Coyote Hunting - Playing the Wind and Other Setup Tips

Here are three key things you need to consider:of site and downwind from your hunting area. Do
1. Never approach your hunting spot if the wind isnot slam the doors; quietly push them shut. You're
going to blow your scent into the area that youdealing with an animal that can hear a mouse
expect the coyotes to be in. Even if there is onlysqueak from 300 yards away. If you hunt, or
a 5 mile per hour breeze, coyotes more than aever get the opportunity to hunt, in some wide
mile away can smell you. You will be bustedopen areas you'll see just how good a coyote's
before you even start. If you can't get into yourhearing is.
spot because of poor wind direction it's best toOnce you're out of the vehicle, whisper or don't
save that hunting location for a later date whentalk at all. If you're hunting with partners, now is
the wind will be more favorable.not the time to stand outside your vehicle and
2. When you do set up, remember that 99% ofdiscuss the details. This should have been done
the time coyotes will attempt to circle downwindduring the drive.
of the sound you are using. You will want to beMove and walk as quietly as possible. Develop
able to see them when this happens. You need tosome hand signals with your hunting partners.
set up where you have shooting opportunities asWhen you're walking to your spot, don't skyline
they circle toward the downwind side.yourself. Use the surroundings to break up your
3. Always try to pick a downwind area that mightoutline as you walk quietly to your stand.
allow a coyote a little bit of security as itDon't forget about the sun and try to use it to
approaches yet, still allows you a shot opportunity.your advantage. It's better to have the sun at
If you follow these three simple steps before youyour back and in the coyote's face than the other
start calling you can greatly increase your coyoteway around.
hunting success.Position yourself where you have a backdrop to
Recently some new products have shown up onhide your silhouette up against a bush, tree or on
the market designed to cover up your scent ora hillside.
to attract a coyote. I think most hunters areI usually like to wait about ten minutes before I
undecided on the effectiveness of these products.start calling. This gives time for things to settle
The chances are if a coyote gets downwind nodown and gives you a little time to look around
matter what you did your hunt will be over.and identifying areas that a coyote might
Unless you're quick on the trigger or can hit aapproach from. They usually surprise you and
coyote running at 40 mph it's best to avoid anycome in from someplace unexpected but,
chance for the coyote to get downwind.sometime you'll get lucky and one will come in
Some more setup tips:exactly the way you planned it out.
Your hunt starts the second you park yourProper setup is just one part of a successful
vehicle. If you think a coyote can see your vehiclecoyote hunt. Everything from scouting to calling
from where you plan to set up or, from whereneeds to be factored in. These pointers will
they might approach, don't park there. Coyotesdefinitely increase your chances of a successful
are very leery of vehicles. Park your vehicle outhunt.