Staying Organized for Coyote Calling/Hunting

    Staying organized while coyote hunting to me is something that makes it more enjoyable, and I believe leads to a higher success rate.  This is my views on what works for me and like everything what works for me might not be the ticket for you.  This is something that comes with time in the field and will vary depending on how you hunt.  

     I now mainly nighttime thermal hunt for coyotes which brings with it a different set of gear then daytime calling.  I feel that being organized in your vehicle set up and how you pack to and from the stands has a big effect on your success.  To me it's a numbers game on most nights, more stands equal more opportunities at coyotes.  And by being setup where you can get in and setup on the stand as quickly and safely as possible means your odds will be higher.  

     Time in the field and testing what works for you is the key.  Over the last few seasons our setup has evolved into what we currently run.  I feel it starts at the vehicle level.  I actually run a beater with a heater rig that is basically my hunting vehicle.  Not all have that option, but it is nice to be able to basically load and go and not have to worry at the end of the night about unloading.  Our setup is a GMC Yukon with Wooden Boxes that hold the weapons vertical, and the center section open to lay tripods.  We can open the back and be in and out in under a minute.  When you are doing a lot of stands and running late into the night, I feel everything you can do to make it easier will allow you to run longer without getting as tired. 

     I also have a table with all my charge cords for Scanners, Caller, Scope, Etc so that at the end of the hunt I can easily get everything charged back up and ready for the next hunt.  Nothing worse than realizing you left your scope or scanner on and it's dead when you want to use again.  

     Another important thing depending on how much land access you have would be route planning.  We try to keep rotating our hunting areas to limit the pressure.  With the growth in Coyote calling and night hunting especially the key is having ground to hunt.  We try to plan our night to go to the farthest areas that we will be hunting and work our way towards home, so we don't have as far when we are getting tired.  

     The next thing would be the gear you carry to the stand.  I always have my Rifle, Ecaller, Headlamp, Scanner, Caller Remote, Extra batteries for scanner, remote, etc., Tripod, Game Drag.  My preferred headlamp that I have used for the last two seasons with no issues and great battery life is the Rechargeable LED 8 Mode Waterproof Headlamp 18000 High Lumen BRIGHT – Life is Now Outdoors LLC.  Has several different modes, I prefer the red mode while getting to the stand and the bright beam if we are needing light to locate a downed critter.  On my ECaller I like to use the Predator E Caller/Tripod Paracord Sling – Life is Now Outdoors LLC to sling it over my head and shoulder on one side and rifle and tripod over the other shoulder.  I like to keep my scanner, remote and extra batteries, rounds, etc. in the Crossbody Chest Shoulder Sling Bag Backpack – Life is Now Outdoors LLC.  This bag has been an excellent option for getting things in one place.  It can be slung across chest or run off to the side or over the shoulder.  I also always carry the Dog Gone Coyote/Deer Hands Free Shoulder Sling Game Drag – Life is Now Outdoors LLC.  I usually keep this in the back pouch of the sling back until needed and after the first use I usually leave it on throughout the night.  

     Hopefully this has been helpful to someone, it's not a set thing for anyone and there is always room for improvement in any setup. 

    If you have tips or input be sure to leave us a comment.  

Life is Now- Live it

Nathan Owen