ROAD HUNTER

What can be learned about predator populations from a trail camera is humbling. A few years ago I switched from snapping photos to capturing animal movement on video mode on all my game cameras. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a 10-second video clip is worth 10,000. What you can learn from watching the behavior of predators and hearing what goes on out of frame will greatly influence how you hunt an area. Seeing a coyote as it walks by a camera is one thing; seeing a coyote walk by with a howling pack just out of frame is another. As a caller, such discoveries instill confidence, as you now know there are multiple predators competing for food.

If you really want to study predators, invest in quality trail cameras that transmit clear footage. My trail camera of choice is Stealth Cam’s DS4K Ultimate. The quality of clips these things capture is impressive. I’ve used them in Alaska, the Western U.S. and into Mexico, and have had them covered in several feet of snow, drenched in rainforest downpours and exposed to 100-degree temperatures, and they’ve never let me down.

When traveling roads, look for tracks and droppings, telltale signs that predators are in the area. On trees, fence posts and where trails cross under barbed wire fencing, look for hair. Make a mental note of all well-worn trails, as predators are creatures of habit.

If traveling to hunt in another state, call regional fish and wildlife authorities for direction. Ask them about predator trends, what species they’re seeing high numbers of, and where they could use help keeping predator numbers in check. In your research, ask if any recent big game surveys have resulted in seeing high numbers of predators; this will typically be coyotes in areas with good mule deer populations.

Don’t forget to ask if they have a list of landowners seeking predator relief.

The Setup

While coyotes are the cornerstone species in the world of Western predator hunting, noting the habitats they live in is the real key to discovering other predators in the vicinity. By being aware of what habitats predators like bobcat, fox, badger, cougar and even bear live in, and then preparing, setting up and calling accordingly, you’ll be on the way to discovering what’s really out there.

“When targeting coyotes, I like setting up in the open so I can see a long way,” shares good friend and noted guide Brandon Ayres of Arrowhead Outfitters (541-980-1597) in The Dalles, Oregon. “Coyotes always try to quickly move downwind, and I want to see them before they smell me. Bobcat and cougar are another story. When calling where cats are, I