Eastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde and black.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Three species of the family Canidae, or dog family are found in New Jersey.

They are the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the coyote (Canis latrans).

All three of these animals can be found nearly anywhere in the state and all three are valuable furbearers listed as game animals with a regulated season.

The red fox is the most common of the three canids and one of the most sought after species. Generally, the red fox harvest ranks third behind muskrat and raccoon in total numbers caught and in total fur value. The total harvest of gray foxes has decreased over the last 30 years perhaps due to increased competition from coyotes and red fox. During the early 1980s the gray fox harvest was nearly equivalent to that of the red fox. For example, in 1980-81 the red fox harvest was an estimated 6,315 animals while the gray fox harvest was an estimated 5,894.

The 2010-2011 estimated trapper harvest of red fox in New Jersey was 3,534 red foxes with an estimated total value of $49,723 and an average price per pelt of $14.07. For gray fox, the estimated harvest was 134 gray foxes with an estimated total value of $3,676 and an average price per pelt of $27.43. The coyote harvest is known rather than estimated due to mandatory reporting. There were 171 coyotes harvested by trappers in 2010-11 with an estimated total fur value of $3,443 and an average price per pelt of $20.16. Recent changes in trapping regulations have enabled trappers to harvest significantly more coyotes compared to previous years (see Table below).

These canids, like raccoon and opossum, may also be taken by hunters. During the 2009-10 hunting seasons for fox and coyote, hunters in New Jersey took an estimated 1,280 red foxes, 783 gray foxes and 96 coyotes.

Nearly all of the coyotes that are shot by hunters in New Jersey since 1997 were killed incidentally to hunting deer as the seasons for foxes and coyotes have run concurrently with deer seasons since October of 1997. Mandatory harvest reports show that less than 7% of all the coyotes harvested by hunters were killed during the special permit coyote and/or fox season.

Only 3 reports are recorded for coyotes that were harvested as incidentally taken while hunting small game.

NJ Coyote Mortalities

New Jersey Furbearer Facts – The Coyote

Background
Historic records show the coyote is not native to New Jersey. The coyote extended its range north and east across Canada from the mid-west. It is theorized that the species may have bred with gray wolves, emerged into the New England states and has extended its range south through New Jersey. Contrary to popular opinion, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has never imported coyotes for any reason at any time.

Biologists maintain that eastern coyotes are not first generation crosses of dogs and coyotes or “coy-dogs”, but rather a definite coyote strain although with more variations in fur color and a larger body size than their western counterpart. In New Jersey, adult males generally weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, with a few animals reaching the 45 to 50 pound range. Females generally weigh about 5 pounds less, in the 30 to 35 pound range. Color variations range from the typical “western coyote” gray-tan to a fox-like red to almost black. The coyote is a German Shepherd-appearing animal when seen from a distance, but when viewed up-close its thinner muzzle and the fox-like “brush” tail are distinctive.

In the last 30 years or so sightings of coyotes have increased throughout New Jersey. This increase is due to the coyote’s ability to co-exist successfully with man, and to of the ability of coyotes to adapt to varied habitat types and food sources. Coyotes have been documented in all 21 New Jersey counties and 392 New Jersey municipalities.

Additional information on the history of the coyote in the northeastern United States is available in: Eastern Coyote- What is it? Where did it come from? by Dr. Roland Kays, Curator of Mammals, New York State Museum.

History-

• • In 1939 the first record of a coyote in New Jersey was documented near Lambertville, Hunterdon County. From 1939 through 1975 there are records for nine specimens from New Jersey.
• • In 1975, the Division’s Bureau of Wildlife Management recommended that the Eastern Coyote be officially recognized as a resident species and given game animal status. The coyote was listed as a game animal with a closed season in the 1975-76 Game Code.
• • In 1980, the Division’s Bureau of Wildlife Management recommended that the coyote be listed as a furbearer species. This allowed coyotes to be taken by trappers during the regular trapping season, which ran from November 15 to March 15. There was no daily or season limit imposed.
• • On October 27, 1985 it became unlawful for a New Jersey trapper to use a leghold trap. After that date only cable restraints or box traps could be used to trap coyotes. Trappers were required to report all coyotes taken to a Division Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.
• • In 1986, it became lawful for a farmer to kill a coyote on his farm when the coyote was found damaging livestock or crops. Farmers were required to report all coyotes taken to a Division Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.
• • The Fish and Game Council authorized winter coyote hunting seasons by permit beginning in 1997 (except for 2001 when no permit was required). Coyote hunters were allowed to take two coyotes per day. Weapons allowed included shotgun, bow and muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun hunters were required to use either #2 or #4 fine shot. Bow and muzzleloader weapon and missile requirements were similar to deer hunting requirements. Special coyote hunting permits were required in order to monitor and evaluate the season. A $2.00 application processing fee was charged per permit. Permits were available through the mail and over the counter.

Some Tips on the Handling of Fox and Coyote Pelts

• • Always, always be careful when choosing trap set locations! Try to choose locations that are free of burrs, conifers (pitch) or wire fences.
• • Dirt and especially blood in the fur should also be cleaned immediately at the site of capture.
• • Trap sets should be checked on a regular basis to minimize the possibility of fur damage.
• • Be careful not to pull guard hairs if the fur is frozen to the ground or tangled in shrubs or trees. In below freezing temperatures, wet fur on metal such as in the bed of a pickup truck can also damage the fur.
• • Freshly killed animals should not be piled on top of each other. Maintain an air space around each animal so the body has a chance to cool as quickly as possible. This is important with any species of game animal or furbearer.
• • Fox and coyote should be skinned as soon as possible to avoid decomposition, or taint. If animals cannot be skinned soon, hang them up by the hind legs. This will slow the belly taint process.
• • Tainting and hair slippage is one of the main reasons for pelts being downgraded. Whether the taint is small or large, the skin is rotting. This decomposition cannot be reversed. • Other than on the belly, the greatest potential for hair slip is around the ears. Any portions of the pelt that remain damp/wet will cause hair to slip.
• • The tailbone must always be pulled and the tail split completely to the end for it to properly dry. Try not to lose or rip off any portion of the tail.
• • After pelting, leave the pelt leather-out until it has noticeably cooled, then turn fur-out until boarding.
• • Sprinkle borax in and around the ear and any portion of the damp pelt as well as the skinned tail to hasten drying. Borax is a preservative used extensively in the fur trade. Salt should not be used because it attracts moisture. If the fur grader sees that the fur is slipping around the ear, they often assume slippage will occur during dressing and the grader will automatically downgrade the pelt.
• • Placing fur in fur bags will greatly reduce the chance of damaging the fur.
• • With the exception of gray foxes and some coyotes, there is very little in the way of fat/flesh to remove.

Skinning Foxes and Coyotes: What to leave on or off?

• • Paws cut off? Claws on or off? Front legs cut off at the elbow? All these are acceptable. Cutting the legs too high may cause some problems, but usually doesn’t result in a downgraded pelt.

Stretching/Boarding-

• • Concerns with stretching/boarding include using boards that are too wide and pulling too hard on the hind legs when pinning them.
• • Use wooden boards if at all possible. They are far superior than wire stretchers for maximizing pelt size and the appearance of pelts.
• • Correct board measurements are very important. Whether split or solid boards, be sure the boards are not overly wide.
• • Coyote and Fox are always placed on the stretcher leather side out, and dried until the head is nearly dry, then turned fur out and put back onto the board until thoroughly dry. Pay close attention to the drying pelts especially the ears. It may take some experience to perfect the timing of when to turn the pelt.
• • The front legs can remain inside the pelt, when turning, provided they are thoroughly dried (as per the NAFA Fur Handling Manual). Leaving the legs inside the pelt greatly reduces the chance of the front legs tearing while turning the pelt.
• • When the pelt has been removed from the board, wipe any excess grease from the leather side and brush the fur to best appearance.
• • Pelts should be always stored in a cool location and where damage by small rodents can be minimized.

Accidental knife cuts occasionally happen and the only way to avoid them is by paying closer attention during pelting. When grading foxes and coyotes please note that snares, tainting, bullet holes, knife cuts and failure to clean the fur are the major reasons for downgrading. To maximize fur values always clean dirt and dried mud or blood from the pelt and sew knife cuts or bullet holes to keep the pelt from being graded into a slightly damaged or damaged category.

Please Remember to Report Your Coyotes!

Coyotes harvested by any method must be reported to a New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Law Enforcement office within 24 hours.

Regional NJ Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Office phone numbers:

• Northern Region Office 908-735-8240
• Central Region Office 609-259-2120
• Southern Region Office 856-629-0555

Please report any fisher or bobcat captures – Call: 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337)

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is a professional, environmental agency dedicated to the protection, management and wise use of the state’s fish and wildlife resources.

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA --(Ammoland.com)- The new Stealth-Flex series of mouth-blown predator calls allow hunters to make realistic sounds that will bring in the most wary predators.

Stealth-Flex calls come in a variety of styles in the Johnny Stewart line including the PC-8 Variable Pitch call, which can produce pup squeals, mid-range and high-pitched squeals and low- pitched long-range squalls.

Stealth-Flex Rabbit Distress Preadtor Call

It can also reproduce raccoon chatter and chicken cackles. Other calls include the Pitch Controlled Predator Call, Rabbit Distress Call and the Stealth-Flex Fox Call.

A Johnny Stewart Slammer Crow Call is also available for hunters who like to use a mouth-blown call to hunt crows.

All Stealth-Flex calls feature a soft rubber barrel to help callers change tone and volume of the calls.

The Variable Pitch Call sells for a suggested retail price of $11.99.

The Pitch Controlled, Rabbit Distress and Fox Calls sell for $9.99 and the Slammer Crow Call for $8.99.

For more information about other Hunter’s Specialties products, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products.

Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product-No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape. Visit: www.hunterspec.com

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 4213, sponsored by Sen. Mark J. Grisanti (R- North Buffalo), would permit the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to allow live cable restraints, commonly called snares, to be used by trappers. Currently, New York prohibits the use of all snares.

This bill has been approved by the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation and is now pending on the floor of the Senate. Identical legislation, AB 6203 sponsored by Assemblyman Dennis H. Gabryszak (D- Cheektowaga), is currently pending in the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation.

“If passed, these bills will give the DEC and New York trappers an additional method to manage wildlife,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Cable snares are used across the country and are a proven and effective way for trappers to harvest wildlife.”

Biologists from coast to coast rely on trapping as an essential aspect of wildlife management. It is particularly important for predator control and to minimize diseases such as rabies.

“Cable restraints are a vital tool needed for New York trappers to help control coyote and beaver populations,” said Dave Miller, Executive Director of the New York State Trappers Association. “These traps are very effective, especially in the late winter months when foothold traps may start to freeze.”

Take Action! Sportsmen should contact their state senators and assemblymen and urge them to support Senate Bill 4213 and Assembly Bill 6203. Inform them there is no reason for a ban on live cable restraints.

To find your state legislators’ phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Coyote Sightings Increase

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” echoes across our state, from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields, to the less inviting environments of major cities and neighborhoods.

Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages residents to educate themselves and take the proper precautions essential to co-existing with coyotes.

“Historically, coyotes were most commonly found on the Great Plains of North America. However, their range has expanded greatly. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. In fact, coyotes have adapted quite well to living in suburbs and cities like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief of Game Management. “Preventive actions are the best solutions for residents to reduce the potential for human-coyote conflicts.”

Though the coyote’s principal diet typically consists of small rodents and fruit, they are characterized as opportunistic and will prey on small, domestic animals if given the opportunity. Because of this, small house pets (such as cats and small dogs), young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable and susceptible prey. The Division advises landowners and homeowners to heed the following precautions to ensure the safety of their animals:

• Take pets indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time. (In addition to coyotes, small pets may fall prey to free-roaming dogs and great horned owls.)
• If the pet must be kept outside, install fencing and motion-activated flood lights to discourage predators.
• Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed or sheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although they are often blamed for such nuisance instances. (It should be noted that free-roaming dogs, rather than coyotes, are notorious for harassing, injuring or killing livestock.)

The Division encourages residents to also heed the additional following tips in an effort to minimize coyote habituation to humans and ensure public health and safety:

• NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a coyote.
• Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors or feed pets indoors and refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts.
• Make trash cans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trash cans in a secured location until trash pick-up.

Additional solutions for managing coyotes and the problems they may cause include trapping and/or hunting. Coyotes are not native to Georgia and may be hunted/trapped year-round. The Division does NOT provide trapping services, but maintains a list of licensed trappers permitted to provide this service across the state. To access this listing, visit www.georgiawildlife.com (Select “Permits and Other Services” and then select “Nuisance Wildlife Trapper List”).

“The Division receives numerous calls each year. Most callers report the sighting of a coyote or request coyote relocation,” says Bowers. “Relocation is not a solution. Relocating coyotes only moves the problem into someone else’s backyard. It also may result in a slower death from the stress of being released into unfamiliar territory. Trapping and killing habituated or problem coyotes is the only reasonable way to keep them out of backyards.”

While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of the back.

For more information regarding coyotes, visit www.georgiawildlife.com , contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Save The Herd - Celebrate Coyote Week

Nikon Hunting

Melville, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Nikon will celebrate the hunter’s conservation efforts of preserving local deer populations January 20-30, 2011 by declaring it Coyote Week.

During Coyote Week hunters have the opportunity to watch videos, learn coyote hunting tips and enter to win a sweet coyote hunting prize package, exclusively at Nikonhunting.com.

For 10 days, hunters and shooters can log onto Nikonhunting.com and watch videos from Nikon’s own coyote hunters.

Videos range from calling techniques, set ups and how to effectively preserve deer populations by culling coyote populations.

A great coyote hunting prize package is at stake, from world-class optics to Columbia’s best hunting jacket to calls. Hunters and shooters can also enter to win a Coyote Special Riflescope as well as a Coyote Hunting Prize Package (up to a $2,000 value) on Facebook. www.facebook.com/nikonhunting.

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

Coyote taken with Savage 22 250 with Nikon 4.5-14X40 BDC

For more information on Nikon’s full line of Riflescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Fieldscopes and Laser Rangefinders, please contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064, or call 1-800-645-6687. www.nikonhunting.com.

Beat the Cold Kill a Coyote

Outdoors Magazine

Vermont --(Ammoland.com)- With temperatures predicted to drop well below zero over the next three days across the East, many people are preparing for a weekend of watching football and sitting by a fireplace.

Devout predator hunters are taking a different view though, and to them the impending temperatures are a reason for celebration.

“The colder the better,” said Bill Savage, a coyote hunting specialist from the Tug Hill Region of New York. “My best days coyote hunting are when the temperature never gets above zero. If it gets as cold as they say it will … well … let’s just say I am like a kid in a candy store. “

Bob Howe, the owner of Pine Grove Lodge in Bingham, Maine, has a simple explanation for this phenomenon. In essence, in the colder weather a coyote needs to expend more energy to stay warm. This means they need to feed more, and the hunters who have their baits set will reap the rewards.

”Everybody thinks coyotes will only hit the bait in the evening or at night, but that time around noon can also be very productive,” said Howe.

Two of his hunters experienced this first hand earlier today when they both killed coyotes hitting baits a few minutes past 11:00 a.m.

Coyote hunting in the extreme cold does take some special preparation. Gun actions can freeze and calls can act and sound differently than in warmer conditions. Plus, there are the inherent dangers that come with below-zero temperatures. For those willing to pay the price though the rewards can’t be beat.

For more information and predator hunting tricks, check out the March issue of Outdoors Magazine with a special insert “When Hunters Become The Hunted” detailing the methods some of the East’s best use to put fur in the shed.

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and expanded article descriptions, visit www.outdoorsmagazine.net.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has proposed a moratorium on the licensing of new fox and coyote enclosures meant for dog training and field trialing.

Essentially, the proposed rule would act as an outright ban on new facilities as it prohibits the Division of Natural Resources from licensing any new fox and coyote enclosures after January 1, 2012.

These enclosures are large tracts of land where hunting dogs can be safely trained to chase foxes and coyotes. Only one facility currently operates within the state and it covers more than 300 acres.

Sportsmen and sporting dog owners have been working with the Division on rules that would ensure that existing and new enclosures within the state are held to a high standard while continuing to allow for the safe trialing and training of sporting dogs.

Sportsmen and sporting dog owners should contact both the NRC and the Governor’s office and ask them to oppose the moratorium on the fox and coyote training enclosures. Tell them a moratorium on licensing the enclosures is unnecessary. The new rules governing the enclosures will more than adequately ensure that the training and trialing grounds are operated at levels that more than adequately protect both the dogs and the game they pursue.

Public comments concerning the enclosures will be accepted by the NRC through the end of February. However, sportsmen should plan to write the NRC as soon as possible.

Please use the address below to submit your comment to the NRC. You must include your name and the city, town, or county in which you reside.

Comments to the NRC can also be submitted online by going to http://www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm and clicking on “Comment on this rule” next to the Coyote/Fox-Dog Training Grounds.

Sportsmen can contact the Governor’s office by calling (317) 232-4567.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Mini Coyote Squeaker

Altus Brands

Traverse City, MI -(Ammoland.com)- The perfect addition to the Mega Amp Coyote Call is the compact Mini Coyote Squeaker, the newest electronic call from the leader in authentic electronic calls, Cass Creek.

This newest model is light and compact to fit comfortably in the hand and also conveniently straps to your firearm, belt or pack.

It features an easy to use push button operation with Instant Interrupt so you can quickly control the call and the call sequence.

The Mini Coyote Squeaker provides five authentic animal sounds to bring coyotes on the run.

• Turkey Poult; the distress sound a lost poult makes calling for adult birds.
• Rat Distress; the defensive sound a cornered rat makes
• Pup Whine; the sounds of a domestic puppy whining/whimpering
• Grouse Distress; the sounding alarm of a grouse in danger
• Rodent Distress; the sound of a small rodent in distress

Like all Cass Creek Calls the quality of the product and the authentic sounds recorded live ensure many seasons of rewarding use.

If you hunt for coyote, fox or other predators the Mini Coyote Squeaker is the call for you.

About:
Altus Brands, LLC also owns Pro Ears electronic and passive hearing protection/amplification products, BenchMaster Rifle Rests, Rifleman hearing protection, Crossfire Slings, Bughats, American Bison Leather and Woodland Whisper.
For more information/Dealer inquiries please contact Cass Creek.

Montana Decoy

Colstrip, MT --(Ammoland.com)- The new Miss Hoptober is a foolproof way to trick even the wiliest ol’ coyotes. Utilizing Montana Decoy’s all new HD photography, this life-like rabbit setups a scenario too tempting for any coyote to resist.

“As predator hunting has gained in popularity, coyotes are adapting to the pressure,” said Jerry McPherson, owner of Montana Decoys.

“In order to be successful, hunters need to go a step further. The call gets the coyote’s attention but the all new Miss Hoptober is the key to make your coyote commit.”

Miss Hoptober Cotton Tail Predator Decoy By Montana Deco

Developed to fool even the most demanding eyes, the ultra realistic HD photography on Montana Decoy’s new Miss Hoptober takes realism to an all new level.

The simple twist-and-stake set up is a hallmark of all Montana Decoys and the new HD Miss Hoptober fits easily in a predator vest or pack.

Measuring a scant 10×5 inches folded, the Miss Hoptober Predator Decoy expands to 24×10 inches set up. Weighing in at a mere 7 oz means it will go unnoticed until you stop to call.

Suggested retail for the Miss Hoptober is $19.99 and will be on dealer shelves by February 2011.

Visit www.montanadecoy.com or call 888-332-6998 for a full list of decoys, tips and where to find a dealer near you.

About Montana Decoy
Created in 1996 by Jerry McPherson, Montana Decoy got its start from an average hunter trying to improve his bowhunting success. Tormented by an uncooperative bull elk, McPherson returned to his truck, thinking about how he could design a packable decoy without adding bulk and weight. McPherson got inspiration from folding band saw blades. He utilized the same twist-and-fold concept to hold open the decoy image. Montana Decoy offers turkey, elk, whitetail, mule deer, antelope and predator options along with a Moo Cow confidence decoy. All share the same ease of use, light weight and ultra realistic HD photography.

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA --(Ammoland.com)- Experienced coyote hunters know that to be a successful caller you need to understand not only how to make prey-in-distress sounds, but coyote vocalizations as well.

The new Estrus Whimper call from Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls can produce all of the sounds of a female coyote during the breeding season, as well as the sounds of a coyote pup-in-distress.

Coyotes are very territorial and when they hear the sound of a female being bred, they can’t resist coming in to challenge the “intruder.” The pup in distress call also triggers a strong response as they come in to protect a juvenile animal.

Coyotes Can't Resist The New Estrus Whimper From Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls

The Estrus Whimper is built on the Mac Daddy platform, which makes it easy for anyone to operate.

Simply blow into the call while depressing the lever, which puts pressure on the internal reed. When more pressure is applied, the pitch gets higher.

The Johnny Stewart Estrus Whimper is a great addition to any predator hunter’s arsenal of calls.

It sells for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

For more information about other Hunter’s Specialties products, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Coyote Sightings Increase

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- Just 10 years ago, the First State had very few – if any – resident coyotes. Even now, coyotes remain rare, so rare that even Delawareans who spend a lot of time outdoors probably will not encounter one. However, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has documented that these animals can now be found in each of Delaware’s three counties.

Because of this, residents are no longer being asked to report sightings to the Division.

“In the past, we have asked people to contact us if the saw an animal they believed to be a coyote. These sightings helped us document their distribution but now that we know they are here, we do not need sighting reports from the public,” said Joe Rogerson, Deer and Furbearer Biologist.

Coyotes resemble medium-sized dogs, with erect pointed ears, a long, slender muzzle and a bushy tail held low to the ground. Typically, they are brownish or reddish gray with a lighter-colored belly and rusty ears and legs, weighing between 20 and 50 pounds. Highly adaptable to change and able to thrive in suburban as well as rural areas, these opportunistic predator-scavengers will eat practically anything, from garbage to small mammals, berries and even deer on some occasions.

As with all wild animals, Rogerson urges residents to use caution if they do spot a coyote in their area. “Remember, all wild animals are unpredictable and caution is the watchword when they are around. If you want a closer look, use binoculars and observe from a distance. Never put food out to lure them closer. Nearly all bites or attacks occur when people attempt to feed wild animals or to treat them like domestic animals,” Rogerson said. “The chances of being attacked by a domestic dog are approximately one million times greater than being attacked by a coyote. In a given year, there are usually fewer than five coyote attacks on humans across the entire United States, and no one has ever reported a coyote attack on a person in Delaware.”

To make your property less appealing to coyotes, take the following steps:

• Do not leave food outside, and eliminate standing sources of water.
• Elevate bird feeders so that coyotes can’t reach them. Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, and even seed. They may also be attracted by the birds and rodents that come to feeders.
• Put all food waste in secure garbage containers.
• Keep pets safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them.
• Discourage coyotes from “cohabitating” with humans. If you see them around your home, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks.

For information or questions concerning coyotes in Delaware, please contact Joe Rogerson, Wildlife Section, at 302-735-3600, or visit http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Coyotes.aspx .

Coyote Sightings Increase

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” echoes across our state, from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields, to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods.

Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages residents to educate themselves and take the proper precautions essential to co-existing with coyotes.

“Historically, coyotes were most commonly found on the Great Plains of North America. However, their range has expanded greatly. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. In fact, coyotes have adapted quite well to living in suburbs and cities like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief of Game Management.

“Preventive actions are the best solutions for residents to reduce the potential for human-coyote conflicts,” explains Bowers.

Though the coyote’s principal diet typically consists of small rodents and fruit, they are characterized as opportunistic and will prey on small, domestic animals if given the opportunity. Because of this, small house pets (such as cats), young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable and susceptible prey.

The Division advises landowners and homeowners to heed the following precautions to ensure the safety of their animals:

• Take pets indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time. (In addition to coyotes, small pets may fall prey to free-roaming dogs and great horned owls.)
• If the pet must be kept outside, install fencing and motion-activated flood lights to discourage predators.
• Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed or sheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although they are often blamed for such nuisance instances. (It should be noted that free-roaming dogs, rather than coyotes, are notorious for harassing, injuring or killing livestock.)

The Division encourages residents to also heed the additional following tips in an effort to minimize coyote habituation to humans and ensure public health and safety:

• NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a coyote.
• Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors or feed pets indoors and refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts.
• Make trash cans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trash cans in a secured location until trash pick-up.

Additional solutions for managing coyotes and the problems they may cause include trapping and/or hunting. Coyotes are not native to Georgia and may be hunted/trapped year-round. The Division does NOT provide trapping services, but maintains a list of licensed trappers permitted to provide this service across the state.

To access this listing, visit www.georgiawildlife.com (Select “Permits and Other Services” and then select “Nuisance Wildlife Trapper List”).

“The Division receives numerous calls each year. Most callers report the sighting of a coyote or request coyote relocation,” says Bowers. “Relocation is not a solution. Relocating coyotes only moves the problem into someone else’s backyard. It also may result in a slower death from the stress of being released into unfamiliar territory. Trapping and killing habituated or problem coyotes is the only reasonable way to keep them out of backyards.”

While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of the back.

For more information regarding coyotes, visit www.georgiawildlife.com , contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted Wednesday to temporarily prohibit the chasing of foxes and coyotes in enclosures, while moving forward to draft rules guiding such enclosures in Florida. An executive order prohibiting chasing of foxes and coyotes within an enclosure will be issued by Feb. 24.

Before making the decision, Commissioners listened to more than 40 speakers on fox and coyote pens, beginning with Rep. Debbie Boyd, D-High Springs. Boyd urged the Commission to recognize the shortcomings on both sides of the issue, to address those shortcomings and engage stakeholders in the process.

“This issue has been painted with a broad brush,” Boyd said. “I ask the Commission to engage stakeholders and put fox and coyote enclosures into rule rather than through the permit process.”

After listening to emotional appeals from the public, whose comments ranged from calling the practice of hunting foxes and coyotes within enclosures a “heritage” and “a way of life” to making charges of “cruelty” and “mauling” of the animals, Commissioners discussed how to proceed based on staff recommendations and public comment.

“Rep. Boyd said it best,” said Commissioner Kathy Barco. “We need to allow for the process so everybody works together.”

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said he leaned toward an outright ban of the practice but also felt the process should be given a chance for review.

“I’m not sure I’ll support the draft rules when they come back,” Barreto said. “I don’t see any sport in the animals’ having no escape. I personally don’t agree with the practice.”

Last September, FWC commissioners directed the agency’s law enforcement staff to explore the history behind the enclosures, including a review of the agency’s permitting process and the number of such enclosures in the state. Then-Executive Director Ken Haddad issued an executive order, putting a moratorium on issuing permits for chasing foxes or coyotes in enclosures.

During Wednesday’s meeting at Apalachicola, commissioners received the report, indicating such enclosures have been around since 1988, when the agency began meeting with stakeholders to draw up regulations for permitting them. Previously, fox hunting took place on large land tracts, but fewer tracts were available as Florida’s human population grew.

Enclosure operators also began using more-readily available coyotes captured within Florida. Importing coyotes from other states is illegal.

It is not legal to kill foxes in Florida, but chasing them with dogs has been a long-standing tradition.

At one time, there were about 50 fox and coyote pens from the Panhandle to Central Florida. Currently, however, because of the moratorium and decreasing demand, the state has only one permitted facility.

In 2007, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed an investigation into fox pens in that state, and shared information with the FWC, indicating illegal importation, sale and delivery of foxes or coyotes was taking place among Alabama and six other states.

FWC investigators made similar discoveries during a 10-month undercover operation in 2008. They found some enclosures were ignoring permit provisions. As a result, officers cited 12 suspects for 46 alleged violations.

FWC wildlife veterinarian Mark Cunningham stated in a report that importation of foxes from other states could result in the spread of disease strains and parasites that are not native to Florida, and that poses health risks for humans, native wildlife, pets and livestock.

“This is not a referendum on hunting; we are a pro-hunting commission,” said Commissioner Brian Yablonski. “But we must consider the concept of ‘fair chase,’ and I am not sure chasing coyotes and foxes in an enclosure meets that standard of hunting – a standard that is important to preserving hunting in the future.”

The Commission asked staff to hold workshops and meet with stakeholders to develop draft rules. The draft rules will be brought back for consideration at the June meeting, with the possibility of final rule approval in September.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Interested in finding something new and different to try this winter? Coyote hunting may be just what you’re looking for, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“Calling a coyote into shotgun range is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in the outdoors,” said Perry County Wildlife Conservation Officer Steve Hower. “Catching one sneaking in the backdoor as you sit motionlessly waiting for it to come into range is right up there with calling in a trophy gobbler on a crisp spring morning.

“The action is often close. Your quarry is one of the most intelligent animals out there. And, if you do everything right and take a coyote, you’ll be hooked.”

The eastern coyote can be found in all of the state’s 67 counties. Next to the black bear, it is Pennsylvania’s largest wild predator weighing in at 35 to 55 pounds. Adult males have exceeded 60 pounds. They roam our big woods and suburban areas and everything in-between. Opportunity and relative calm often dictate where they’ll be. They are masters at using cover and laying low, and rarely miss chances for easy-meals and fast-food.

Coyotes scavenge roadkills and root through litter along the edges of our interstate highways.

They’re also fond of groundhogs and mice, and they’ll even scarf down a feral cat if the opportunity presents itself. Coyotes do eat venison, but hunter gut-piles and unrecovered deer and highway kills provide more to coyotes than they take through deer predation. They also will eat wild grapes, field corn, apples, grasshoppers and even acorns.

Steve Hower poses with an eastern coyote he took on the trapline

In a word, coyotes are opportunists. They’re intelligent animals that seize the moment or the season and cash in whenever and as often as possible. But despite their fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants approach to life, coyotes can be located and patterned by people interested in hunting them. It’ll take some time and patience, according to Hower, but in the end, it’s all good and absolutely worth it.

“The best way to locate coyotes is to go to a remote area, cup your hands around your mouth and howl,” explained Hower. “If they’re nearby, they’ll normally respond to it. Your howl plants a seed in their mind that a strange coyote is in the area and they’ll either howl back immediately or even come to investigate.

“Sometimes coyotes come in quietly and without vocally responding to your howl. This is especially true if they’re close by. It can be quite a surprise if you don’t see one coming and it appears out of nowhere at close range!”

The best places to hunt coyotes are near areas where they spend their daytime hours. That’s why calling during daylight is best; it helps you identify coyote resting areas. They usually stay in the same general areas during the day, but those locations may change from one season to the next.

Another way to locate coyotes would be to look for sign such as scat and tracks. A snowy landscape will increase your chances of finding coyote sign. The problem with the scouting approach is that you may be decide, based upon sign you find, to hunt during the day in an area coyotes use only at night. So scouting can work, but locating coyotes through howling is far more effective in pinpointing their current location.

If you scout for sign, Hower said, remember that coyote tracks are oval or oblong, about 2.5 to 3 inches long, and the middle toenails point inward. Fox and dog tracks are more rounded.

“The best time to hunt coyotes is during early morning or late afternoon hours, which is when normally there’s little or no wind,” explained Hower. “If you’re using a mouth call, it’s almost always better if there are two people; one calling, one ready to shoot. They should position themselves about 30 yards apart with the shooter downwind from the caller. This is because a coyote will normally circle to approach the call from the downwind side. “

The caller can use popular calls such as a rabbit squealer, mouse squeaker, or a fawn bleat to call coyotes into gun range. Hower said these mouth calls are effective, and an inexpensive way for hunters to try this increasingly popular pursuit to see if they like it.

“Try to educate yourself on coyote vocalizations because they can vary. The howl basically announces or reaffirms a coyote’s presence in an area. Their very existence seems predicated upon establishing or defending territory. Coyotes also have challenge howls, and howls to locate other members of their family. If a coyote answers with a “woof,” or a little bark, it generally means it’s on to you and won’t come to your call. The more you learn about these vocalizations, the better your comprehension will be about how coyotes are reacting to your calls. The internet is a great place to hear and learn more about calls, but nothing beats trying to communicate with coyotes in the field.

“Both the caller and the shooter should be in full camouflage – including a face mask and gloves – and must remain absolutely still. If that coyote sees you move before you see it, it’s all over. It’s also a good idea to use a cover scent such as red fox or coyote urine or essence of skunk. Squirt a shot or two on a rock or tree trunk next to your calling position.”

There are all sorts of nuances in coyote hunting. No approach always works perfectly. No call is always best. Cover scents should be rotated. Experimenting is recommended. Try to work areas that are more remote. Set up quietly.

“I recommend a 12 gauge shotgun for calling because the action is often at close range and can happen very quickly,” Hower pointed out. “Use at least #4 shot. Most wild turkey loads will provide what you need.

“A good way to divert an incoming coyote’s ability to detect you is through using a rabbit, fawn or coyote decoy,” Hower added. “When they catch a glimpse of prey or another coyote, they become almost overwhelmed with taking it down. That fixation should provide the chance you need to make your move and take the coyote.”

Hower noted that there are other ways to hunt coyotes. He said hunting with dogs is becoming more and more popular, but added that you need good dogs, likely special transmitters and a lot of time. Chased coyotes will cross mountains into more remote or almost inaccessible areas, and roads, where dogs could be struck by passing vehicles.

Driving for coyotes can be effective, but there would have to be a lot of hunters involved. Hunting over bait (legal for coyote hunting) also could prove worthwhile, but there’s no guarantee a coyote would come in during daylight hours.

Coyotes can be lawfully hunted with either a general hunting or furtaker license, and with few exceptions may be done so throughout the year at any hour. Hunting exceptions are listed in the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest.

“So, if you’re up for a new challenge and want to experience a cold-weather pursuit that truly will test your outdoors skills and mettle, then it’s time for you to try and get closer to Pennsylvania’s elusive coyotes,” WCO Hower said. “You may never have cabin fever again!”

COYOTE GENEALOGY
Historians and furbearer biologists who have studied the eastern coyotes often disagree about their origin. Most biologists believe that eastern coyotes are a result of crossbreeding between western coyotes and wolves and have established themselves in Pennsylvania over the past 100 years. Historians argue that our coyotes are the “wolves” that were here when colonists arrived.

Regardless of which theory is correct. One thing is clear. The eastern coyote is more than just a coyote. In 1991, Robert Wayne of the University of California and Niles Lehman of the Scripps Research Institute of California showed through DNA analysis that eastern coyotes have wolf genes. Recent research has reaffirmed this. But when did they interbreed? No one knows. No one probably ever will.

FURTHER READING
Interested in reading more about eastern coyote? Please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the Wildlife dropdown menu, then select “Mammals,” and click on “Coyote.”

PredatorTalk.com

PredatorTalk

USA - -(AmmoLand.com)- As you can see, PredatorTalk is BRAND NEW, but that’s not going go to stop us from being the best predator hunting site around!

If you enjoy hunting predators, you should join us! For a limited time, we’re offering something special for the first 500 members to join PredatorTalk. We’re going to have weekly drawings starting in April for some amazing gear and only the first 500 members will be eligible!! Sound like reason enough to sign up now? Then do it!

We’re going to be giving away some great stuff, and all you have to do is register, and make 5 initial posts on our forums for a chance to win! See the details below!

Keep in mind, this is not open to everyone. We’re marketing the site to 500 people, and we’re hoping every one of them takes advantage of this. If not, we’ll just keep going until we have 500 members who are interested in growing a new site, and getting some great gear in the process.

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The rules are really simple. All you have to do is sign up, and create 5 RELEVANT posts to our forums before March 31st 2010. This really isn’t too tough. Ask 5 questions, or reply to 5 questions. Even better yet, start 5 new conversations with educational content. Tell us what you know, what you’ve learned, mistakes you’ve made, or just tell a story. We couldn’t make this any easier. We want you to get involved and we’re offering up some great gear in exchange.

Starting in April, we’re going to choose a member at random for one of the prizes above. We’re going to do this every Friday (we’ll call it PrizeDay!) until we’re all out of prizes. Only the first 500 will qualify, and ONLY if they meet the requirements above.

ABOUT US:
PredatorTalk is run by hunters, and for hunters. Unlike some of the other sites online, this one is not owned by some big corporate entity. You’re becoming part of a community of like-minded hunters and gun enthusiasts, not some corporate structure, or an individual that wants to tell you what to do, or how to do it. Visit: www.PredatorTalk.com

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA  WA- -(Ammoland.com)- State fish and wildlife officers and a federal wildlife-control agent today trapped and euthanized a coyote they believe to be the animal that has been threatening people in Seattle’s Discovery Park and nearby Magnolia neighborhood.

A wildlife-control agent with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, working under a contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and in cooperation with the Seattle Police Department, euthanized the 40-pound, male coyote after capturing the animal in a live trap early this morning.

Tissue samples from the animal will be tested for rabies, according to Capt. Bill Hebner, who heads WDFW’s enforcement program for the northern Puget Sound region.

Traps were set yesterday after Magnolia residents and Discovery Park visitors reported the two coyotes stalking them and refusing to back away, despite their efforts to frighten them off.

“It’s unfortunate to have to take this action, but public safety is our first priority,” said Hebner. “We are confident this is the coyote that was approaching people in a dangerous manner and had attacked pets.”

Fish and wildlife officers believe the second coyote is a female, and may not pose safety risks now that the larger, more aggressive male animal has been removed. However WDFW will continue to monitor the area and reports from residents, Hebner said.

Coyotes that have lost their fear of humans cannot be relocated because they are likely to return to populated areas and continue to act aggressively toward people, Hebner said.

“Although the risk to human safety has been reduced through the removal of this particular animal, it’s important people realize that similar problems can re-occur if coyotes are fed or find food near homes, such as unsecured pet food or garbage,” he said. “The cooperation of the neighborhood is extremely important in avoiding such problems.”

Coyote sightings have been documented for over two months in and near the park, but recently the coyotes’ behavior became increasingly aggressive. One local man reported being cornered against a fence by one of the coyotes. In another recent incident, a woman reported opening her front door with her dog at her side and encountering one of the coyotes, which lunged at her and her pet. She had to fend off the animal with an umbrella. Another man and woman walking their dog, reported one of the coyotes followed them and attempted to snatch their pet from their arms.

Although coyote sightings and attacks on pets and other small animals occur periodically throughout the state, attacks on humans are extremely rare. Only two such attacks have been documented in Washington – in 2006 a coyote bit two young children in Bellevue. That animal was later euthanized by a WDFW enforcement officer.

Normally, coyotes avoid people but they may become habituated to humans – and increasingly aggressive – if they are fed or find food near human residences.

In most cases, problem encounters with coyotes can be avoided by removing food sources, and keeping small pets and young children under close supervision. More information on living with coyotes can be found on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/coyotes.htm .

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- Coyotes are found in every county in Georgia and their presence has hunters and wildlife biologists alike wondering how these predators are affecting white-tailed deer populations.

“Since the 1960’s, Georgia’s deer population has risen from scarcity to areas of local overabundance through restocking efforts and science-based management,” says Charlie Killmaster, State Deer Project Coordinator. “The population has since declined to a healthy level; however, a better understanding of the role of coyotes in deer management is needed.”

Although several studies have investigated predation impacts on the white-tailed deer population, few have been done in the Southeast and coyote predation on fawns likely varies regionally and locally. To better understand the nature of these impacts, UGA and Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recently began a 4-year cooperative research effort investigating the effects of coyotes on fawns.

“It is well understood and accepted that coyotes do eat deer,” says John W. Bowers, Assistant Chief of Game Management. “However, whether coyote predation is a benefit or an obstacle to deer management strategies is not black and white. We are hopeful this cooperative research effort will provide additional information for use by deer managers and hunters in making responsible management decisions.”

One of the challenges faced when researching large predators, such as the coyote, is that they are highly secretive and wide-ranging, making it difficult to determine how many there really are. “We know from previous research that coyotes are having some impact on Southeastern deer herds,” says Dr. Karl V. Miller, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at The University of Georgia. “To determine the extent of that impact, we first need to generate reliable estimates of coyote populations.”

This study, primarily funded by WRD, will attempt to address this issue through a novel capture-mark-recapture technique in which DNA found in deposited scats will be used to identify individual coyotes. Researchers will also evaluate the seasonal diet of coyotes and assess the extent to which they impact fawn recruitment by conducting an intensive coyote removal across two large study sites in central Georgia.

The study will be conducted on B. F. Grant and Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Areas in central Georgia.

“Because these two areas lie in the Piedmont Region of Georgia, we hope to establish a landscape model that predicts coyote abundance and their effects on deer populations,” says Will Gulsby, a PhD student in Wildlife Ecology and Management at The University of Georgia who is working on the project. “Our hope is that this model can be used by deer managers to make informed management decisions.”

Graduate students began work on the two WMAs earlier this fall by conducting trail-camera surveys. These camera surveys will be done repeatedly throughout the three-year study to assess fawn-to-doe ratios before and after the coyote removal. Later this winter, they plan to begin monitoring coyote abundance by setting up scent station and scat deposition transects that will traverse nearly 24,000 acres.

“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” says James Kelly, another graduate student at The University of Georgia who is working on the project. “But it will be well worth it in the end when we can add to the body of knowledge WRD, deer managers, and hunters use to achieve their management goals.”

Georgia’s present laws and regulations allow coyotes to be taken year round with no bag limit and few restrictions. As such, hunters and landowners have maximum flexibility in managing coyotes on their properties.

For more information regarding coyotes, visit the WRD website at www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.

Winchester Ballistic Silver Tip Lead Free Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester® Ammunition is taking varmint hunting to a new level, using fragmenting copper core technology, to incorporate a lead-free bullet in both .223 Rem and 22-250 Rem in the Ballistic Silvertip® line.

This truly innovative lead-free load brought to you by Winchester and Nosler® features a plastic tip to reduce tip damage and promote long-range performance, and a gilding metal jacket. The fragmenting copper core is engineered to explode on impact.

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20 rds. per box – 200 rds. per case.

The Winchester Ballistic Silvertip lead-free bullet will meet the increased customer demand in regions with lead-free regulations, as well as the growth of varmint hunting across all parts of North America.

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

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Winchester Ammunition pledged $500,000 to permanently endow the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, thus becoming the exclusive sponsor of the officially renamed Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

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By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winchester is providing everyone the chance to explore the benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer. To learn more about the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, please call 800-672-3888 ext. 1505 or visit www.nrahq.org/youth.

Beaver Trapping Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA ––(AmmoLand.com)- Many of the state’s furbearer trapping and hunting seasons are underway and, based on comments from Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers, hunters and trappers should have a good year. The general trapping season – for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and weasels – opened Oct. 25 and runs through Feb. 21. The season for mink and muskrats is Nov. 21 to Jan. 10; beavers, Dec. 26 to March 31.

Raccoon hunting season began Oct. 24 and closes Feb. 20, and the season for skunks, opossums and weasels runs from July 1 to June 30, except for Sundays. Red and gray foxes hunting season opened Oct. 24 and runs through Feb. 20, including Sundays. Coyotes have a year-round season (July 1-June 30) and can be hunted on Sundays, too.

Pennsylvania also has bobcat hunting and trapping seasons in 12 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D and 4E) for the 1,780 individuals who were selected in the Game Commission’s annual bobcat permit drawing. The bobcat hunting season started Oct. 24 and closes to Feb. 20, except for Sundays. The bobcat trapping season opened Oct. 25 and runs through Feb. 21.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe pointed out that the Keystone State is lucky to have trappers, houndsmen and predator callers, who all play an important role of the Commonwealth’s wildlife management program.

“Furbearer trappers and hunters annual efforts afield have helped to reduce Pennsylvania’s susceptibility to wildlife diseases such as rabies and mange, and its problems with crop- and property-damage caused by furbearers,” Roe said. “Many Pennsylvanians benefit directly from the services of trappers, hound-hunters and predator-callers, because these specialized sportsmen and sportswomen manage everything from weasels to coyotes. They rescue farmers and other landowners both directly and indirectly from the damage and costly repairs furbearers can daily cause to homes and businesses throughout the state.”

Variable fur prices spurred a decline in the ranks of fur-takers nationwide in the 1990s. Trappers had difficulty recovering their expenses, and inflation further compounded the problem. The result was a reduction in furbearer harvest and an increase in conflicts. To get a feel for the drop off in harvest that occurred, consider this: In 1996, more than 200,000 raccoons were taken in Pennsylvania; in 2007, the raccoon harvest totaled about 121,500.

In 2006, there was a noticeable increase in trapping pressure and furbearer harvests corresponded. License sales increased from 23,941 in 2005 to 26,589. Then, last year, license sales rose again to 28,033. But the harvest of most furbearers dropped, excepting raccoons, gray foxes, skunks and opossums.

“There seems to be a general increase in interest among people to trap or hunt furbearers; there’s a great deal of excitement associated with trapping and predator hunting,” explained Dr. Matt Lovallo, Game Commission Game Mammals section supervisor. “Both are positive signs for furbearer management in Pennsylvania, because they stimulate an increased harvest of furbearers, something our state, roadways and residents would surely benefit from.

“In 2008, trappers and furbearer hunters utilized about 350,000 surplus furbearers from the Commonwealth’s rural and suburban areas. Maintaining an annual harvest of this size would benefits thousands upon thousands of Pennsylvanians by reducing home, crop or property damages and the number of after-dark roadway obstacles motorists encounter.”

Increased furbearer harvests reduce the damages and encounters that residents – and their pets – will have with these animals.

“Right now, many trappers, and particularly those in southern tier counties, are waiting to set and run their traplines until the pelts on the furbearers they intend to trap become more prime,” explained Lovallo. “Fur primeness for raccoons, foxes and coyotes usually is about right in most areas of the state by the first week of November. It’s always better to start trapping for these furbearers no sooner than early to mid-November to improve their pelt value on the market.”

The 2008 Game-Take and Furtaker Surveys estimated that fur-takers took 142,808 raccoons (121,446 in 2007); 74,059 muskrats (72,174); 54,273 opossums (41,168); 44,745 red foxes (52,000); 23,699 coyotes (28,974); 20,845 gray foxes (18,613); 12,331 skunks (9,818); and 8,621 mink (10,004).

“Our furbearer harvests for many species have remained relatively stable over the past few years, although trapping pressure has risen over the past two years,” Lovallo said. “But given the amount of trapping territory available in the state, and the relatively limited number of Pennsylvanians pursuing furbearer hunting or trapping, there’s plenty of places for new and veteran trappers alike.”

Most furbearers – excepting muskrats – in Pennsylvania and other neighboring states remain underutilized. In fact, hunters and trappers are taking a fraction of the renewable fur resource Pennsylvania historically has provided. It’s a trend that likely will not be reversed because of the difficulties associated land access, increased equipment and transportation costs, and the free-time/commitment complexities that often dominate the lives of many Pennsylvanians.

Over the past 30 years, beavers and coyotes have been expanding their range, primarily from northern counties south. Left unchecked, beavers would cause tremendous property damage and could adversely affect the quality of drinking water for municipalities. Coyotes would cause even more problems for livestock and pets.

“Trappers play a major role in managing Pennsylvania’s beavers and coyotes,” Lovallo noted. “They are our first line of defense in attempting to keep these furbearer species in check locally and they do it for free. Anyone who has suffered from the damages these species can inflict knows what a relief it is to have a trapper remedy the situation.”

Beaver trappers are reminded that they no longer are required to have harvested beavers tagged by Game Commission personnel. There are, however, beaver bag limits for each Wildlife Management Unit.

Licensed trappers may use cable restraints for coyotes and foxes, upon completion of a four-hour certification course provided by agency-certified instructors, from Jan. 1-Feb. 22. The cost of the course is $15. Students receive various educational materials and one legal cable restraint, and a permanent certification card will be mailed following completion of the course.

Trapping is a highly regulated activity in Pennsylvania. A furtaker license – or combination license – is required to trap in the Commonwealth. All traps must have an identification tag that provides the trapper’s name and address or a number issued by the agency. Body-gripping traps must be set within a watercourse. It is unlawful to set a trap with bait visible from the air, or to disturb the traps of another. Traps cannot have a jaw-spread exceeding 6.5 inches. Traps must be visited at least once every 36 hours and each animal removed.

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS LOCAL FURBEARER INFORMATION

Each year, Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers and foresters develop game and furbearer forecasts for the areas they work to share with interested hunters and trappers. Observations on local furbearer populations are always a part of this annual offering. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s “Field Officer Game and Furbearer Forecasts” can be found centered on the homepage of the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Developed to share field officer perspectives and observations on game and furbearer trends in their respective districts and to help hunters and trappers get closer to the action afield, this information helped many sportsmen and sportswomen have more enjoyable days afield last year.

“Our field officers spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in the areas hunters and trappers are most interested in learning more about,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “Their observations have value to hunters and trappers, so in 2006 we set up a cyber-clearinghouse where anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident – can access game and furbearer forecasts from every county of the state. It’s the detailed field reporting hunters and trappers seek out, and part of our longstanding commitment to be the first and best source of hunting and trapping information in the Commonwealth.”

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that the small game seasons for pheasant, quail, fox and coyote open 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 7.

The seasons for rabbit, hares and squirrel, ruffed grouse and woodcock north of Rt. 70 and raccoon/opossum remain open with an 8:00 AM start on November 7.

Firearm hunting is prohibited November 6 on state Wildlife Management Areas designated as Pheasant and Quail Stamp Areas to allow for stocking (except in tidal marshes open to an on-going waterfowl season).

For detailed information on hunting for all legal species, including a link to the pheasant/quail stocking schedules, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/smgame09.htm on the division’s website.

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Predators generally always circle downwind of your calling stand and predator hunters like World Champion Predator Caller Al Morris have discovered the advantages of being scent-free when calling animals in for a shot.

Hunter’s Specialties now has a scent-elimination kit for coyote/predator hunters. The kit contains all the Scent-A-Way products needed to eliminate odors and increase your chances of success, including Scent-A-Way Laundry Detergent, No-Rinse Body Foam, Antibacterial Soap, Antiperspirant, Lip Balm, and Scent-A-Way Spray. It also contains a zip-lock scent-safe bag to store your clothing and other items along with a 3-pack of Fresh Earth Wafers as a natural cover scent.

The new Coyote Scent Elimination Kit sells for a suggested retail price of $33.99.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Federal Premium Coyote Shotshell Load

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- For the first time ever, Federal Premium® offers a shotshell designed especially for coyotes. This new 12-gauge V-Shok™ load combines the proven FLITECONTROL® wad and super-dense HEAVYWEIGHT® shot for devastating performance.

Tight Patterns for Predators
Hardcore varmint hunters will be amazed at the patterns these new loads give them. On ignition, the HEAVYWEIGHT shot actually stays inside the FLITECONTROL wad until it is clear of the barrel. At the perfect time, the wad and shot separate. This leads to full patterns, better downrange velocity and more energy on target.

“Predator hunting is very popular across the country,” said Rick Stoeckel, brand manager. “We know a lot of hunters bring their shotguns after coyotes and other varmints. For this reason, we worked to develop a load that would extend the effective range of the shotgun. Extra-tight patterns and dense payloads translate to more success in the field.”

The use of HEAVYWEIGHT shot gives predator hunters another big advantage. Its density (15g/cc) brings coyotes down hard with excellent penetration and impressive energy levels.

Available now:

Part No. / Description
PHC120 BB / 12-ga, 3”, 1-1/2 oz, BB HEAVYWEIGHT 1350 fps

For more information on the new coyote load, or the entire Federal Premium lineup, go to www.federalpremium.com.

About:
Here at Federal Premium® Ammunition, we understand that your time in the field is a hard-earned reward for dedication all week. You’ve paid your dues and it’s time to connect with your true passion—the outdoors. Our ammunition advancements help you to be a more effective hunter and shooter. Choose Federal Premium because you won’t accept anything less than the best.

Kentucky Department Fish Wildlife

Frankfort, Kentucky - -(TheOutdoorWire.com)- Kentucky and West Virginia conservation officers arrested six persons, served summonses on two others and seized eight illegally possessed coyotes, charging them with at least 831 counts of illegally buying, selling or possessing wild-caught foxes and coyotes, and in one case, cruelty to animals.

The 20-month undercover investigation, code named “Gyp-Sum”, looking into the illegal practice of buying, selling and holding wild-caught foxes and coyotes for the purpose of sale, came to a head as officers served warrants or summonses in five Kentucky counties and one out of state. Officers in Alabama, Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina and Florida contributed to the investigation.

Forest D. “Tony” Hall, 69, of Sitka in Johnson County, Elbridge Cook, 62, and Michael Ellis, 62, both of Corinth in Grant County, James Auxier, 41, of East Point in Johnson County, and Charles Creech, 73, of Beattyville in Lee County were arrested in Kentucky.

Officers serving a summons to George Hill, 57, of Waco in Madison County, arrested him instead when they found him to be illegally in possession of eight coyotes.

Thomas Hymer, 78, of Irvine in Estill County, and Clustena Hall, 70, of Sitka, were served summonses to appear in Madison District Court and Johnson District Court, respectively.

The out of state arrest warrant remained unserved and officers expect to complete that arrest this weekend.

Operation Gyp-Sum was triggered in July 2007 when Virginia officers notified Kentucky officers that Howard Blevins of Asheville, NC, a principal subject in a multi-state investigation of persons trafficking in wild foxes and coyotes was making frequent and routine stops at certain locations in Kentucky. Officers involved in that multi-state investigation provided Kentucky officers with GPS map coordinates of Blevins’ visits and phone numbers of persons he was contacting.

Kentucky officers were assisting in several other states’ investigations at that time, and in November 2007, Alabama Wildlife and Fisheries officers closed their own fox and coyote trafficking investigation with 18 arrests in three states, including Blevins for his involvement.

For the past 20 months, Kentucky undercover officers witnessed the illegal buying, selling and possession of live foxes and coyotes. They also witnessed Creech cutting the tails off live coyotes destined for use in chase pens.

“Officers in other states have heard of that practice, but this is the first time someone has actually demonstrated it to an officer,” said a Kentucky undercover officer who witnessed the mutilation. “The tail is the first thing the hounds grab, so cutting it off makes it harder for the dogs to catch the coyote and extends the chase.”

Creech is charged with seven counts of cruelty to animals, nine counts of illegally possessing wildlife without a permit, and seven counts of illegally buying wildlife. He was arrested and faces fines up to $15,000 and up to seven years in jail.

The trade in foxes and coyotes stems from the practice of turning packs of fox hounds loose inside fenced enclosures ranging in size up to several hundred acres to chase foxes or coyotes. The chases may begin about sundown and may continue through noon or so the next day.

Officers say some chase pen operators need a continuous supply of foxes and coyotes and will pay as much as $100 or more for each animal.

That sets off alarms for wildlife biologists concerned about creating a commercial black market in Kentucky for the sale of coyotes and foxes to running pens.

“A market for coyotes in Kentucky would encourage people from out of state to bring coyotes here to sell,” said state furbearer biologist Laura Patton. “Complaints about problem coyotes in urban areas and by livestock farmers are increasing. We need to reduce the potential for coyotes coming into Kentucky.

“Bringing coyotes or foxes into Kentucky puts our native wildlife populations at risk of contracting diseases that currently exist only in other states,” said Patton. “These diseases include canine rabies and echinococcus multilocularis, a species of tapeworm that can infect humans and pets, spread to the liver, lungs and brain, remain undetected for years, and then cause death.”

The commercial trafficking of live-trapped coyotes inside Kentucky also runs the risk of spreading canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies, brucellosis, tapeworm, canine heartworm, canine hepatitis or mange by taking it from one area and spreading it to other wildlife, domestic pets and livestock.

“Even the hounds that come into contact with these foxes and coyotes during the chase are at risk to contract and become carriers of these diseases,” said wildlife biologist and state furbearer program coordinator Steven Dobey. “They can carry it back with them and possibly infect other pets and humans they contact, as was the case when the coyote strain of rabies was discovered in Alabama and Florida and linked to the illegal importation of coyotes from Texas for use in chase pens.” Humans were exposed and dogs had to be destroyed.

“Disease transmission aside,” said Patton, “many of these animals were trapped as nuisance animals. But a nuisance coyote trapped in one county and moved to another location can become someone else’s nuisance when it escapes.

“It is illegal to buy or sell wild-caught animals in Kentucky,” Patton said.

“The lessons taught by history are clear,” said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Director of Law Enforcement Col. Bob Milligan, “about how wildlife populations can be devastated when people develop an illegal commercial market for them. This investigation plainly shows how quickly a black market can develop.”

Tony Hall faces up to $135,000 in fines. He was arrested and charged with 67 counts of illegally buying wildlife, 20 of illegally selling wildlife, and 96 of possessing wildlife without a permit.

Cook, charged with 14 counts of illegally assisting in the sale of wildlife, 111 counts of illegally selling wildlife and 164 counts of illegally possessing wildlife for the purpose of sale, was arrested and faces a maximum of $282,000 in fines.

Ellis is charged with 73 counts of illegally assisting in the sale of wildlife, 18 counts of illegally selling wildlife and 39 counts of illegally possessing wildlife for the purpose of sale. He was arrested and faces potential fines totaling $93,500.

Auxier was arrested and charged with 36 counts of illegally assisting in the buying and selling of wildlife. He faces up to $18,000 in fines.

Hill is charged with four counts of illegally buying wildlife and 11 counts of illegal possession. He was arrested and issued a summons and faces up to $7,500 in fines.

Hymer is charged with four counts of illegally assisting in buying wildlife. He was issued a summons and faces up to $2,000 in fines.

Clustena Hall is charged with five counts of illegally possessing wildlife and faces up to $2,500 in fines.
Huffman is charged with 15 counts of illegally possessing wildlife and 15 counts of illegally buying wildlife. He was arrested and faces up to $22,500 in fines.

About:
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. - -(AmmoLand.com)- The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” echoes across our state, from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields, to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods.

Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages residents to educate themselves and take the proper precautions essential in co-existing with coyotes.

“Historically, coyotes were most commonly found on the Great Plains of North America. However, their range has expanded greatly. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. In fact, coyotes have adapted quite well to living in suburbs and cities like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief of Game Management.

“Preventive methods are the best solutions for residents to reduce the potential for human-coyote conflicts,” explains Bowers.

Though the coyote’s principal diet typically consists of small rodents and fruit, they are characterized as opportunistic and will prey on small, domestic animals if given the opportunity. Because of this, small house pets (especially cats), young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable and susceptible prey. The division advises landowners and homeowners to heed the following precautions to ensure the safety of their animals: – Take pets indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time. (In addition to coyotes, small pets may fall prey to free-roaming dogs and great horned owls.) – If the pet must be kept outside, install fencing and flood lights to discourage predators. – Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed or sheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although they are often blamed for such nuisance instances. (It should be noted that free-roaming dogs, rather than coyotes, are notorious for harassing, damaging or killing livestock.)

The division encourages residents to also heed the additional following tips in an effort to minimize coyote habituation to humans and ensure public health and safety: – NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a coyote. – Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors or feed pets indoors and refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts. – Make trashcans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trashcans in a secured location until trash day.

Additional solutions for managing coyotes and the problems they may cause include trapping and/or hunting. Coyotes are not native to Georgia and may be hunted/trapped year-round. The division does NOT provide trapping services, but maintains a list of permitted and licensed trappers across the state. Residents interested in hiring a private trapper may contact the local Wildlife Resources Division office or call 770-918-6416 for a referral.

“The division receives numerous calls each year. Most callers report the sighting of a coyote or request coyote relocation,” says Bowers. “Relocation is not a solution. Relocating coyotes only moves the problem into someone else’s backyard. It also usually means a slower death resulting from the stress of being released into unfamiliar territory. Trapping and killing habituated or problem coyotes is the only reasonable way to keep them out of backyards.”

While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of the back.

For more information regarding coyotes, visit www.georgiawildlife.com , contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Nikon 4.5-14x40 Coyote Special Advantage Max-1 Scope

Nikon Hunting

Melville, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Thanks to Nikon, predator hunters now have a choice of riflescopes built specifically for their unique needs. Paired with Nikon’s all new BDC Predator Hunting Reticle the new Coyote Special riflescopes are definitely at the top of the food chain.

Nikon’s patent pending BDC Predator Hunting Reticle utilizes ballistic circles with carefully researched spacing that is designed around the needs of predator hunters. The unique, open circle design does not obscure the target, making shots on a moving coyote simple.

“More and more predator hunters are demanding gear built for the sport they enjoy most,” said Jon LacCorte, Senior Product Marketing Manager. “It only makes sense for us to combine our BDC technology in a riflescope built just for the predator hunter.”

Each of the new Nikon Coyote Special riflescopes also includes ARD (Anti Reflective Device) technology that eliminates game-spooking objective lens glare, and are available in a choice of camouflage finishes.

Generous eye relief and Nikon’s legendary durability means predator hunters can depend on these scopes in any condition and on any hunt. With Nikon’s multicoated lenses featuring 92% light transmission, the view is crystal clear at those critical first and last minutes of light. The durable one-inch tube and hand turn 1/4 MOA adjustment mean simple, easy sight in sessions and scopes they stay on target.

The new Coyote Special riflescopes are available in two power ranges and two camo options to match any terrain or riflescope need. For hunts that take place in more open country the 4.5-14X40 gives the power range necessary to make the longer shots while thick cover hunters will enjoy the wide field-of-view the 3-9X40 offers.

The 3-9X40 with BDC Predator Hunting Reticle in Realtree Advantage Max 1 or Mossy Oak Brush has an MSRP of $279.95. The 4.5-14X40 with Predator Hunter BDC in Realtree Advantage Max 1 or Mossy Oak Brush has an MSRP of $349.95. Both models will be on dealer shelves by late spring 09.

Nikon also offers matching camouflage scope rings in the Advantage Max 1 and Mossy Oak Brush patterns.

For more information about the new Coyote Special Riflescope and the full line of Riflescopes, Laser Rangefinders, Binoculars, and Spotting Scopes, contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064. 1-800-645-6687. www.nikonhunting.com.

About:
Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)-  Although beaver trapping season runs through March 31, all other Kansas trapping seasons are over for the winter. However, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reminds hound enthusiasts that the furbearer running season begins March 1. This is the time for furbearer hunters and their dogs to hone skills necessary during the furbearer hunting seasons.

During the running season, no furbearer may be legally killed or taken. In addition, it is illegal for runners to possess any firearm or other weapon while pursuing furbearers during the running season. Legal hours for running furbearers are 24 hours daily, and a furharvester license is required. The running season is open through Nov. 1.

Furbearers may also be run during the open furbearer hunting seasons, which coincide with trapping seasons.

KDWP also reminds furharvesters that legally acquired live furbearers may be kept only through the last day of the season (Feb. 15). All furbearers (except bobcats and swift fox) must be skinned within 48 hours of the close of the season. Raw pelts may not be kept past the dates below. (Any pelt that has not been tanned, including those stretched and dried are considered raw.)

Raw pelt possession deadlines are as follow:

• Beaver — April 30;
• Raccoon, red and gray fox, and opossum — Feb. 29; and
• Other furbearers — March 16.

Exceptions may be granted by special permit. Bobcat and swift fox pelts with export tags, and coyotes, may be possessed for an unlimited time. More information on furbearering animals and furharvesting is available here.

Hunter's Specialties Al Morris And Garvin Young Win World Coyote Calling Championship

Cortez, New Mexico - -(AmmoLand.com)- Al Morris, a member of the Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff, and his hunting partner Garvin Young recently won the 2008 annual World Coyote Calling Championship in Cortez, Colorado. They are the only team ever to win back-to-back and to capture three World Championship titles.

Morris and Young came in first in a field of 128 two-man teams who entered the event.

The contest is held over a day and a half, where participants try to call in and shoot the highest number of coyotes. Al and Garvin managed to take 18. The second place team finished with 13 coyotes.

“This year we hunted an area south of Cortez in New Mexico on some Navajo Nation land,” said Al. “We did some extensive scouting and found a location with plenty of coyotes that hadn’t been pressured by hunters. We did some late evening and early morning howling on our Mac Daddy Howlers to locate the coyotes. According to our best guess there were around 100 coyotes in the area.”

“We used the Johnny Stewart Preymaster-4 Caller with the authentic Johnny Stewart sounds. The Grown Cottontail Distress sound proved most effective,” stated Morris. “Garvin and I have worked hard to perfect our calling and set up techniques over the years. We like to use a set up that provides some elevation so we can see coyotes coming in from a distance. Since the Johnny Stewart PM-4 is a wireless remote operated caller we could set the speaker upwind of our location 50-60 yards to draw attention away from our set up.”

“We used Hunter’s Specialties Scent-A-Way products to remain scent free while we’re hunting. It really makes a difference since coyotes will almost always circle down wind of your stand to try and smell you. Garvin and I always split up so that whether the coyote circled close of far away, one of us would be in range. We shot one coyote at 5 feet in front of us and 6 of them were less than 20 yards. With the HS Scent-A-Way, the coyotes didn’t smell us, so we were able to get a considerably better shot.”

“Learning to use the right calls and working to be scent-free with the Hunter’s Specialties Scent-A-Way products definitely helped us win our third title. It takes a little more effort and attention to details, but at the end of the day it makes all the difference in the world.”

This year’s contest also saw Hunter’s Specialties National Pro Staff member Steve Criner and his hunting partner Clay Owens take 9 coyotes for a 7th place finish in a tough field of top competitors.

“We spent five days scouting and sleeping out among the coyotes,” said Criner. “We were the only team from the Midwest to enter the competition. This is truly a contest among the best predator hunters that are out there. I believe the combination of Scent-A-Way and the Johnny Stewart calls gave us a real advantage. Hunting coyotes in the Midwest is a lot different than it is in the west. We were looking for anything that would give us an extra edge and the Hunter’s specialties products did just that. We’re excited about where we placed this year and can’t wait to get back in the hunt for a title next year.”

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Watch Hunter’s Specialties on the Outdoor Channel