A Friends First Coyote Hunt

This short article was recently published in the Sportsman Alliance of Maine (SAM) January/February 2015 Newsletter . . . enjoy! 

I remember fondly one particular evening a few years ago when I had the distinct pleasure of taking a friend out coyote hunting. This particular outing, it was an impossibly frigid January evening but my friend as excited and I aimed to please. Heading out the door, I noted that the thermometer on the deck read -17 degrees F, cold enough where we needed to use extreme caution exposing any flesh to the elements for fear of frostbite. A brilliantly bright full moon cast eerie shadows throughout the woodlands making my eyes swear they could see movement even when there was none. The short walk to our set-up location did precious little to warm us in the brutal cold but that meant little as I looks at my friend and he was grinning.

After 15 minutes of sitting on a high granite shelf overlooking the edge of an expansive frozen swamp with the sounds of wounded snowshoe rabbit blasting on the electronic call, a chorus of several excited song dogs started howling LOUDLY west of our position. Immediately after this auditory barrage a very concerned friend, his adrenaline pumping and nerves slightly frayed, slowly turned his head in my direction and whispered "WE are going to DIE!" This comment was soon followed by a remark inquiring about how many rounds of ammunition I had decided to bring and how fast I could work the bolt action on my rifle.

As my friend was only along to watch and was not carrying a firearm as a true “friend”, to further frazzle his already frayed nerves, I cranked the electronic call to its highest volume and hit "lone coyote howl". My poor, poor friend immediately flinched violently in his seat, his eyes expanded to the size of dinner plates and I am fairly certain he released something from his lower intestine in an uncontrolled fashion. I had all I could do not to burst out in hysterical laughter. Repeating the call several more times I could tell the old boy was at the end of his proverbial rope and I whispered, "that was me" lest he attempt to run for it. Thankfully, my friend has an incredible sense of humor and all I received as a through description of where I could stick my electronic call instead of the physical beating I probably deserved.

In my friend’s defense, if you have never hunted predators like coyote, bobcat and bear you are likely unaware of how vulnerable it can make you feel, when a coyote howls or a bobcat or black bear silently stalks past you by only a few feet. The hairs on the back of your neck stand on end and goose bumps spring forth from your body as the primitive mind regresses to a time when man was the hunted and not the hunter of these beasts. The feeling is similar to what it is like to watch a horror movie; there is something unique inside each of us that simply enjoys a good scare. When you combine this adrenaline packed punch with the challenge of calling and the added struggle against the winter season, you begin to see the attraction of hunting these predators. The winter season is a playground for predator hunters high on the excitement of being able to hunt bobcat, fox, coyote and even raccoon.

While it is enjoyable to target each of these animals with game calling, another popular method is the placing of bait. Bait piles containing road killed deer carcasses frequently draw all four of these furbearers, making morning and evening sits especially exciting as the hunter is never sure what critter might suddenly appear. December marks the beginning of the coyote night hunting season and dedicated sportsmen not afraid to subject themselves to the fury of the Maine winter are typically richly rewarded. Constructing warm shelters, for sitting in on cold winter nights, is mandatory for hunters to be able to hide movement and remain comfortable for long hours when the mercury plummets. These shelters range from drafty old retired ice shacks to well insulated, propane heated condos with lazy-boy recliners and bunks. With the trick to killing more coyotes, directly tied to spending as much time as possible on a bait site, comfort certainly pays huge dividends.

After investing over a hundred hours last winter sitting on bait sites, I can tell you that the most important consideration is having a comfortable chair. On a calm still evening, were even the smallest sound is amplified, a chair that allows you to sit practically motionless for 6-8 hours in absolutely critical. Maintaining “baited sites” is a labor-intensive process and hunters employ a variety of methods to attempt to keep sites refreshed with bait and active. Hungry critters can wipe out an active bait site fairly quickly, leaving hunters with nothing more to hunt over than skeletons. To battle this problem, many employ filling five gallon buckets with meat and water, freezing them solid. This allows critters to smell and dig at the bait, only extracting small morsels at each visit. This keeps predators hungry and coming back often to check on the site. Another method, I employed this previous hunting season is taking 4 large logs, nail them together in a square shape and cover the top with chicken wire, bait is then place under this chicken wire frame. Predators are able to see, smell and dig at the bait through he chicken wire but it is extremely difficult for them to eat more then a tiny amount at each visit.

Several laws exist dictating the placement of bait. These include proximity rules related to distance from dwellings, campgrounds and roads. Bait sites must also be labeled with a clearly visible 2 by 4 inch tag with the name and address of the baiter. Bait sites are subject to Maine’s litter laws and must be cleaned up when requested to do so by the landowner or within 20 days from the last day the site was hunted over. It is illegal to place bait on ice of waters that serve as municipal water supplies, or their tributaries. Before determining where to place a bait site, hunters should become thoroughly familiar with these laws and limitations. Individuals without direct access to public land will find that many opportunities exist where hunters can place bait on the edging of frozen lakes and ponds.

Ice Fishing Salmon, Predator Hunting Coyotes

Cathance Lake, (Delorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (MAG), Map 36, E-4) in Washington County, was one of the first Maine lakes to be artificially stocked with landlocked salmon. Occurring in 1868, using salmon eggs obtained at Grand Lake Stream, the lake has since grown into a hugely successful salmon fishery. The lake’s 2,905 acres and 75 ft watery depths provide excellent habitat for salmon, perhaps one of the most consistent salmon fisheries in eastern Maine. Salmon caught by ice anglers typically range from 17 to 19-inches with the chance to pull up a larger trophy fish always a possibility.

Brook trout are produced in several of the lakes tributaries and anglers tend to catch 10 to 12 inch fish in the lake with 14 to 16 inch trout a possibility Ice anglers on foot will park at the plowed and well maintained boat launch on route 191 and walk the 1 mile up the lake to Todd Island. Good fishing exists all around Todd Island and the island also provides shelter and a place to build a small fire should the weather turn difficult.

Anglers targeting salmon will encounter more success if they bring smelts. While salmon will bite shiners, a much larger degree of success will be managed by those willing to invest a little more expense and effort and use smelts. If unaccustomed to using these bait fish, know they are notoriously difficult to keep alive. Bait buckets equipped with small aerators will increase the chances of keeping bait actively swimming all day long.

Predator Hunting 
Sportsmen often ask me how they can become more successful at hunting coyotes. While these individuals tend to employ fairly sound hunting tactics, they fall short on a few critical details that hurt their success rate. While scent control is always an issue with coyotes, also is having camouflage well matched to the intended hunting area and seasons.

By being mindful of the anticipated hunting location and watchful of the surroundings, hunters can more easily blend into the environment and achieve greater success. Winter’s first snowfall vastly changes the visual environment and camouflage patterns useful in the spring, summer and fall are no longer effective. As bad as dark camouflage patterns are against an open snow covered field, white or snow camouflage patterns are equally bad when contrasted against dark woodland backgrounds. High contrasts create easily visible silhouettes. In the winter, exercise caution when using white camouflage in dark woodlands as the wary eyes of predators will easily see your movements. In these situations, a mixed camouflage choice consisting of white pants and a favorite woodlands pattern will break up your outline better than all white. Other good examples include, hiding in a snowy brush pile wearing Seclusion 3D winter or wearing the white and blotchy green Flecktarn pattern when hunting a snowy pine or spruce thicket. The trick to perfecting camouflage is to create less sharp lines by blending to create a more “fuzzy” silhouette.

Sportsman looking to enter into the world of winter hunting need not break the bank, a set of military surplus white nylon pants and jacket for $20 and polyester winter hat and gaiter from Walmart for $5 creates a set that allows hunters to quickly and easily adapt to different winter hunting scenarios with minimal effort. Other “thrifty” options include using white hooded painter coveralls or simply a white bed sheet (just remember that cotton will quickly absorb water and ice up).

While hunters typically understand the importance of effective camouflage, those looking to confuse the sharp eyes of predators, must also carefully examine their face, hands and feet. Always on the move, turning side to side and looking up and down, the face frequently alerts game animals to a hunter’s presence. Hunters can negate this issue by employing slow movements and choosing a facemask that fits properly. A properly fitting facemask assures a hunter will consistently wear it and that it doesn’t block ones vision at the time of the shot. I own half a dozen different facemasks. For example, one is fleece lined for late season deer; another is all mesh for June turkeys, then there is the neoprene ½ mask for January sea ducks and finally the full face fleece lined balaclava for hunting late season coyotes in brown woodlands camouflage and all white. The trick is to have a wide enough selection to allow matching facemasks to the weather and the natural hunting environment.

Ungloved hands create a lot of visual disturbance whether repositioning a firearm for a shot or scratching an itch. I have several different pairs of gloves designed to match the weather and blend with the environment. Critical with gloves, as previously mentioned with facemasks, is perfect fit. A badly fitted glove can inadvertently place pressure on a trigger and cause it to fire at an inopportune time. On the other hand, a glove that is too thin may allow better trigger feel but be ineffective in warding off the cold. Chemical heater packs and mittens with trigger openings are a great way to insulate with less “bulk”, allowing more control over a rifle’s safety and trigger.

Of all the body parts, feet are without a doubt the most often forgotten. While not nearly as critical to camouflage as head and hands, in certain situations feet can really stand out. Think hunter dressed in white camouflage standing in a snow-covered field with brown boots and YIKES you can see what I mean. What most don’t realize is that feet are incredibly easy to camouflage without buying a dozen different pairs of boots. One of the easiest things to do is to simply pull pant legs completely over the top part of the boot rather than tucking them in. This will succeed in hiding about 70% of the boots total visible area.

 Coyotes prefer to expend as little energy as possible in winter and will frequently travel snowmobile trails to more efficiently travel through areas with significant snowfall. This creates great ambush locations for hunters wanting to try out their new winter camouflage pattern. Great hunting can be accessed at the end of the Carson Road in Calais (Map 37, C-1). Following the impressive network of logging roads and well-packed snowmobile trails make walking, snowshoeing or cross-county skiing into the vast woodlands an easy endeavor. Stalking into areas such as Carson Heath (Map 37, C-1), the Flowed Lands Ponds (Map 37, C-1) and Beaver Lake (Map 37, C-1) are sure to provide hunters with an exciting afternoon.

Wildlife Quiz - Eastern Coyote

The eastern coyote (Canis latrans "var.") exists as members of the canine family and ranges across the north and eastern United States and into sections of Canada. Eastern coyotes possess easily distinguishable characteristics including thick gray fur, pointy snouts and bushy black-tipped tails. Adaptable predators, eastern coyotes prospers in a diverse range of habitats, including forests, fields, swamps, and even the edging of urban areas.

The eastern coyote has an opportunistic and seasonally varied diet, gaining nourishment from a wide assortment of both plant and animal matter including rabbits, mice, garbage, fruit, berries and even insects. The eastern coyote is a formidable predator, equipped with powerful jaws, lightening speed and a nose capable of detecting blood several miles away.

Weighting between 30-50 pounds (approximately twice the size of their cousin, the western coyote), the eastern coyote is capable of easily killing large prey including adult deer. Genetic research has proven that the eastern coyote's large size and unique behavioral characteristics are directly tied to its interbreeding with wolves. In a recent survey, biologists sampled 100 Maine "coyotes", results showed that 22 had half or more grey wolf DNA & one was 89% grey wolf. Given that the largest coyote ever harvested in Maine was massive 65 pounds, this data is not all that surprising. 

The eastern coyote-mating season occurs in February and March. Females typically birth litters of between 4-8 pups born in late April or early May. Pups stay with parents for up to a year before venturing forth to find their own territory and mate. Coyotes tend to choose a singular mate for life, unless that mate is killed.

Wildlife Quiz Questions: 
1. What is the average weight of an adult eastern coyote?
 2. When do eastern coyotes mate?
3. How soon after birth can a pup eastern coyote leave its parents?
4. How much did the biggest eastern coyote harvested in Maine weigh?
5. What percentage of eastern coyotes in Maine have wolf DNA?
6. How many pups are born into a typical litter?
7. Do eastern coyotes mate for life?
8. When are eastern coyote pups typically born?

Wildlife Quiz Answers:
1. Eastern coyotes weigh an average of 30-50 pounds.
2. Eastern coyotes mating season occurs in February and March.
3. Eastern coyote pups will still stay with their parents for up to a year before heading out on their own.
4. The biggest eastern coyote harvested in Maine weighed 65 pounds.
5. Twenty-two percent of the eastern coyotes in Maine have wolf DNA.
6. Between 4-8 pups are born into a typical litter.
7. Yes, eastern coyotes typically mate for life.
8. Eastern coyote pups are typically born in April or early May.

August PERFECT for Coyote Hunting and Bass Fishing!

Coyote Hunting 

While hunters can shoot coyotes in Maine all year round, a special night hunting permit allows hunters to shoot coyotes at night until Aug. 31st. While use of spotlights is certainly extremely beneficial, hunting under the added illumination of a full moon offers an even higher degree of visibility, providing more accurate species identification and faster target acquisition in a larger kill zone. The full moon on August 20th will afford the last really good opportunity to pursue these critters at night until the coyote night hunting season re-opens in mid December.

Those new to the exciting sport of predator hunting will find August the perfect time to get out and try their luck, as young coyotes will be out and about in the early evenings. These awkward, uneducated teenage coyotes are typically much easier to dupe and will often forgive calling mistakes that would typically run off more wary mature coyotes. If wanting to try hunting coyotes and yet to do so, this is the month! The shear number of available predator calls is mind blowing and newbies often have a difficult time making a selection that is both easy to operate and works well on Washington County coyotes. The “Original Tweety” call by Verminator is a small hand held call, quick to learn and operate and capable of producing a wide range of calls from wounded bird to rabbit to deer by simply placing the reed at different depths within the mouth. For those looking to attempt some basic howling, the Primos Mini-Mag Howler is a fantastic starting call. While it does require a fair amount of practice before attempting to take it afield it is still one of the easiest howlers to learn to call well. Additionally, howling mistakes made by newbie predator callers will not be that important in August as teenage coyote howls frequently crack and are not as perfect and on key as the adults.

The Stud Mill road is a dirt highway through the vast Maine wilderness, providing access to thousands of miles of prime coyote hunting opportunities. One of my personal favorite spots is located in and around Cranberry lake (DeLorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (MAG), Map 35 E2 and 3). Hunting in groups of 3 or 4 people a common technique involves using a vehicle to drop off individuals at set intervals and have them try calling. A couple miles between each caller is sufficient spacing and allows each person plenty of breathing room. Once the driver parks the vehicle and is in place, they call for about an hour and then drive back and collect the other hunters. This sequence can be repeated over and over and allows a group to cover a lot of miles calling. Just remember to take turns being the last man out of the truck as stud mill coyotes seem to be forgiving of vehicles that simply drive by but a stopping vehicle makes them extremely cagey and the last man out of the truck usually shoots the least number of coyotes.

 Please remember that the Stud Mill road and all of the connecting side roads are a titanic and complex maze for the uninitiated. When dropping off hunters, be sure to have a plan in place for pick-up that involves colored marking ribbons at drop off positions, a set meeting time to be by the roadside and GPS waypoints. Being lost in the Maine woods anytime of year isn’t an enjoyable option and a simple plan makes this scenario completely preventable.

Bass Fishing
Haven’t yet quite quenched that bass fishing desire? Well, now is the time to get out there on the water. While a certain contingent of anglers believe strongly in a strict policy of catch and release that does not match my ideals. Fishing without keeping a few of these delectable trophies to me is a lot like chewing and not being allowed to swallow . . . there is simply an enjoyable component of the fishing experience that is inherently missing.

If planning to try hauling in a few hogs for the deep fat fryer, the perfect size bass is in the 2-3 pound range. This size makes for a good-sized filet for the exerted effort and also provides a younger fish less likely to be loaded with copious amounts of mercury. Though many will brag about their award winning frying batters, I prefer a easy to prepare whole milk, egg, flour dip. Simply put each of the three ingredients in separate bowls and dip the filets into each bowl, completely covering them with each of the ingredients. Once the pieces are completely covered with batter they can be lightly dropped into the deep fat fryer where they sputter in the hot oil till they reach a golden brown color. Once removed pat dry with a paper towel, salt heavily and drop on a plate with a side of garlic smashed potatoes and a couple ears of corn on the cob, lightly sprinkled with chili powder. DELICIOUS!

Bass #50 for the Day

It is certainly no secret that Washington County contains numerous truly epic lakes and ponds, filled to the brim with large and small mouth bass. Topping this listing of impressive waters is Grand Falls Flowage (DeLorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (MAG), Map 36, A-2). This shallow 6,691acre body of water contains submerged logs, stumps and aquatic vegetation making it perfect habitat for birthing big bass. The flowage also commonly produces small mouths in the 3-4 pound range due to strict length limits. While bass certainly thrive in this location that does not mean they will necessarily be easily caught. A number of factors including time of day, ability to locate promising bottom structure and lure selection presents just a few of the variables that will need to be carefully considered.

One way to stay updated on the latest bass fishing action is to check out: http://www.themainebladerunners.net. This local bass fishing club was established to promote bass fishing in Washington County and the surrounding area. Their primary goal is to improve the sport through such endeavors as introducing more youth to bass fishing, promoting catch and release and helping to improve the quality of fishing in Downeast Maine. The president Matthew Mitchell and the rest of the club members enjoy promoting the sport, answering questions and assisting other anglers in finding that magic selection of lures, time and habitat that will lead to a successful day on the water!

Washington County Report – March

The Maine Sportsman - New England's Largest Outdoor Publication – Has assigned me as the writer for the magazines monthly Washington County Report. The column will highlight seasonal hunting, fishing and outdoor activities in Washington County, Maine. The copy below is the originally submitted unedited version. Enjoy! 

For more information on the Maine Sportsman Magazine or to order a subscription click this link: http://mainesportsman.com and https://www.facebook.com/mainesportsman
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Last Minute Ice Fishing 
By March, winter’s icy grip on Washington County begins slowly loosening and snow covered landscapes begin springing back to life. This final conclusion, at the end of a long cold winter, always seems to renew my passion to get back into the wilds. Historically warmer days and longer amounts of daylight make all outdoor activities more enjoyable. Gardner Lake Salmon and Monster Pickerel March starts with most waterways ice covered and safe to travel, however, as the month progresses, ice anglers must use extreme care and monitor the ice thickness frequently. This period of transition differs wildly each year, sometimes occurring at a snail’s pace and sometimes happening rapidly and with little warning.

Those still ice fishing this month, will typically enjoy some absolutely amazing days on the ice. Past trips, have yielded anglers in t-shirts, as lunchtime temperatures push almost 60 degrees F. Days like these, spent throwing the pigskin around the ice, make glorious memories even when few fish are caught. For the college crowd, at my alma mater the University of Maine at Machias, these types of days meant skipping classes and chasing salmon on Gardner Lake in East Machias. Access to Gardner Lake is easy thanks to a fine-looking boat launch just a few miles outside of the town of East Machias. After the intersection of Route 191 and Route 1, follow Route 1 for an additional 1.5 mi until you see the Chases Mill road on your left. Drive down Chases Mill road until it crosses Chase Mill stream. The landing is immediately after the bridge on the right. Park at the landing and you will see that a short walk to the north, sits a large island that over the years has provided countless ice anglers a base of operations for their day of lazy angling enjoyment. Use care when approaching and especially leaving the island, to stay on the northwestern island shore and walk straight back to the landing. This time of year, the ice on the eastern side of the island can begin losing stability, due to the shallow water and current created by Chase Mill stream.

Salmon populations on Gardner Lake are not what they have been in years past; in the 1960’s 4.5-pound fish were always a possibility. Nowadays, typical salmon run about 16 inches or less, with the lake still producing larger specimens from time to time. Anglers should expect slow fishing for salmon and fairly regular flags triggered by small mouth bass and pickerel. While salmon populations seem to be dropping, chain pickerel populations have been on the rise and it is not unusual to pull one through the ice 20 inches or larger. Look for Gardner Lake on DeLorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (MAG), Map 26, B-4.

Coyotes Desperate but not STUPID

By winter’s conclusion, coyotes get a little more daring, as their fat reserves dwindle and access to easy meals diminish. This scenario provides the perfect opportunity to hunt these wily predators, as occasionally growling stomachs can short circuit their survival instincts and provide hunters with a small advantage. This does not mean that hunters should not continue practice good scent control and use wind direction and positioning to their advantage. Even a hungry coyote is extremely cautious and hunters who think otherwise will go home without firing a shot. The individual who hunts coyotes and despite best efforts continues to come up empty handed, needs to honestly review their hunting practices and determine what they are doing wrong. Coyote hunters primarily fail because they do not pay enough attention to wind direction and proper positioning. Plan to encounter difficulties when hunting unfamiliar areas or locations. With no previous understanding of the topography, setting up for that “good” shot becomes difficult or impossible.

Pre-scouting to become familiar with an area and understanding the predominant wind direction makes it infinitely easier to arrive at a hunting location and not waste time setting up and making unnecessary noise. Spots visited frequently can even be brushed out ahead of time with available cover materials or canvas camouflage cloth. Tag teaming coyotes with another hunter is more fun, safer than hunting alone and makes for better averages. With one person carrying a rifle for long-distance shots and the other a shotgun any reasonable distance the coyote appears, will be in optimal shooting range. Also, while one hunter manages the calling, the other can always be prepared to discharge their firearm should Wiley appear!

Dog Gone Snowshoe Hare

My Grandfather thoroughly enjoyed tracking hare on snowshoes during the month of March. Armed with a .22 Colt Woodsman pistol, instead of the more popular scatter gun, he always surprised us by coming home with a hare or two. The old man had a secret tied to this success, endless amounts of patience. Without the assistance of man’s best friend, to chase hares from their hiding places, hunters must walk and stop frequently to make hares nervous enough to bolt into the open. Slowly and methodically walking ten steps and then pausing for thirty second to one minute, usually makes them run for the hills! While stopped, hunters should carefully examine every small detail of their surroundings, looking for anything that appears out of place. A nose twitching, round black eyes or an off colored patch of snow, all can betray a bunny’s camouflage IF a hunter remains vigilant. Keep an eye on your back trail, as often hares that do not immediately run, will attempt escape after passing.

Hunting for rabbits is typically more fun and successful if done with a partner. Just remember that when hunting in tandem that you will be hunting thick covers and determining each other’s exact position is often difficult. Always wear a florescent orange hat and vest! Not everyone has the time or the resources to manage a pack of beagles but that should not disappoint hunters from trying to walk a few snowshoe hare out of the woods this month!

Night Hunting Coyotes

It should be no secret that setting up a quality coyote bait for the night hunting season is no easy task. First one must select that perfect location that provides effective cover for spooky predators as well as good shot opportunities. Small ponds, fields and clear cuts are prime locations. This small wood lot pictured below, required about 12 hours of work with the chainsaw and hauling brush to get it "perfect". AND of course most importantly you got to make sure nobody dies.

To attract coyotes (night hunting) and other predators like fox and bobcat (legal day hunting only) your bait pile must contain protein sources to entice these scavengers. My bait pile this year includes deer, hog and one ill fated porcupine. Local butcher shops will be able to provide you with meat scraps BUT if you have the means, nothing attracts coyotes quite like a stinky old beaver carcass. 

In previous years, I have been plagued with coyotes and other predators stealing away the bait too quickly. I have tried to solve this problem, in past years by freezing the bait into 5 gallon buckets. This makes the hungry coyotes scratch and dig at the frozen "soup" throughout the entire season as it freezes and thaws. 

This year, as you can see in the picture below, I am trying something new. By wrapping the bait in chicken wire, I hope to make predators "work" at the bait, slowing down the time it takes to eat it all and providing me the added benefit of hopefully allowing a better shot opportunity. I currently have a game camera capturing video on the bait site, so stay tuned to see how this experiment ends. *Note in Maine you must clearly label your bait sites.

A comfortable 70 yard shot from the coyote blind, clear of visible obstructions, helps to make sure every shot opportunity amounts to a clean ethical kill. Note I attempted to tuck the hunting shack into the wood line but after over a month in the same location, I feel confident in assuming that it won't bother the coyotes.

Though may rifle options exist for the hunting of coyotes and other Maine predators, for quick follow-up shot opportunities, easy of use, reliability and a laundry list of possible modifications, it is difficult to beat the AR15 platform. Pictured below is the R15 in .223 . . . nicknamed "my Precious" (see her in action). It is topped with a Nikon 2x7 variable power scope. 

When the cold winds howl and the temperatures growl, it pays to have as little exposed to the elements as possible. A heavy curtain with a peep hole just barely large enough to fit through the rife's barrel and  scope provides visibility without sacrificing loss of heat. To the left, hangs the light switch to the red light that will illuminate the bait site on overcast or moonless nights. When operational, it runs off a 6 volt battery and the switch attaches directly to the rifles front hand guard.

The angle of death awaits any Coyote (Night Hunt 12/16/12-8/31/13), Red Fox (10/15/12-2/28/13) or Bobcat (12/1/12-2/14/13) that approaches the bait site.

HOME SWEET HOME!

Who is the Hunter and Who is the Hunted?

After a day of hunting the backside of the property, I noted a couple buck tracks and decided to set-up a camera on them and see if I could catch a glimpse of the potential rack of the deer that left them. On the way back home, I pulled a camera out of my backpack and hung it on a tree. 

The next weekend I went out and reclaimed the camera and began reviewing the photos and that is when I noted that a coyote had likely been following me. I finished setting up the camera at 5:59 PM and at 6:11PM along comes Mr. Coyote. Considering it took me a few minutes to re-pack my backpack and put it on, the amount of time separating me and the coyote was probably less than 5 minutes. The coyote was likely watching me from a distance the entire time, attempting to determine if I was a target worth tackling. 

While attacks by coyotes on humans are extremely rare, I am curious if had it been joined by others or had I been a woman or a child and of smaller build, if an attack would have occurred. While Maine law requires you to have an unloaded firearm, after the end of legal hunting hours, it does not limit your ability to carry a fully locked and loaded concealed weapon. Each of us needs to make his/her own choices about what it means to be safe and protected in the wilds, for me, peace of mind comes in the form of a handgun. 

Why You Shoot Coyotes!

These pictures are just a few taken from a larger collection of photographs that have been circulating via e-mail. For those who have not yet seen, they are a little disturbing but should serve as a stark reminder as to why coyote populations must remain in check. Maine sportsmen lets do our part by breaking out those deer rifles and giving the coyote populations a little bit of hell this holiday season!

MAINERS Coyote Night Hunting Starts TONIGHT!

More Posts From the Maine Outdoorsman on Coyotes:

• Dual Coyotes Caught on Game Camera
• Coyote Conundrum
• First Coyote of 2011
• We are Going to Die

The Coyote Conundrum

At times, I feel I am at a slight disadvantage not having a Facebook account. However, the investment of time and the hassle of managing yet another online application and the associated updating and maintenance, frankly makes my head hurt. Typically, the advantages have managed to outweigh these disadvantages . . . until that is a few days ago when I read the following reply off the public Facebook wall of Maine Magazine (http://www.facebook.com/mainemag) in reference to my blog. Since I can’t actually reply to this commenter in that forum, I wanted to offer a reply here on my blog. IF you have a Facebook account and want to comment directly on the Maine Magazine wall and link to this article it would be much appreciated!! Be warned that the comment is several posts deep and will require multiple hits on the "Older Posts" button till you make your way down to June 8th at 1:52 AM. Searching for themaineoutdoorsman also helps! Thanks!

Claire Perry writes - I am not anti-hunting. I own prime hunting land and I permit access by permission to hunters I know. HOWEVER, it is extreemly unfortunate that people in Maine do not educate themselves better on a beautiful and intelligent keystone predator...our Maine coyote. They eat mostly rodents, will respect your property boundries (unlike wolves) and are intelligent and HIGHLY BENEFICIAL to our ecosystem ! We can learn to coexiest with them..and SHOULD. Go to www.projectcoyote.org to learn more. And I challenge Maine dot to do an indepth interview with Geri Vistein...Maine Wildlife biologist and carnivore expert regarding these amazing animals. We already have enough magazines that view wildlife as something to kill for fun. Time to evolve. Wake up, Maine dot

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Conducting a short web search, I was quickly able to find many citations, conducted by state and regional biologist across the United States, clearly refuting and contradicting the claims of Claire Perry:

http://www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/coyoteresearch.shtm

- Primary wildlife species that the coyote prey upon are white-tailed deer and small mammals such as rats and mice. Their diet also consists of rabbits, groundhogs, ruffed grouse, turkeys, chipmunks, squirrels, muskrats, fruits, berries, carrion, and the occasional house cat.

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/behavior/Spring2004/holmberg/Holmberg2.html

- In western states alone, coyotes reportedly kill approximately $27 million worth of livestock each year (Gompper 2002).

http://www.nighthawkpublications.com/journal/457/journal_5.htm

- Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat a deer anytime the opportunity presents itself. With this in mind, coyote predation on deer is most prevalent during the fawning season

http://www.nighthawkpublications.com/journal/457/journal_3.htm

- In Maine, a state study concluded that coyotes killed almost as many deer as the hunters did in 1995.

- Coyotes have learned that in suburbia where they're not hunted and humans pose no threat to them, they can move into woodlots, fenced roads, ditches, rights of way and even flower beds and dodge human contact, yet remain close to their food sources, which sometimes include deer that also live in these same places.

http://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=299867&ac=Outdoors 

- Wolf genes allow coyotes to take bigger bite of deer herd

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Obviously, there are two sides to every argument, so I encourage everyone to read the facts, talk to biologists and consider both sides of the coyote conundrum. Like it or not coyotes are here in the state of Maine forever. Despite the fact they are an invasive species, no matter how much we do to try an eliminate their populations they will always adapt and persevere.

While I do not support the vilification of the coyote or their complete eradication (mostly because it would frankly be impossible) I do support the belief that their population in Maine has become excessive. I think it is possible and justifiable for IFW to implement more robust hunting and harvesting measures that would keep this animals population better in check, just as they do with all other managed game animals.

Additionally, I would add that enjoy hunting these beautiful and cunning predators and every coyote I have shot I consider a personal trophy. If you have not yet had a chance to hunt coyotes, bobcat and fox I strongly encourage you to give it a try!

WE are Going to DIE!

On this particular outing, the DDH and I were to attempt the most complicated of outdoor endeavors the dreaded late night/early morning coyote hunt combined with almost a complete day of ice fishing. While this would be a colossal task, for even the most die hard outdoorsmen, minus17 degree F temperatures kept us constantly watchful for frostbite and the onset of hypothermia, hampering our monumental efforts. At the conclusion of the two days we were rewarded by a ice fishing flag, a short salmon and some blood curdling late night coyote hunting.

The full moon cast eerie shadows throughout the woodlands making my eyes swear they could see movement even when there was none. After 15 minutes of sitting on a granite shelf on the edge of a frozen swamp, the sounds of wounded snowshoe rabbit, blasting on the electronic call, had a chorus of several excited song dogs wailing LOUDLY west of our position. A concerned DDH, slowly turned his head in my direction and whispered "WE are going to DIE!" This was soon followed by a remark inquiring on how many rounds of ammunition I had decided to bring and how fast I thought I could work a bolt action rifle. As a true “friend”, to further frazzle his already frayed nerves, I cranked the electronic call to its highest volume and hit "lone coyote howl". The DDH flinched in his seat (possibly from releasing something in an uncontrolled fashion) and his eyes expanded to the size of dinner plates. I had all I could do not to burst out laughing but immediately choked back this vocalization, as I frantically had to repeat, "that was me" lest he attempt to run for it.

In DDHs defense, if you have never hunted predators like coyotes, bobcats and bears you are unaware of how vulnerable it can make you feel. When a coyote howls or a bobcat or black bear silently stalks past you by only a few feet, the hairs on the back of your neck will stand on end like you are conducting electricity. Goose bumps spring forth from your body and your primitive mind regresses to a time when man was the hunted and not the hunter of these beasts. I sometimes feel it is similar to watching a horror movie, there is something unique inside each of us that simply enjoys a good scare. When you combine this adrenaline packed punch with the challenge of calling and the added struggle against the winter season, you begin to see the attraction of hunting these predators.

First Coyote of 2011

I love it when a plan comes together! This 35 pound male coyote was taken Saturday at 9:00 AM. I was hunting an area I had scouted extensively a month previous containing a large amount of coyote sign. A large granite rockfall of boulders boasted numerous well used dens and I was very confident that the morning was going to be productive. The edge of a small pond allowed me to quietly sneak into position and place my electronic call 100 yards to the NW. A gentle 3-5 mile per hour breeze blew directly in my face as I positioned myself behind a small spruce tree. I played a total of 6 repetitions of screaming snowshoe hare with a minute pause between each and an increasing volume level after every 2 sequences, ending at the max volume for the device. Suddenly I caught movement out of my left eye as two coyotes moved quickly through the underbrush and popped onto the frozen surface of the lake 15 yards from where I was sitting and downwind of the electronic call at about 85 yards.

Knowing that they were unable to catch my scent, I took my time raising the rifle and centered the cross hairs on the larger of the two dogs. I whispered "got ya" and pulled the trigger dropping the dog with a lethal round of 125 grain .30-06 Springfield from my Marlin XL7. As if shocked that it had been deceived, the other coyote stopped dead in its tracks and looked around wildly, trying to determine the shot location. Working the bolt action with heavily gloved hands containing bulky heater packs, I made the mistake of not pulling the bolt back with enough force to eject the spent cartridge. As I turned the rifle over, to drop the spent round from the receiver, a VERY luck coyote sped through the forest like it was on fire. I let out a silent chuckle at my mistake but knew that ultimately that coyote and I would meet again! Thus ends yet another wild predator hunting tale made possible because of my new best friend, the Fox Pro Spitfire.

Below are a few coyote hunting resources that I have found helpful. Even if you pursue these critters all the time the exciting thing about calling and hunting predators is that there always seems to be something new and exciting to learn. If you have any questions be sure to drop a comment and I will try my best to answer!

Resources:

• http://coyotehuntingresource.blogspot.com/
• http://varmintal.com/ahunt.htm
• http://www.wcp-nm.com/coyotes/index.htm
• http://www.coyotehuntinginfo.com/
• YouTube Videos Highlighting Coyote Hunting

Impressive Coyote Picture

I can't say I am overly excited to see coyotes running all over the property. However, I am impressed with the quality of this photograph. This is by far the best “yote” photo that the cameras have managed to capture to date. It looks like a strange smell on the breeze may be catching its attention. Also note the time the photo was taken and the temperature.

Trapping

This story starts with the discovery of a water stained box recently rescued from my parents basement. On the outside, scribbled in faded permanent marker, were the words trapping supplies. Within the confines of the slowly disintergrating cardboard, were my old and well rusted leg hold traps.

Upon opening, I was immediately flooded with many happy childhood memories of outwitting fox and coyotes with dirt hole and scent post sets. I started trapping when I was 8, immediately becoming addicted. For me there was something deeply intoxicating about checking the trap line each early Fall morning. The anticipation of a wild animal caught by my "trickery" was an amazing experience for a young sportsman. At some point during my reflection, I determined that this trapping season I would once again try my luck at capturing a few wiley canines.

An examination of my old traps showed that the years had not been kind and only a few were servicable. The logwood dye had blackened and magically somehow managed to save a few #2 Victor coilsprings from certain destruction, wrought from several decades in a damp basement.

Equipped financially much better than I was in middle school, I put the heavily rusted antiques aside and invested in 6 new #2 coil springs by Bridger. Where trap design has changed little in the past 20 years the process for blackening and preserving them against the elements has changed significantly. "Speed Dip" is now the new dyeing method and takes minutes rather than hours. The only drawback is that traps must be aired out for months before they are ready for fox and coyotes. Due to time, I will be airing mine for one month so this year trapping may be an experiment in frutility!?!? I hope it is enough time!

Another major advancement, is the creation of "disposable" stakes. These wonderful creations, eliminate the need to use rebar stakes that were practically impossible to retreive at the end of the season or when it was determined that a set needed to be moved. These new stakes are driven with a special tool and then easily retreived by pulling on a second wire attached to the anchor that reverses the direction of the device and allows it to be easily extracted. Apparently, gone are my days of swearing and herniated disc that occurred with the removal process of the old stake systems.

With traps preped and supplies secured the next step in this process would be securing a trapping licence. I was worried that IFWs records would not include my adult trapping licence but they were able to find it and issue me a new licence in minutes!!

Lastly, if I do in fact manage to actually catch something, I secured a couple handmade stretching boards from an oldtimer at the recent trappers rendezvous in Sidney, ME. Yeah, I could have purchased a couple of those fancy wire stretchers but for me the wooden option was the best fit and reminds me of the ones I used to have as a youngster.

Well off to the wilds to pre-build a few cubby and dirt hole sets! Will keep you posted as the season opens on October 18th!

5th Article Published!!

The Maine Sportsman - New England's Largest Outdoor Publication – Will be publishing my 5th story in their September 2009 edition (Pg. 21-23). The article will be part of the magazines “special sections” and highlight hunting with the single shot rifle. For more information on the Maine Sportsman Magazine or to order a subscription click this link: http://mainesportsman.comm. The copy below is the originally submitted unedited version. Enjoy!

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Hunting with the Single-Shot Rifle
By Steve Vose
Shooting Sports Article
September Issue - Due May 1, 2008

While conducting the end of the season annual inspection and cleaning regiment on the well used firearms inside my gun cabinet, I noted the small New England Firearms single shot .410 bore sitting in the corner. Picking up the very first firearm I had ever owned, an outpouring of memories washed over me. My mind raced with visions of that little beauty and I chasing rabbits through spruce thickets, flushing grouse out of old farm orchards and eliminating most of the red squirrel population in Washington County. Over the years several more firearms were added to my collection but none having a more special place in my heart than that old break action .410. Thinking more about those youthful and happy memories, I began to contemplate adding another single shot firearm to my collection.

Choosing a Configuration
A web search quickly presented me with a number of single shot rifle options. Most notably Ruger’s Number One and T/C Contender/Encore line which dominate the higher end of the single shot consumer grade market. Costing upwards of $800 these options were outside of my price range. It was at this time I heard that Marlin working in conjunction with newly acquired Harrington and Richardson and New England Firearms, were selling an entry level single shot for around $300 with used models at less than $200.

Thumbing through the H&R and NEF Sporting Firearms catalog will leave gun nuts drooling. Depicted within are an impressive collection of shotguns and rifles available in a variety of calibers and configurations. In shotguns .410 bore to 10 gauge and in rifles a dizzying array of center fire calibers in addition to the .17 HMR and assorted .22 rim fire options. Configurations immediately catching my eye included their quirky Survivor and Tamer line, Ultra Varmint rifles, stainless and superlight options. Being more of a traditionalist, I finally settled on the fine lines and craftsmanship evident in the Handi-Rifle (SB2) with walnut stock.

In the market for an extended range varmint gun that could double as an effective introductory deer rifle for my sons had me choosing the .243 Winchester. For those unfamiliar with this caliber it is fully capable of dispatching everything from woodchucks and coyotes to larger deer size animals.

The charted ballistics behind the .243 Winchester depict an energy packed, flat shooting round capable of producing approximately 1629 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards and a velocity of 2709 feet per second with the Remington Core-Lokt Ultra 100 grain loads. For distance shooting the Premier Accutip 75 gain loads are dead on at 150 yards, 0.4 inches high at 100 and 7.8 low at 300 yards.

Optics
I have been so impressed with the Handi-Rifles that I now own two in .243 Winchester caliber. As an experiment to test the sight quality and target acquisition between differing scopes I outfitted the two rifles with optics from both ends of the budgetary spectrum.

My first purchase a used light weight synthetic 20 inch barreled Handi-Rifle (SB2-SY5) was fitted with a budget conscious Tasco Pronghorn 3x9x40. The second purchase, the 22 inch barreled (SB2) was equipped with the Leupold VXII 3x9x40.

On the range at 100 yards during the full light of day there is little difference in the shooting performance achieved between the two optical selections. Even in the low light conditions encountered when night hunting coyotes I have found that the Tasco scope is fully capable when used under the light of a full moon. Where the Leupold VXII optics are impressive are during periods of extreme low light and inclement weather.

Hunting coyotes one frosty winter night heavily clouded skies and a waning crescent moon barely illuminated the surface of the frozen lake. As large fat flakes of snow began to fall the familiar silhouette of a coyote slipped silently down the edge of the lake. Slowly raising my rifle and peering through the Leupold scope I was not surprised to find a clear, crisp image. These are the types of instances where the superior light gathering and durable Leupold optics reign supreme against more budget conscious options.

Choosing a CaliberOn the Range
Ballistic charts are great but the target range provides a great proving ground where the effectiveness of a newly acquired firearm can be thoroughly tested. Firing 100 grain Remington Core-Lokt from a prone position I was able to produce 2 inch groups at 100 yards, not impressive but enough short range accuracy for most hunting applications. Ammo for the .243 Winchester is commonly carried by the smallest to the largest sports shops with the 100 and 80 grain most common. A trip to the range with the “cheap” stuff will set you back about $18.00 a box. Other performance loads can be special ordered and dozens of reloading options are available.

Increasing Accuracy
With little additional investment, sportsmen requiring a higher degree of accuracy can take a few simple steps to get their Handi-Rifle pulling tighter groups.

Any new and especially used firearm should be thoroughly cleaned before attempting to center small groups. Soaking a patch in Hoppe’s #9 and scrubbing the inside of the barrel for 7-10 strokes accomplish this. Finish with two additional patches soaked in Hoppe’s #9 and lastly two dry patches. Repeat this process every 30-40 rounds.

Upgrading to higher quality ammo such as the Winchester Supreme 95 grain ballistic silver tips and other equivalents in the 80-95 grain weights tightened the 100 yard groups by approximately half an inch. Paying over twice as much more per box for this increase in accuracy will be to the benefit of all sportsmen but especially helpful in long distance situations where every ounce of accuracy counts.

The rough triggers on both rifles pull at around five pounds. Shooters looking for more accuracy should consider having a gunsmith take the trigger down to between two to three pounds. H&R will do the work for a minimal charge if you send them the gun and pay shipping charges. Another less obtrusive option is to invest in a trigger shoe. This small device fits over the top of the trigger and allows your finger a broader surface on which to rest, leading to a more even and lighter feeling pull.

Reducing vibration in the barrel can also achieve additional accuracy. This is accomplished by adding a small rubber washer between the barrel and the front hand guard or forend. Separate the front forend from the barrel by losing the attachment screw. Purchase at a local hardware store a large flat rubber washer between 1/16" to 1/8" thick. Trim the washer as necessary and slide over the hanger lug fitting it between the barrel and the forend. Finish by lightly tightening the entire assembly back to its original position.

Hunting with the Single Shot
Due to the break action and transfer bar safety systems the Handi-rifles are a great firearm for beginners. The break action make it easy to visually insure the firearm is unloaded and the transfer bar system does not allow the hammer to connect with the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed. For seasoned sportsman the single shot requires careful shot placement offering the challenge of making one shot count.

Slinging the single shot over my shoulder, I barely register its weight. This makes it perfect for extended snowshoe hikes into the backcountry chasing coyotes or stalking whitetails. It’s compact design makes for quick handling facilitating hunting from the close quarters of a ground blind. The simplistic nature of the single shot makes it easy to maintain in adverse weather conditions or situations were it might receive heavy handling.

Shooting enthusiasts looking for a supreme level of accuracy will want to explore the possibility of purchasing one of the more expensive Ruger and T/C rifles. Hunters looking to acquire a capable field rifle or entry level gun for a new or young shooter the Handi-Rifle is an excellent choice.

Final Word
When purchasing a new or used firearm the buyer should beware and make sure to thoroughly inspect its condition to insure effective operation. Some large corporate dealers, like Cabelas, consider all firearm sales final and do not offer returns on any firearms. Other dealers like L.L. Bean offer a lifetime satisfaction guarantee on their entire selection of new and used firearms. Sitting in the middle Kittery Trading Post offers a 30 day return on used firearms and aggressively works with the consumer to insure satisfaction with new firearm purchases. Bottom line, it pays to shop around and pay attention to the fine print.

With any new firearm there is a learning curve associated with its safe operation. Make sure to take a few moments reading the literature provided with the firearm or if unavailable (such as is often the case with the purchase of a secondhand firearm) download the owners manual from the Internet or request a copy from the manufacturer.