Springtime Blues – Part 2: Coyote Hunting

Spring rolls around, deer season is over, and a lot of folks start wondering what’s next. It can feel like a slow time—but in reality, this is one of the best windows of the year to get after coyotes.

This is the time when coyotes are paired up and getting ready to have pups. They’re more territorial, more responsive, and more tied to specific areas. That gives you a real opportunity—not just to call one in, but to take out a pair, which makes a much bigger impact.

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How We Approach a Stand

We like to keep things simple, but there’s a reason behind the sequence.

We usually start with a prey sound—something subtle like a rabbit distress.

Why?

Because there’s always a chance you’ve got a single, non-dominant coyote moving through the area. A lot of these coyotes are transient, and if you come in too aggressive right out of the gate with vocals, you can push them off before you ever see them.

A prey sound gives you a non-threatening way to start the stand. It pulls in anything nearby that’s just looking for an easy meal.

From there, we’ll roll into coyote vocals—mostly pup distress sounds.

Now you’re shifting gears:

• From food response
• To territorial and protective response

That combination is what really makes spring stands effective.

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When They Respond but Don’t Show

If you’re getting coyotes to answer but not come in, don’t overthink it.

Most of the time:

You’re close—but not close enough.

Spring coyotes are tied to a specific area. If they’re vocalizing, you’re in the right zone—you just may not be in the center of it.

Keep working the area. Adjust your setup. Get closer to where you think their “living room” is, and things will usually start to come together.

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Cover Ground and Make It Count

Another thing that often gets overlooked this time of year—

This is a great time to cover your deer lease or property.

You can:

• Scout the woods
• Look for sheds
• Learn how animals are using the property

All while making coyote stands and having a good time doing it.

It’s productive in more ways than one.

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Why It Matters

Spring coyote hunting isn’t just about getting out of the house.

Taking coyotes this time of year can:

• Help fawn survival rates
• Reduce predator pressure
• Improve overall game populations

And on top of that, it keeps you sharp.

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Final Thought

Spring isn’t the off-season—it’s just a different season.

Coyotes are predictable right now, responsive, and tied to specific areas.

Get out, make some stands, cover some ground, and take advantage of it.

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More to come in the next part.