Baiting

Spur, coyotes here are finicky too. Many times I have had one hit the bait one night and maybe not return for several days or even weeks. A cold spell, particularly with snow, seems to increase my chances.
 
Most of my spots are small deer hunting properties, some building sites that coyote run thru and cats/small dogs are needing protection. Deer hunters worried about recovering deer and fawn production. Some of the landowners believe that the coyote may run/chase deer off the property, which would be a problem when it takes several years to see results from QDM practices. Doesn't matter the reason for me, most seem to like it when I show them success and I do get referrals.
 
I set a target out at 100. Wraith NV is 1/2" high with the Hornady 25 and imr4320.
Bullseye first shot imr 4320 Berger 25 target (discontinued)
Upper right Berger 25 target, Varget loaded in 2014
Right of bull 25 gr WCD, Varget 2014 load
AR, bone stock 6.7# single stage trigger. All LC formed brass, different years. Shot of death grip tripod.
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I wish you well with the newcomer, Spot.

We got a light snow last night and a coyote hit the bait early this morning before daylight. I am at the shack tonight and hoping he returns.
 
06, good luck. We may get 1-2" of snow shortly before sunset. I may sit the new blind tonight. No visitors last night, the deer(road kill) showing up may have been suspicious activity. This warm weather is definitely limiting coyote travel, their fur is way to warm. And they don't like the mud.
 
The coyote hit the bait night before last. He returned last night around 11:00 but would not commit. Kept looking at the cabin from up in the field, and then left. I saw him via the camera & monitor and didn't even get a chance to get the rifle in action. I think he may have smelled me or scent from the cabin. The wind was not blowing right yesterday evening.
 
Softpoint, the wind direction for the most part is pretty steady, but does change sometimes, even reverses. This particular evening it was blowing different than usual.

The shack is not air tight, just a normal Amish built storage building. There are a few thin gaps around the door, plus there is a very small attic with vents on both ends. I do have a ceiling with a vent, so it’s possible scent from inside the building can get out.

I have shot quite a few coyotes from the building over the years, so scent apparently isn’t a problem most of the time.
 
I'm on a roll now, 1 down for 2024. lololol. I have been focusing on getting our house finished and haven't hunted hardly any. I stayed at hunt camp last night but didn't bring my gun since coons and possums was the only thing hitting my dog food feeder. Well, sure enough a coyote showed up and spent 4 hours scrounging around the feeder for meat scraps I throwed out yesterday. I went home today, worked a little on the house then drove the 120 miles back tonight arriving about 8:00 pm. Just about 10:00 I got a pic from a camera a 200 yds away and I hoped he would circle on around. 10:15 there he was. My rifle miss fired on the first attempt but he didn't act like he heard the click. I cycled the action and got ready for round 2. Didn't take long and I was on the board. It's the 10th male in a row at this spot. Really crappy fur, not worth the time to skin.
Look out 06, spot, DU and others. I am catching up with ya lolololol.

105 yds .223 53 gr VMAX . DRT
video will be added tomorrow night when I get back home.

ToACsga.jpeg
 
Congratulations on your kill Week, and you're ahead of me for baiting kills this year. Not a single coyote has visited since June of last year. Must have gotten a bunch of liberal vegan coyotes in here that don't like fried chicken scraps. Well, I've put out two or three roadkill deer this winter and that hasn't worked either. It is what it is.
 
These coyotes need to straighten up and play by our rules. Glad you got that one, Week. 120 miles was a heck of a trip to get him. So much for the “baiting is easy” theory.

Last summer was slow as heck for me, but seems to have picked up somewhat, and they seem to have come in pairs this season. Last night was no exception. I dropped one last night and the other is wild as a marsh hare and wouldn’t linger. He showed up three times last night for a few seconds each time, then left. He seems to know I’m there or something isn’t right. I am still at the shack right now so will post photos and video later.
 
WTG Week and 06!! Somebody is getting some action! Holy cow Week, 120 miles with no gun, and then back again, that's dedication! You know, a gun is like Mastercard, never leave home without it.
Congrats fellas!
 
baitpile said:
WTG Week and 06!! Somebody is getting some action! Holy cow Week, 120 miles with no gun, and then back again, that's dedication! You know, a gun is like Mastercard, never leave home without it.
Congrats fellas!
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I said "no gun" but I should have said no coyote gun. I had a dentist appointment that was near hunt camp and had a few chores there like checking on a cell cam that must have grew wings. Oh how I hate a thief. He had stole the cards out of two cams, then decided to just take the whole thing next go round.
 
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