Calling in coyotes is a skill that requires patience, knowledge, and an understanding of coyote behavior. The success of your calling efforts hinges significantly on timing. While there's no single "best" time guaranteed to work every time, understanding coyote activity patterns significantly improves your chances. This guide delves into the optimal times to call coyotes, considering both diurnal (daytime) and nocturnal (nighttime) activity.
Understanding Coyote Behavior: The Foundation of Successful Calling
Coyotes are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Their activity levels peak during these transitional periods, driven by hunting opportunities and a desire to avoid peak sun and human activity. However, their behavior can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Season: Coyote activity varies throughout the year. Breeding season (typically winter and early spring) often sees increased vocalizations and movement as coyotes establish territories and mate. During the summer months, pups require more food, leading to heightened hunting activity. Autumn can also be a productive time as coyotes prepare for winter.
- Weather: Adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or snow can influence coyote activity. They may become less active during extreme weather or seek shelter. Conversely, mild weather often encourages greater movement.
- Moon Phase: While not as impactful as other factors, some hunters believe a full moon can influence coyote activity levels, with some reporting increased nighttime activity.
- Food Availability: Areas with abundant prey will generally see more active coyotes. Understanding local prey populations can inform your calling strategy.
Optimal Calling Times: Dawn and Dusk
The most productive times to call in coyotes are generally dawn and dusk. These periods offer a combination of factors conducive to successful calling:
- Increased Activity: As mentioned, coyotes are most active during these transitional times. Their hunting instincts are heightened, making them more receptive to distress calls or other vocalizations.
- Reduced Human Interference: Human activity is typically lower during dawn and dusk compared to midday or night. This means fewer distractions and a better chance of attracting coyotes without alarming them.
- Improved Sound Carry: The cooler air temperatures of dawn and dusk can improve the carrying distance of your calls, allowing you to reach a wider area.
Dawn Calling: Capitalizing on the Morning Hunt
Calling at dawn allows you to target coyotes that have been hunting overnight and are now looking for an easy meal or are responding to territorial challenges.
Dusk Calling: Targeting Evening Foragers
Dusk calling targets coyotes that are starting their nightly hunts. The combination of fading light and increased hunger can increase your chances of success.
Nighttime Calling: A Different Approach
While dawn and dusk are prime times, nighttime calling can also be productive, especially during the breeding season or in areas with high coyote density. However, it requires extra considerations:
- Enhanced Senses: Coyotes rely heavily on their hearing and smell at night. Wind direction becomes crucial, and careful scent control is essential.
- Visual Obstructions: Limited visibility can make spotting and shooting more challenging. Using a reliable light source is critical, but avoid blinding yourself or the coyote.
- Predator Calls: Nighttime may be more effective using predator distress calls, imitating the sounds of struggling rabbits or other prey.
Factors to Consider Beyond Time of Day:
- Location: Select calling locations strategically. Areas with known coyote activity, near water sources, or along travel routes are ideal.
- Calling Strategies: Vary your calling sequences to mimic different scenarios, such as a fight or a distressed prey animal. Experiment with different calls to determine what works best in your area.
- Patience: Coyotes can be elusive. Be patient, persistent, and prepared for both success and unsuccessful calls.
Calling in coyotes is an art form, refined through experience and adaptation. While dawn and dusk offer statistically the most productive periods, understanding coyote behavior and adapting to environmental conditions will significantly improve your results. Always prioritize ethical and safe hunting practices.
