmasters, forest rangers and park rangers.

            Talk to Conservation officers and biologists

            I have had good results talking to Utah Division of Wildlife personnel when seeking information on hunting new areas. Not long ago I traveled with my wife to southeastern Utah on a business trip. I knew she would be busy with work, but that I would have some free time for hunting. Before traveling, I contacted the regional DWR office and talked to their biologist. He was very free with his information and pointed me to an area where I called in seven coyotes in a day and a half of hunting.

            Talk to your friends who hunt

            Most coyote hunters are reluctant to share their sweet spots. It has probably taken them years to find their favorite stands and they don’t want to have their secret places overrun by other hunters. Still, they may be willing to share some general areas and some ideas for new spots to try.

            Hunters who do not pursue coyotes, but hunt big game or upland game, often see coyote sign and hear howls. Ask them every chance you get.

            Look for sign

            Whenever you are out and about, look for tracks and scat. Pay special attention to dirt roads, fence lines, gullies and washes, especially after a rain or snowstorm. When you are camping, fishing or hunting other game, be on the lookout for coyote sign and make a note of the places you see it.

            Look for habitat

            Coyotes are very opportunistic and can thrive in almost any environment. They can be found from above tree line to the hottest deserts. They survive in rural environments and isolated locations. Still, there are some key things to look for when scouting for coyote hunting spots.

           Look for water sources.

This could include lakes, rivers, springs and man made troughs and catchments. The coyote in the video below came in for a drink at a water hole we created behind our house. The trough is about 20 yards from our bedroom window and the time stamp shows this dog got thirsty at 6:25 am on a June morning. Water is key in locating any wildlife.

            Concentrate on areas with good prey populations.  Coyotes will eat everything from plants and insects to big game. As you drive around, look for road killed rabbits and rodents. If you find good populations of prey animals you will likely find coyotes. 

            Look for cover. Coyotes seem to be attracted to gullies and washes, areas that frequently have good populations of rabbits and rodents. They also look for thicker vegetation for bedding areas and to get out of the wind and weather.

            Pay attention around agricultural areas. Farms are usually good sources of water and food for rabbits and rodents. These areas will usually have predators nearby to take advantage of the ready food supply.

            Howl at the moon

            A very effective way to locate coyotes is to go howling. Using any call that imitates a coyote howl, go out at night and do some locator howling. Coyotes seem to be unable to resist the opportunity to howl back. They will often respond howl to the sound of a siren as well. If you get a response, make a note of the location and return to the area in the daylight to try calling in the song dogs you heard replying to your howls.

            Go High Tech

            Technology has changed our world. Don’t overlook the information that is available on the internet or on your phone apps. I have chosen to devote an entire blog to the use of technology for coyote hunting. That blog will be out shortly and will be one that you don’t want to miss.

            Get out and enjoy the outdoors all year long, but don’t miss the opportunity to look for new coyote hunting grounds when you are engaged in other outdoor activities.