Coyote Advice Sought

[puredelite]

Was told to me that in the neighboring county a coyote was tracked to it's den and den was dug out to eliminate the pups. Down in the den was found to be half a dozen dog collars, go figure!

 

[HLAC]

Coyotes baiting dogs and then killing them is just an accepted reality around here.

My boyfriend had a dog of his lured off by a single 'yote and then ganged up on but his dog was fast enough to run back to safety. (and as a bonus, the dog didn't chase after coyotes anymore) I've watched a coyote come into the yard and do that annoying bark to try and get my dog to chase it. I could see the other 'yotes off out in the field with my binocs. I think most coyotes don't want anything to do with dogs but that's little solace if your dog gets targeted by the aggressive ones.

 

[woodmort]

Quote:
Yes this kind of pack behavior is common to the eastern coyote although not to the pack size of the wolf, you may find groups of 3 or 4--generally the pair plus an offspring or 2 of that year or the previous one. Whether this is a wolf derived behavior or due to the type of habitat/prey is not as important as that it happens. If you go to my webpage and click on the video link you will see the pair that is currently hunting this area. I say the lead animal is probably the male and may go 50 pounds judging from the photos. Although you will see 2 animals I am not sure but what there was a third which crossed the ice on the pond to the left as I found tracks that would have indicated that it went across but it could have returned and been the 2nd animal shown. By the time I got to the camera and saw the pictures the main tracks were mixed in with deer prints--that is kind of a main game trail along the eastern border of my property.
Quote:
I would have had to see that myself before I'd believe it. There are a lot of "I was told" stuff out there.

 

[Gray Ghost]

Quote:
1. 950 feet (300+ yards) is a safe distance for shotgun pellets. Even if they traveled that far they would just sprinkle down like small hail. Try #2 lead shot size. If you use buckshot or "dead coyote" shot (which are larger size shot and therefore carry farther) then your shot might travel 950 feet. That being said, you should always make sure that you don't shoot towards your neighbor's house or the walking path. You are going to need to be within 30 to 35 yards to have an effect on a coyote with a shotgun loaded with #2 lead. Preferably even closer. Also consider a .22 rifle, which is accurate (and fatal to coyotes) out to about 70 yards. With the .22 the bullet would carry 950 feet easily so you would need to be sure not to shoot towards anyone or any houses.

2. You need to consult the small game hunting regulations published by the Illinois DNR, to learn what regulations (if any) might prohibit shooting a coyote. Most states have open seasons on coyotes year round.

3. Also check your local village or town ordinances to make sure firearms discharge is not prohibited in your area.

Good luck.

 

[Gray Ghost]

Quote:
Gotta disagree with the previous poster on the lower powder bullets. These are available in a .22 caliber (called "subsonic") but in almost any other rifle caliber will be difficult or impossible to find. They will lack accuracy at anything but short range, and will lack killing power. Instead, use a small-caliber rifle (the suggestions of .22 long rifle, .17 HMR, and .22-250 are all good ones) with standard ammo.

Your "aiming down" at a 30 degree angle will prevent the bullet from carrying more than a few feet past your target.

Scopes are not dangerous especially with small caliber rifles which have hardly any recoil. Getting hit in the eye is not a worry because the optics of the scope are set up so that your eye is several inches behind the scope, not resting on it. And a scope will vastly improve your accuracy over iron sights at ranges beyond 30 yards or so.

 

[Junkmanme]

regarding "low-power" bullets and "aiming down"....

It is worth while to consider the possibility of "ricochet".....This is especially true with .22 caliber.

just a thought,
-Junkmanme-

 

[chickortreat]

Not sure what'savailable for standard .22 LR, but in the .22 magnum, you can get "Ballistic Tip" type bullets that will explode on impact. This is both for a more devastating wound channel on game, OR a lesser likelihood of ricochet.

 

[ParadiseFoundFarm]

This is turning out to be a most informative thread on many levels. Thank you every one! Keep the comments and expeiences comming. I'm learning alot. Still don't own my own weapon. Did the deed with a borrowed one. Am still looking for the perfect first weapon for me and my situation. Learning about coyotes is also great.

 

[chickortreat]

I would recommend a .22 magnum for 95% of all pest issues. Borderlining too light for coyotes, it's perfect for fox, coon, possom, bobcat, or any other similar-sized critter. Absolutley no recoil, relatively cheap to shoot, useable with or without a scope (assuming you buy one with open sights), and with explosive-type bullets, not too high a risk of ricochet. A regular .22 can handle most problems, but lacks range and power at distances greater than about 50 yards. I have my .22 magnum sighted dead-on at 100 yards. I have a permanent target 250 yards from my front door, and at one time I could ring my steel plates with some regularity. Said all that to say that the .22 magnum will handle ranges out to about 150 yards (WITH PRACTICE). It's so much more versatile than the standard .22. I have a varmint light that clamps onto my scope for shooting at night. With the red lens cover on, it doesn't spook predators as much.

 

[HLAC]

Thought you might find this interesting: Grundy county, is offering a $15 bounty on coyotes.

http://www.chicagowildlifenews.com/2011/01/grundy-county-offers-money-for-slain.html