freebm,
Even though I've been at our coyotes for the last several years (maybe 8), I still consider myself new as well.
Always learning, and I enjoy it that way.
Not that it's something new to anyone, but I considered using some type of female "in heat" call while the mating season was just starting. Most downloadable calls are generic in nature, and are not catagorized as such.
Considering that a female would have a higher pitched howl (more or less) than a male, I researched locator calls of a higher pitch, or changed them myself through modification software.
When the mating season starts, coyote males at least, seem to have "blinder's on" when it comes to being called in. When I've seen them at those times, they seem almost mesmerized and enroute to a special place, with no chance of distraction. Almost like bucks act during the rut.
For the most part, rabbit distress calls seem useless. Oh yeah, you'll have the half starved one, or two, come running in maybe, but for the most part, they don't respond. If any do respond, they almost seem "lacklustered" about it. In other words, the "take it, or leave it" attitude.
When playing with a cheap howler I bought, it's range was kind of high, and while at a buddy's house (no hunting near village limits) I decided to rip off a few bark/howls. Like I said they were "high pitched" and sounded female-ish. Well, this was around the same time last year and I got immediate low pitched bark & howl returns. After about 5 mins, we both saw a large coyote heading across the far field about 400yds away, enroute to our location.
After one more shot on the howler, he reponded with one short bark, and was still heading in. He reached a diversion ditch about 150yds. behind the houses and sat there.
After about 20 mins., and a few barks & short howls (with no apparent response) he continued on.
When I did it, I blew one or two short barks on the call, then I ran up a sharp, but short howl, killing the howl when it reached the top (high) pitch.
Early in the season, I use rabbit & woodpecker distress calls, but about this time, I switch over to some type of female coyote locator response. I'll still start with a distress call, very lightly, but within 20mins after stopping, and no apparent response, I'll start in with the coyote call. When using mouth blown calls, or electronic callers, I like the "less is more" rule of thumb. Meaning less calling cycles, and less volume.
Sounds carry a very long ways on calm days, and on windy days I crank it up a bit more. I'll call for several seconds, maybe 15 or 20, then I'll shut it off for 5 mins or so. Then, if nothing, I'll start it up again. I'll usually run this sequence three, maybe four times at the most. If still nothing, I'll sit quietly for about 30 mins, and try something different. Either another distress call, or a relative coyote call.
I try to give each new area at least an hour, or more. Well scouted areas where sign is very good, maybe a little longer.
Moving 500yds, and calling again isn't beyond reason in some spots where the woods, or hills will cut your sound down either. Most of the time on level ground the sound will carry a long ways and choppy setups won't gain you much.
Also, another thought, much like a buck grunt during the rut, a male coyote challenge, or dominant male call might work in the same fashion. More than likely though, using either call, it'll be a male responding.
Hopefully this helps,
Bob
