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[Scot]

Changes in summer weather patterns in the midwest this year have given cause for changes in early fall coyote hunting tactics.  The cooler than usual summer here in Missouri coupled with extensive rainfall has changed the vegetation growth to the point that the usual early fall tactics must be modified.  The grass, brush and other vegetation is unusally high and dense in most areas.  My first hunt last week was in several conservation areas and, although coyote sign was good, coaxing coyotes into areas suitable for shots was unproductive.  That coupled with a plentiful food source gave the wary coyote no reason to leave his safety zone of woodlots and heavily overgrown brushy areas and answer a call.  Continued hunts at this time in those areas would require hunting within the woodlots themselves...a difficult proposition but one which has produced for me in the past.  And, of course, with the heavy rainfall the mosquito menace is alive and well.  I could make the drive to a few more open and productive areas in southeast Missouri but the drive is long and requires an exceptionally early morning departure time.  I've decided to leave these good hunting areas alone until late fall and winter.
So, next Wednesday I'm leaving on an eastern Kansas scouting trip for a few days with the hopes of slipping in a hunt from a few stands  before returning.  I particulary like hunting in this area of more open expanses with points of elevation, brushy draws and creek bottoms bordered by cropland...an ideal habit for coyotes.  An avid coyote hunter adapts and makes the changes necessary to up his success ratio.  Perhaps my next report will include a successful coyote hunting story.  But, if not, I'll be back at it within a few days.

[bluescout]

Good luck and as usual -- be safe.....

[TomKat]

Scot,
I saw a number of yotes out in the west...as you might guess, I am itching to get after it!

I happen to agree with your assesment in regards to weather, we are still a couple weeks off from prime hunting, IMO.

[bluescout]

Scot,
I saw a number of yotes out in the west...as you might guess, I am itching to get after it!

I happen to agree with your assesment in regards to weather, we are still a couple weeks off from prime hunting, IMO.

Wouldn't "PRIME HUNTING" be more in the colder, barer (vegetation) time of Nov., Dec., and Jan.?  I don't know - you tell me. 

[TomKat]

Yes it would; however, it is a good idea to do that as early as possible to get at those uneducated pups  Yotes are a different target after deer season, know what I mean? 

[Scot]

Bluescout...Yes and no on the answer to your question about prime coyote hunting time.  As TK noted, early fall (October) offers the best opportunity for both new and more experienced coyote hunters to score because the young coyotes have not been exposed to hunting pressure and are less educated as to danger as the older coyotes and readily respond to what they think is an easy meal.  As the season moves on the younger coyotes become more wary.  Later on in January and February the older coyotes are less likely to respond to distress calls as they are preoccupied with mating activities and territorial disputes.  This is the time when coyote hunting requires a different approach and different calling techniques such as female invitation howls, challange howls, etc.  Coyotes at this time of year move further into the back country further away from human presence to establish mating and denning areas and to areas they feel safe in.  It is also prime coyote fur time.  The key to continued hunting success in these areas is more assured by taking out the "alpha" pair from a pack.  Doing so assures more coyotes will enter the area and mating of the "beta" pairs.  To a hunter new to coyote hunting, understanding seasonal tactics and strategies is essential for year round hunting success. In Missouri coyotes mate from mid February into the first few days of March and the gestation period is 63 days.  Females generally  remain in the denning area with new pups and the males continue to scavage food for the increasingly demanding pups with the average litter ranging around 10 or 11 pups. Hunting areas for the coyote during this time is generally no more than a mile or so from the denning areas. Diet for coyotes through summer and into early fall is mainly insects, berries, etc. turning more to rabbits, birds, mice, deer fawns, etc into late fall and winter.  Deer fawn bleats are effective calls later in the season.  Coyotes are primarily prarie orientated animals preferring open areas near draws, fence lines, brushy areas, cedar stands and creek bottoms.  They are drawn to livestock areas, as well.  This is why I particularly like hunting in NW Missouri, SW Missouri and eastern Kansas as the terrain is favorable.  I guess I may be getting sidetracked here BlueScout from your question...hope this gives you a few answers.

[bluescout]

SIDETRACKED?  NOT ALL .... THANKS FOR THE INFO ....