Coyotes are very clever little guys so you want to really know your stuff when it comes to doing calls.
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Practice Coyote Calls
The place you want to be practicing your Coyote Callsis safe at home, long before you head out into the field. You don’t want to be fumbling around not knowing exactly what you’re doing when that coyote comes poking out of his stand. You always want to stay calm and cool and know exactly what you’re doing.
So now is the time to start practicing. Do it indoors; if the neighbors might complain you’ll want to be indoors because if you’re doing it right it can get real loud. Anyone who’s heard a jackrabbit in distress knows what kind of racket it can make! So don’t be afraid to get noisy and really send the call out there. You might be surprised at what shows up.
Start with a Coyote Invitation Call
Start with an invitation howl. Coyotes being as territorial as they are respond to the presence of others in their area. You want to start with a “yip yip howl” that will make them think someone has moved into their turf. They will respond back and you will know that they’re out there. You want to use a long range call with a long barrel and just really let loose.
Perfecting your Calling
When you practice these calls at home listen to yourself and try to perfect your sound. Remember that you are trying to sound like an animal so try to imitate them as best you can. Don’t be afraid to “think like a dog.” It’s the only way to really get the sound right- also, listen to our demo.
Practice different variations of the howl so that when you are out there in the field and you get an invitation howl you can just imitate it right back. The closer you imitate it the more they will respond. You can also practice all the other sounds like yips and barks that will make it sound like a whole family has moved in. If you’ve done your homework and there are coyotes in the area they will respond to this Coyote Call.
Prey Distress Calls
The next call to practice is the distress call. This is the call of a wounded and frightened animal, whether it’s a dear or a rabbit or even a bird. This kind of call brings the coyotes out, thinking that there’s a tasty meal to be had. They remember the sound of their last meal and this call draws ‘em in.
Again, when you practice at home you want to get good enough that you don’t have to think about it in the field. And again, it can help to try and “think like a rabbit.” That advice may sound a little goofy but it will make your call sound that much more true to life and that will pay off in the long run.
Take the time with it at home. It can be fun to try and to get it just right. When you’re out there for real and the adrenaline is running you’ll be glad you’ve got it just right!
Happy Hunting!
Dan Thompson
