Predator Xtreme - Feb 2012
Baiting For Predators 74 www PredatorXtreme com FEBRUARY 2012 sheep fence will work or use a system of trappers stakes and chains to keep the bait where you can see it Some hunters use construction re bar driven into the frozen ground so that chunks of bait may be slit and inserted on the bar This causes the predator to spend a few extra seconds gnawing the bait free of the bar giving the shooter ample time to make a killing shot When baiting coyotes there are some unwritten rules that must be followed Hidden baits or baits that are surrounded by trees and brush will not attract coyotes for daytime hunting They will come in and happily devour your bait at night but unless you are hunting in a state that allows night shooting check your regulations first the value of woodland baits is minimal The reason for this is simple coyotes are not fond of confined places The risk of being attacked most likely by other coyotes or feral dogs is increased when a bait is placed so that the coyote cannot see his surroundings This is why baits so placed are often torn apart and dragged away from the area A coyote wants to eat his meal in peace with no distractions or disruptions For this reason it is best to place winter coyote baits about 10 yards into a field clear cut or pasture where visibility upwind is 200 yards or more Coyotes will approach a bait site gingerly from downwind and with great suspicion Escape cover must be nearby for approach and exit opportunities Coyotes want to run up grab a piece of bait and run off with it to feed in peace This is why most bait sites look like a meat bomb went off with piece of hide meat and bones scattered everywhere Dont expect coyotes to dive into a bait site and stay there all day Instead theyll come out grab a mouthful of bait and head for the brush Your shot will come when he steps into the clear to survey the bait pile and again when he pauses to steal a piece of bait Shoot straight and quickly or you will have to wait hours or days for another coyote to appear Place baits so that incoming coyotes are able to utilize available cover as they work their way into the wind toward the food source Use cover scents such as fox urine or skunk essence if skunks are common in the area you plan to hunt A good trick is to hunt from a treestand or climber about 50 yards downwind of the bait site This is a good way to intercept incoming coyotes that are focused on the wind and the bait site Its not unusual for coyotes to look up and see a hunter in a stand so take all the same precautions against being seen camo clothing etc and let the animal pass by your stand before you make your move to shoot Generally the best times to be on hand for
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