| Category: | NORTH AMERICA |
| Page Views: | 507 views |
| Last Update: |
2 year(s) ago | | Added on: | November 21, 2008 |
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mcpljennings
November 25, 2008
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daffy4u2
December 7, 2008
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peash610
December 28, 2008
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canadianredneck
December 31, 2008
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DavidC729
January 14, 2009
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Moosecaller
January 29, 2009
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JoeHo
February 23, 2009
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theone
April 3, 2009
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buckmaster101
April 10, 2009
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fallrutspringstrut99
April 14, 2009
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Latin Name:
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Canis latrans
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Other Names:
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Its scientific name, Canis latrans, means "barking dog. They are also called Prairie wolf.
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Physical Characteristics:
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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.
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Distribution:
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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.
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Hunting Method:
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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.
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The Shot:
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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.
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Calibers:
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Any deer caliber or flat shooting varmint caliber such as a 22 Hornet, 22-250, 223 Remington will do.
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Ammunition:
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Soft nose bullet that expands quickly.
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Selecting a Trophy:
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Typically one shoots at the first Coyote that comes in. A big male makes a good trophy.
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Taxidermy:
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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.
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Best Locations:
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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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Alabama
(USA),
Alaska
(USA),
Alberta
(CANADA),
Arizona
(USA),
Arkansas
(USA),
Colorado
(USA),
Connecticut
(USA),
Florida
(USA),
Idaho
(USA),
Indiana
(USA),
Iowa
(USA),
Kansas
(USA),
Kentucky
(USA),
Maine
(USA),
Maryland
(USA),
Massachusetts
(USA),
Michigan
(USA),
Mississippi
(USA),
Montana
(USA),
New Brunswick
(CANADA),
New Hampshire
(USA),
New Jersey
(USA),
New York
(USA),
Newfoundland & Labrador
(CANADA),
North Dakota
(USA),
Nova Scotia
(CANADA),
Ohio
(USA),
Ontario
(CANADA),
Oregon
(USA),
Pennsylvania
(USA),
Prince Edward Island
(CANADA),
Quebec
(CANADA),
Rhode Island
(USA),
Saskatchewan
(CANADA),
South Carolina
(USA),
South Dakota
(USA),
Texas
(USA),
Utah
(USA),
Vermont
(USA),
Washington
(USA),
West Virginia
(USA),
Wyoming
(USA),
Yukon
(CANADA)
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