WHEN THE PREDATOR BUG GRABS AHOLD OF YOU
I got into night hunting by watching Pig Man on TV when an episode featured night vision
by ATN. The spark created by that show began my chase for North America's toughest animal, the wild hog.I began a journey to find out everything I could about an animal that is rarely seen in the daylight hours. My first few hunts, I was only able to hear hogs but that only added to my drive to become successful. I kept at the hunt and soon found a few key tricks that got me onto the hogs year round. The rest is history and my desire to hunt wild hogs has remained the same while my numbers continue to increase each year. I also take the time to try and help others get onto more hogs. Pointing others in the right direction grows our ranks as sportsman and allows others to enjoy the sport we love.
The predator hunting bug was similar in some ways but without the TV show. While I had hunted foxes with a Johnny Stewart tape player caller as a young man in Pennsylvania, I had never chased coyotes. Now, as a hog hunter, we are out during the night, sometimes all night, and you can't help but hear the coyotes. Also an animal that is rarely seen by the masses during daylight hours, they almost taunt you with their calls. The first few hunts you only hear them but just like with the swine, it only drives you to try and become more successful.
Now a statement that will cause a stir but once explained , I believe it will make sense.
Coyote hunting is easier, there I said it.....now the explanation. I believe the learning curve is easier in coyote hunting only because so many more hunters do it and you will find more that will share their knowledge with you making learning to become successful in staying on coyotes all year easier.
I am not saying coyote hunting is easier than hog hunting, please don't misunderstand. Hogs are pretty simple but to stay on hogs all year, every week of the year laying down swine, takes some tricks and techniques for the average hunter. Coyotes are exactly the same. I just believe that right now there are far more coyote hunters that will give you advice than hog hunters. Some states do not have hogs so I believe this is the reason.
The reason I write this is to try and give the newbie coyote hunter some hope to join the ranks. I am a newbie, merely just over two years into this obsession but have received a lot of advice from friends and companies. This is just a little advice on where to look for the advice to get you onto more predators.
First off, social media has exploded in predator hunting and there is a lot of good information on some pages. Unfortunately you have to sort through so much bad info that this way takes time.
Groups that encourage helping newbie coyote hunters, in my opinion are the places to look here. Predator Central is a nationwide page that answers questions in a respectable way. You will begin to see the hunters that are successful all year and can be pointed in the right direction with strategies and equipment. You can become friends with these guys and gals and in turn learn a lot from them.
Some create products and will do videos that give you tips and tactics on how to raise your numbers. This year alone, James Bostock of Boss Predator Acoustics has taken the time to answer some questions as well as make some fantastic videos explaining coyote sounds. This advice along with advice from friends I have met in these groups has put me on more and vocal coyotes.
Youtube may be the most under-used tool in any area of life. You cannot watch an MFK video of Torry Cook and the MFK crew demonstrating exactly what to do with their product and seeing the results and not walk away with knowledge of the coyote. Tooth and Claw TV with Jon Collins is exactly the same and I encourage any new hunter wanting to become more successful to subscribe and follow these series for great info. Go to people that know what they are doing and you will become more successful,period.
Equipment matters..... I have been fortunate enough to have friends to lean on for advice on equipment for coyote hunting. Asking is the key here. Ask buddies that have specialized equipment, what works and what doesn't. Ask what sounds to use and when and you will increase your numbers. Post questions, not the same questions everyone asks but specific questions on your situations. Lastly, be willing to try these things and see what works for you. Predator Tactics is a great place to start.
I will end with a warning, you will become hooked on this sport if you start doing these things . There are many, many more people that I did not mention and you can find good info in many other spots. While there are also many jealous, childish individuals that cause drama and try and destroy people, find the good guys and gals in our industry and learn from them.
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