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Category:NORTH AMERICA
Page Views:507 views
Last Update: 2 year(s) ago
Added on:November 21, 2008
Tags
Coyote
Voted By (10)
mcpljennings
November 25, 2008
daffy4u2
December 7, 2008
peash610
December 28, 2008
canadianredneck
December 31, 2008
DavidC729
January 14, 2009
Moosecaller
January 29, 2009
JoeHo
February 23, 2009
theone
April 3, 2009
buckmaster101
April 10, 2009
fallrutspringstrut99
April 14, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
Latin Name: Canis latrans
Other Names: Its scientific name, Canis latrans, means "barking dog. They are also called Prairie wolf.

Physical Characteristics: The coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape the coyote is like a medium-sized dog, but its tail is round and bushy and is carried straight out below the level of its back.

Coyotes found in low deserts and valleys weigh about 30 pounds, whereas coyotes in their Northern ranges can weigh as much as 50 pounds. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail. Coyotes of Northern climates have fur that is darker, thicker and longer; the under parts are nearly white, with some specimens having a white tip on the tail. In winter the coats of mountain coyotes become long and silky, and trappers hunt them for their fur.

The coyote is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. At night coyotes both howl (a high quavering cry) and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area. Sometimes, when it is first heard, the listener may experience a tingling fear of primitive danger, but to the seasoned outdoorsman, the howl of the coyote is truly a song of the Wild.

Coyotes are mainly carnivores and primarily eat small mammals, such as prairie dogs, eastern cottontails, ground squirrels, and mice, though they will eat birds, snakes, lizards, deer, javelina, and livestock.

Coyotes will work in teams when hunting larger prey such as deer. They have also been known to kill Elk.

Distribution: The coyote is found throughout North America from eastern Alaska to New England and south through Mexico to Panama. It has adapted readily to the changes caused by human occupation and has been steadily extending its range.


THE HUNT
Hunting Method: Coyotes are often hunted with a varmint call. The hunter sets up with an electronic Varmint call and waits until a Coyote is attracted to its sounds. To distract the coyote from spotting the hunter a decoy is often placed near the call. This is probably the best way of hunting these wary predators.

It is also possible to chance upon them while deer hunting although there is no guarantee of seeing one.


The Shot: A well placed shoulder shot is required on such a small animal. In open terrain, it is possible to get long shots so be prepared with a good rest from which to shoot from. An accurate, flat shooting rifle with a good scope is perfect for such a hunt.


Calibers: Any deer caliber or flat shooting varmint caliber such as a
22 Hornet, 22-250, 223 Remington will do.

Ammunition: Soft nose bullet that expands quickly.

THE TROPHY
Selecting a Trophy: Typically one shoots at the first Coyote that comes in. A big male makes a good trophy.
Taxidermy: Coyote pelts are in demand for their soft silky fur. A full mounted Coyote shown catching a small prey animal also makes for an interesting mount.


RESOURCES
Best Locations: Coyotes are commonly found in many areas. Farms and other open terrain makes it easier to spot a coyote from afar.

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