Pennsylvania Game News - July 2020 - 17

there - isn't out of the question.
In such a setting, coyote vocalizations
often seem to work better than prey-indistress calls.
If there's an indication a coyote den is
nearby, a pup-in-distress call might work
best. Coyotes instinctively come to check
things out when one of their own sounds
to be in trouble. But don't expect them
to come busting recklessly through the
brush. They'll be on alert, and most likely
will come in from the downwind side.
In this situation, hunters who team up
might have the best chance for success.
Just be sure each hunter knows the positions of the others to ensure safe shooting.
Other coyote calls can be effective, as
well. Coyotes can be downright territorial when rearing young, and often meet
calls in their territory with an aggressive
response.
Be prepared to sit tight for longer than
you might after using a prey-in-distress
call. While coyotes guarding their turf
might come in running, they won't until
they know what they are up against.
They're liable to circle-in using the dense
underbrush as cover to get a glimpse.
A pair of binoculars can help you pick
them out through summer foliage. Slowly
scan the area, avoiding unnecessary
movement while looking for any part of
an approaching coyote.

BIG PICTURE

As the summer progresses, coyote
hunting changes.
In early summer, opportunities will be
limited to adult coyotes that might have
a lot of experience evading hunters. Still,

JULY 2020

these same coyotes might be helping
to raise litters, and they might be more
responsive to calls at this time as a result,
though they'll still approach cautiously.
Later in the summer, when young
coyotes begin hunting for their own prey,
their inexperience might show in a lesswary approach in response to calls.
One way to help sort out how many
coyotes are in an area and when they're
most often moving is by creating a urine
post and placing a trail camera there. I've
never seen a canine pass by a urine post
without stopping to freshen it up. And
the time-stamped photos you'll capture
are valuable scouting intel.
Find a corner where two types of
habitat - say a cornfield and a hayfield
- converge.
Coyotes travel edges, and if there
are any in the area, they'll undoubtedly
pass by a corner like this at one point or
another. Then mark a spot with coyote
urine and set your camera.
The same area could be a good hunting
spot, as well.
At any time while coyote hunting,
wear camouflage to blend in with your
surroundings.
Even in the summer heat, long sleeves
and pants, facemask and gloves often are
essential to evade a coyote's keen eyes.
And if you can, use the sun's angle
to your advantage by setting up so light
will be in the approaching coyote's
eyes.
While hunting coyotes never is a sure
thing, I'm convinced you can cash-in on
these canines as good in summer as at
any other time of the year, and maybe
better.

17
Pennsylvania Game News - July 2020

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