Hunting coyotes can be one of the most exciting and challenging experiences for a hunter. These elusive predators are highly intelligent and adaptable, making them a rewarding target for those who enjoy a real challenge in the field. One of the most important skills you can develop as a coyote hunter is tracking. Understanding how to locate and follow coyote tracks and signs is crucial for success. In this guide, we’ll explore how to track coyotes, from understanding their habits to interpreting physical evidence, so you can increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Understanding Coyote Behavior and Habitat
Before you even begin looking for tracks, it’s important to understand the coyote’s behavior and habitat preferences. Coyotes are highly versatile creatures that can thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests and grasslands to urban areas. Their ability to adapt to nearly any environment makes them an especially elusive quarry.
- Habitat: Coyotes are often found in areas with an abundant food supply. Look for them near hunting grounds such as fields, farms, and forests, or in areas where there are rodents, rabbits, and other small game. They are also known to frequent areas with water sources, especially during dry periods.
- Time of Activity: Coyotes are mostly nocturnal but can also be active during dawn and dusk. They tend to hunt in pairs or small family groups, though solitary coyotes can also be encountered. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the best times for tracking.
- Tracks and Signs: The coyote’s track resembles that of a domestic dog but is smaller and narrower. The track typically measures about 2 to 3 inches long and 2 to 2.5 inches wide. You can identify coyote tracks by their shape, the sharpness of their claws, and the distinctive “X” pattern they leave behind in the dirt. Coyote scat (feces) is another key sign to look for. It is usually dark, with a pungent odor and may contain bones, fur, or fruit, depending on their diet.
1. How to Identify Coyote Tracks
When tracking coyotes, the first step is identifying their footprints in the ground. Whether you are walking through the woods, on a trail, or across a field, spotting and recognizing coyote tracks will help you determine where they’ve been.
- Shape: A coyote’s track is oval, with distinct claw marks visible. The shape is similar to a domestic dog’s, but smaller, with a more elongated and narrow profile. They have four toes, and the overall size varies depending on the coyote’s age, sex, and location.
- Claw Marks: Coyotes typically leave distinct claw marks that can be seen at the front of their tracks. These claw impressions are generally sharper and more pronounced than those of larger predators like wolves, which may leave broader, more rounded marks.
- Stride Length: Coyotes have a relatively long stride compared to their size. This helps them cover large areas in search of food. Measuring the distance between tracks can help you estimate the direction of movement and whether the coyote is walking or trotting.
- Size: Coyote tracks typically range from 2 to 3 inches in length and 2 to 2.5 inches in width, although they may be slightly larger for older or larger coyotes. A comparison with your own boot size can help you distinguish their tracks from other animals in the area.
2. Interpreting Coyote Trails
Once you’ve spotted a coyote track, the next step is following the trail. Coyotes are clever creatures that can sometimes try to lose hunters by doubling back or changing direction. To successfully track them, you need to pay attention to the smallest details and read their movements carefully.
- Direction of Movement: Pay attention to the direction in which the coyote is traveling. Coyotes typically follow trails or paths that lead to areas with cover, such as thickets, woods, or bushes. They avoid open spaces where they are more visible. Understanding the terrain they prefer will help you know where to go next.
- Trail Disruptions: Look for signs that the coyote has changed direction, either to escape danger or to hunt. A change in the direction of tracks, a sharp turn, or a sudden disappearance of the trail may indicate that the coyote has moved off its original path. It’s crucial to stay alert and look for new tracks in the surrounding area.
- Behavioral Indicators: Coyotes often stop and check their surroundings. Look for areas where the track appears to “pause” or change, such as a place where the animal has stopped to sniff the air or inspect the area. Coyotes often travel in a zigzag pattern, making tracking more challenging but also offering clues to where they are headed.
3. Finding Coyote Den Sites
Coyote dens are a prime location for hunters. Finding a den can reveal much about the coyote’s daily routines, their social structure, and feeding habits. Typically, dens are located in remote, quiet areas, far from human activity.
- Den Sites: Coyotes prefer to dig dens in sandy or loose soil and will often choose an area near a stream, rock outcropping, or dense underbrush. Sometimes they will use burrows left by other animals like foxes or badgers. Look for small mounds of dirt around entrance holes or flattened areas indicating frequent use.
- Signs Around Dens: You might find multiple tracks surrounding the den area, as coyotes frequently come and go. You may also encounter coyote scat and urine marks, which they use to mark territory. Coyotes are territorial animals, and dens are critical locations for their survival.
- Observation: Coyotes are highly protective of their dens, especially during the breeding season. Be mindful of the time of year; late winter and early spring may indicate the presence of pups in the den. If you locate a den during this time, avoid disturbing the area to ensure the safety of the animals.
4. Using Scents and Calls to Track Coyotes
Tracking coyotes doesn’t just mean following their physical tracks. Using scents and calls can also help locate these animals and predict their movements.
- Scents: Coyotes have an excellent sense of smell and often leave scent trails in the area, especially in their urine and scat. Scent-marking is a common behavior used for communication and marking territory. Hunters can use synthetic coyote urine or attractant scents to entice coyotes into a certain area.
- Calls: Using coyote calls is a popular technique for hunters looking to attract coyotes into shooting range. Coyote howls, distress calls, and other vocalizations can mimic the sound of an intruder or prey, drawing coyotes in from nearby areas. Timing is essential, as calling during dusk or dawn can yield the best results.
5. Dealing with Weather Conditions While Tracking
Tracking coyotes can be affected by weather conditions. Weather not only influences a coyote’s behavior but can also affect how clearly tracks are visible.
- Rain: Rain can make tracking more difficult by blurring tracks or washing them away. However, it can also give you the advantage of fresher trails, as coyotes are likely to be more active after a rainstorm. Muddy areas or trails near water sources may provide clearer tracks.
- Snow: Snow is the ideal medium for tracking coyotes because their tracks are more clearly defined. Fresh snow in particular will give you the most accurate and detailed signs of their movement. Be mindful of older tracks that might have been covered by later snowfall.
- Wind: Strong winds may disrupt your ability to hear coyote calls, making it harder to locate them by sound. However, they can also aid in covering your scent and providing a better opportunity for silent movement through the field.
Conclusion
Tracking coyotes is an art that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of these intelligent animals. Whether you’re following their tracks through dense forests, scouting for their dens, or using scent and calls to bring them in closer, mastering these tracking techniques can greatly enhance your hunting success. Remember, coyotes are cunning predators with sharp instincts, so always approach the hunt with respect for their skills and an appreciation for the thrill of the chase. Happy hunting!
