Newbie coyote hunter here trying to learn the ropes. Have called a coyote in once using icotec 300 but the coyote appeared behind us and did not get a shot. Currently using a Primos alpha dog, have had success in getting coyotes to respond to call(vocally) but they never show their face. I start with coyote vocals then switch to prey distress. 20-30 minutes on a stand. Wind in our favor. Mostly open fields next to heavily wooded area. Hunting times usually at dusk till dark. Any tips on how to get them to actually come out and not just howl back at us? What could I be doing wrong? Does volume of sound play a big part?

I call all hours of the day, and now in the night with a thermal. I use mouth calls, never had much luck with electronics. Coyotes will do their best to get down wind of you. I recommend a distraction device such as the Primos dancing tail. Use the sun and shadows to your favor.

With an electric caller, when you spot a coyote, start turning the volume down to lure them closer. That’s why I use a mouth call, I can instantly change the volume and direction of the sound.

There are no real secrets to it. The only way to learn and get better is practice. I’ve called in coyotes with all sorts of sounds from hogs feeding,board sparring, piglet in distress, coyote vocalizations, rabbit and bird sounds. I’ve litterally thrown the book at them and was ready to pack up and leave and try one more sound and have one come in. Don’t be scared to try new sounds even if it’s a pret sound that’s not an animal that lives in the area like snowshoe hare. The most important thing is calling where there are coyotes. A spot may look great but coyotes might not live there do some scouting in the day on roads and look for scat and tracks. Once you call in enough of them you can almost predict where they will come from depending on wind direction. Sometimes it’s not best to set up with the call directly upwind of you sometimes it’s better to put it out to the side or at a 45 from you. In the mornings and evening try to keep the sun at your back so the coyotes are looking I to the sun while approaching. Persistence is key but don’t overcall an area or you will just end up educating them. Good luck.

Get used to using to using a hand call. I called in 3 coyotes at the same location last Sunday night within 15 minutes and they all came from different directions. Here is a great article with some useful info.

8 Mistakes Rookie Coyote Hunters Make

Thank you all for the tips. Will try suggested tactics next time I go out.

I’m getting into this too but typically I’m a close in hunter. I’ve killed plenty of yotes but would like to focus my efforts. I looked at instead of being in the open, I selected a spot on a 20 yard wide semi dry rock creek bed with loose boulders and rocks at a nice grotto. My thought is I could put the wiggler and electronic call in a crevis where the predator would have to come in close. I was also thinking the yote would feel safer because of the cover around. I would setup elevated forty yards from the system. I usually setup on edges or gaps where much of my sent rises up and out. My closest yote kill was 15yards so I know how to keep my eyes peeled and be still.

Anybody done something like this?

Thanks for the info, I too am trying to "outfox" those rascals.

I started on hand calls and figured, BOY when I get an electronic they'll be charging in. Not sure why they don't work better than I thought unless there are other sounds on the electronics humans can't hear but animals can. In any event don't pass up the old mouth blown calls, I've had yotes about dive into my lap and owls perch on my head.

Closest coyote I've killed was at 10 feet. Called 20 seconds, and there he was. I was on the ground kneeling with a rifle. Had I swung the rifle he would have busted me. Drew my .45 ACP pistol and put one through his lungs.

What Sapper said is right. Try to hunt into the wind, but they may well circle you to get down wind, and get a smell. So, unfortunately you have to check 360° of yourself. Coyotes are sight hunters, so you had better be really camouflaged. Either by brushing in, and/or wearing good camo, with no white boy skin showing. A decoy 45° to the wind from you is exactly right. I say they are the smartest animal on 4 legs in Texas. I have many stories. Coyote hunting is what got me into precision and long range shooting. I wanted to be able to hit one as far as I could see one. 540 yards is the farthest to date, to go with the 10 feet close one. After 20 minutes calling it is probably over. I will call no more than 30. Mouth calls are better. Coyotes detect the repetitive pattern in an electronic call.

Do you guys have any specific mouth calls you recommend / have had good success with? I'd like to start getting into coyote hunting in the near future.

The calls you use are prob the least important thing in a coyote set. Location, wind, concealment, are much more important.

all good advice

I run these, I like the open reed versions. I run 3 calls. The squeaker, little fella, and long range rabbit.

https://www.redrivercalls.com/collections

I know the man that makes them and he is a coyote killing machine.