Predator Hunting Stories
(Coyotes, Bobcats and Foxes)

Shut out weekend hunt

        I went hunting over the weekend and I can’t remember how long it has been since I hunted both days and was shut out. During these tough times I seem to learn the most. Usually when hunting and being successful I guess we don’t put much thought into things around us and things going on because our minds are focused on harvesting animals and preparing for the next stand.

        I should be upset after hunting two days and not having any luck. No shots were fired over this weekend but I did call in a dog which I only got a glimpse of in the thick Arizona desert (You know, cactus and all). You know, I am not upset at all!

        I realize once again, the most important thing is being out away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Being out amongst the animals and the quiet nature has to provide. Where else can you sit in a chair and the only noise you hear is the noise you make with your call. Once the call has started maybe there are no predators that come running but there are Hawks, Crows and other feathered friends. If you forget for a minute that you are predator hunting you can soak in the moment and enjoy nature for what it is.

        I can make excuse after excuse as to why I didn’t call any predators into shooting range but I won’t go there. I will say I saw two coyotes that maybe I could have shot but I am a predator caller and if I don’t call them in I am not willing to shoot them. It wasn’t because of lack of trying, I tried to call them in after spotting them but on this particular day they were smarter then I and decided to stay away.

        What I will say about this weekend was the wind truly amazed me. I am big on keeping the wind in my favor when calling; I do my best to have the wind in my face to hopefully give me one advantage over the “Wiley One”. This weekend I would get out of the truck, check the wind and then head out to my stand. I would set up the stand with the wind in my face and within a minute or two on stand I would notice the wind change and it would be blowing on the back of my neck.  It was the weirdest thing I have ever seen. I have had it happen before but usually when the wind changes it would stay consistent from that direction for pretty much the whole day but not this weekend.  It seemed to change directions hourly which made it hard to keep the wind in my favor.

        To put it all into perspective, I continually learn as I know everyone does or at least I hope they do! I hunted areas I was not familiar with and now I have a challenge ahead of me in the future to hunt these areas again and see what I can do to change my success at these locations. I had coyotes barking and howling at me which I truly enjoy. I found an area with more prairie dogs then I have seen in years. I have also realized how bad I dislike the weekend dirt bike and 4 wheeler riders tearing up the state trust land (roads – what roads?) They will ride wherever whenever and it drives me up the wall.

        Now that once again I am in touch with nature, next weekend I will become one with nature. I will once again be the true predator and hunt the one in which preys on me when I am calling. It is those days you hunt your heart out and come home empty handed you realize once again why it is you spend the time, money, and effort going out time and time again. With or without success I will enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer.