Throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring states, the coyote breeding season runs from the beginning of January until the end of February. That means we are in a prime time of the year to hunt one of our state’s most prolific predators. Both males and females are out and about during daylight hours more than usual, working up an appetite, not just for mating, but traveling more distance means needing more food intake as well. A bit like whitetail bucks during the rut, male coyotes, while usually quite cautious, will sometimes throw caution to the wind as they tend to stay laser-focused on mating. And as if the mating season isn’t enough to distract them, they are increasingly occupying much of their time in search of something to eat. Both of these factors lead to the next several weeks being the prime time to hunt coyotes.

While black bears are the largest predator of whitetail fawns – both in size and the number of fawns taken in the early months of birthing – there is little doubt that coyotes come in as a quick second in taking spring fawns. Bears tend to adjust their diet for the rest of the year and devote most of their consumption to nuts, berries, field corn, and other vegetation. Coyotes, on the other hand, continue their intake via predation of all sorts of birds and mammals.

With all of that in mind, and with no formal hunting seasons occurring this time of year, you have a great opportunity to cull a few coyotes now, thus reducing the predation they would undertake throughout the year. Coyote hunting, whether by using dogs, calling or spot and stalk, is a good way to introduce someone to the sport of hunting, especially if you are mentoring a youth or adult. Whatever method you use, there is plenty of time to talk about related subjects like proper handling of firearms, ethical hunting, a hunter’s responsibilities, respect for the outdoors, the habits and habitat of the game you are pursuing, and the sheer enjoyment of just spending quality time in the outdoor world.
Calling or vocalization can be particularly effective now.

FoxPro, a Pennsylvania-based electronic call maker, manufactures a number of callers that incorporate an amazing variety of sounds. Very effective during the breeding season are a series of coyote sounds that both the males and females will make as they are looking for or calling for a potential mate.

Later in the winter, there are vocalizations that imitate a coyote pup in distress, and it is one of the most effective calls in a coyote hunter’s repertoire. The sound of a dying rabbit has long been one of the most effective calls that coyote callers use. All of these and more are available on one of FoxPro’s electronic callers. If one of the electronic callers is out of your price range – no problem, as there are numerous handheld callers that are quite good at producing a huge range of calls. Whether you use an electronic caller or a handheld call, there are dozens of videos on YouTube that can teach newcomers and polish up the calling by experienced hunters as well.

Another solid reason to be hunting coyotes over the next several weeks is that this is the time of year when their pelts are in prime condition. If you have any desire to have the pelts tanned for various uses, this is the time of year to do so. Coyote fur can be used to make coats, jackets, or hats. A coyote pelt can make a beautiful rug or can be displayed by hanging several pelts together – this is especially attractive when various color variations are hung together.
If you are interested in helping cull the coyote population in your favorite hunting grounds, this is an especially effective time of year to spend time calling coyotes or pursuing them by spot and stalk hunting. The turkey population and the whitetail fawns will thank you! Good Luck!