In need of advice

[mak]

hey all,

I am new to predator hunting and I would like input on where to start. i did read redrocks posting and looked for the reply from doghunter but found nothing. i grew up huntin so i have the basics. however, i have NO knowledge of predators or how, where or times of day to hunt them. some q's:

-how do i set up and where
-scent or wind a factor
-does weather affect me
-recommendations for a beginner call

I am sure that I am just scratching the surface here and look forward to the input.

thanks a ton fellas,
mak

[SongDoghunter]

MAK,

Welcome to the forum! First let me say that there are no experts on this forum nor are there any textbook answers that will always work when it comes to hunting varmints, especially coyotes! Some hunters like to hunt open areas like fields, others like to hunt in the woods. Some like to use cover scent, others prefer to use the wind and try to setup with their back to an area that will prevent the animal from sneaking in behind them. The colder the better as far as I'm concerned for coyotes. I find it best to set up at first light in order to catch the animals coming in after a night of hunting, although I have had success in the middle of the day. The ideal setup is of course where you know there are likely to be coyotes or cats etc. I would recommend a closed reed type mouth blown call for a beginner, something like a cottontail or bird in distress. If you are hunting an open area with little cover, I'd use a decoy placed 40-50 yards away to distract the animal away from you. It wouldn't hurt to look at some of Randy Anderson's videos and learn some of the call sequences and which call to use at particular times. Camo is a must and try to choose a weapon that is as small and as light as you can find. Other than this, there is no better instructor than experience and hunting with other folks who are successful!

[mak]

Doghunter,

thanks for the input. for my first hunt i have a small place picked out. open 15 acre field that has hardwoods and 2 small creeks( 1hr away of course). what do i need to look for as terrain or potential varmint habitat? how do i tell they are there?

as far as decoys goes, i have seen several shows that use a feather or a light piece of cloth tied to something. has this worked for you in the past?

have looked into calls. not sure if i will go with a animal specific call or a distress call but i will get one soon. i will be sure to let you guys before hand so i know that im getting a good one.

[Mustang]

mak,

A typical mistake for new callers to make is to overcall. They don't see anything come in the first couple of stands so the tendency is to call more and louder. Be patient. Stay on your stand for 20-30 minutes and give it a 3-4 minute break after each time you call.

As for decoys...I have two of the whirl-n-woodpecker decoys and have had negative results. Two coyotes I called in saw the woodpecker and turned around and high tailed it the other way. I do carry a feather on some fishing line and have used it a few times but haven't called anything in while I've had it out.

Get you a good open reed howler and a cottontail in distress call. Open reeds take a lot of practice but once mastered you can make a lot of different calls with them. For cottontail in distress, go with the closed reed and you can use that at first due to ease of use then start incorporating the howler.

I can't stress enough how important camo and sitting motionless are! Camo your face, hands, rifle, scope, bipods....etc.

If you see one coming in stop calling unless he hangs up or needs redirection.

Good luck.

[mak]

there is a ton of info there. today i was in eastern lookin for some arrows and i wound up buying a primos cat nip call. have any of you guys used this before? is there a specific open reed howler that i should look for; there a several out there and im not sure which ones are worth it.