In the world of predator hunting, very few hunters put as much time and effort into successfully calling in coyotes as Jon Collins of FoxPro Hunting T.V. Collins travels the country calling, hunting and filming coyotes. Even during the hot summer, Collins continues taking advantage of coyote denning season by calling coyotes into shooting range. Collins can also be found during the summer spending time with his good friend and veteran hunter Jeff Writer while decoy doggin’.
To enlighten hunters who do not know what decoy doggin’ means and to catch up on Collins's success this summer, I recently sat down with him to ask if he could share some of his success stories and give hunters who want to begin decoy doggin’ a few pointers.
Question: What is decoy doggin’?
Collins: Most often, decoy doggin’ takes place during the spring and the summer months when coyotes are participating in what we call the denning season. The denning season is when coyotes still have their pups. The most effective time for this is May through August.
When decoy doggin’, the hunter still must call them in with an electronic call. Once the coyotes respond to the call, the hunter then releases their dog or dogs, and they engage with the coyotes. The territorial response of the coyote has them see the dog and hear the puppy sounds; they then engage in a back-and-forth game of trying to run the dogs from their territory. This back and forth is followed by a tone the hunter makes to persuade the dog to return to their location. When the dog responds to the tone, the coyote will follow the dog back because of their instinct to keep it away from their territory.
Question: Why do hunters enjoy decoy doggin’?
Collins: Decoy doggin’ is something that is so much fun. I look forward to doing it every year with my good friend Jeff Writer who has a couple of dogs and is one of the grandfathers of decoy doggin’. Whether hunters know it or not, if they decoy dog, it is because of Jeff Writer.
When decoy doggin’, you often have much up-close action with coyotes because they get so keyed in on what the dogs are doing. You can practically stand up and do jumping jacks, and the coyote wouldn’t see you because of how keyed in on the dogs they become.
When you get coyotes up close, they get to barking and howling in your face, which gets your juices flowing and adrenaline up. The hunter must be careful not to miss the shot when coyotes are at close range and ensure the dogs are safe when shooting; you don’t want to injure one of your dogs or worse.
Question: What type of calls do you use when decoy doggin’?
Collins: The sound sequence when calling while decoy doggin’ is much different than when typically calling while hunting. We do not use any prey in distress sounds. Instead, we use all coyote vocals such as howls, puppy sounds, whines, and growls. We start with some howls, then will go into puppy sounds. The puppy sounds we are using are small sounds such as small pup distress and whines. If nothing responds, we will finish the stand with more aggressive sounds such as coyote fights, pup fights, etc.
Question: How does Swagger Bipods give you an edge when decoy doggin’?
Collins: When decoy doggin’, we typically use the Hunter Series 42’s or the QD42’s of Swagger Bipods. In the last couple of years, I have almost one hundred percent used the QD42s because they suit my hunting style. When decoy doggin’, we often have stands that last up to twenty to thirty minutes. By having our rifles resting on the QD42s, our guns are ready, and we do not experience any fatigue compared to holding our rifles up without any rest.
As for the hunter running the remote to the electronic caller or the remote to signal the dogs to return, the Swagger Bipods are essential to allow their hands to be free to use the remotes yet still have their firearm in a ready position.
Question: Can you share a recent hunt while decoy doggin’ this summer?
Collins: Since the spring, I have hunted in three states, Wyoming, Kentucky, and Kansas. The coyotes have responded well to our calls. However, a recent hunt that stands out while hunting in Kansas recently. We were decoy doggin’; we arrived early in the afternoon. We got settled in and had time to make a couple of calling stands. This stand took a little longer. Finally, an old warrior of a coyote responded to the call. He came running into close range, the dogs engaged him, and we shot the old coyote at twenty steps. For many hunters, twenty steps may not seem that close, but it is a rush when you get a coyote at twenty steps, barking, howling, and screaming in your face. To add to the excitement, the old coyote was aggressive, lunging and running at the dogs. When coyotes are aggressive while engaging with the decoy dog, you must be ready to make the shot when it presents itself. The Swagger Bipods help us to be ready when that split second of an opportunity arrives to make the shot.
]]>My introduction to Swagger Bipods came in the form of a text from a good friend attending a sports show featuring new products in the hunting industry. Because of him, my phone number and information were exchanged, and a few weeks later, I had the Hunter Series bipods attached to my 6.5 Creedmoor.
As time continued, I successfully hunted coyotes and whitetail deer using the Swagger Bipods. In the past, I had always used shooting sticks when predator hunting, yet rarely used anything when deer hunting, except the occasional shooting rest attached to my treestand. One of the first pieces of advice I received before using the Swagger Bipods was, “keep hunting; the more you use them, the more advantages you will see.” Truer words have never been spoken. Even now, I find myself in different shooting positions that, with traditional bipods or shooting sticks, making a shot would have never been possible.
Another original user of the Swagger Bipods is predator hunter Jon Collins. Collins, who now travels hunting and filming for FoxPro Hunting T.V. He has been seen using different models of Swagger's to aid in harvesting hundreds of predators. “It’s all about versatility; with coyote calling, we find ourselves in fast-paced situations, and our shooting platform must keep up,” says Collins. While traveling the country hunting predators, Collins is in and out of vehicles and makes multiple calling stands each day. “Before using Swaggers, I was guilty of leaving shooting sticks behind in the truck or realizing when I returned from hunting that I had left my sticks at the last place I was hunting.” One of the most significant advantages of Swagger Bipods is that they attach directly to your firearm. “Wherever my gun goes, the Swaggers are attached along with them,” added Collins. By having the shooting rest always attached, the hunter no longer wonders if they forgot their rest.
Longtime FoxPro staff member Al Morris spends much of the year traveling the country to hunt predators. Morris has also taken predators in every terrain imaginable while hunting and filming for FoxPro Hunting T.V. When making the proper setups on coyotes, Morris knows he will have to walk long distances while carrying his gear. “I have recently been using the QD42s. I love how they are lightweight and versatile in every situation,” says Morris. He then added that the QD42s provide excellent support that helps him take accurate shots on coyotes no matter where he sits.
Whether using the Hunter Series or the QD Series, hunters love Swagger’s Quick Adapt Technology that easily attaches to their firearm. Because of lightweight designs, they can travel wherever needed to be successful. The versatility and flexibility of the bipods allow the shooter to maintain the proper position no matter what kind of shot is presented. Often, there is a requirement to stand, kneel, sit or lay prone when hunting. With Swagger Bipods, the ability to go from a bipod to a shooting stick can be done without making any adjustments, except for height.
The Stalker Lite series is the only lightweight shooting stick that quickly adapts, allowing hunters to maintain a steady target in any terrain. Unlike other models, the Stalker Lite series does not attach to the firearm. Instead, the hunter can pack them in a compact area such as a backpack when hunting or traveling. When ready to use, the Stalker Lite’s can rapidly deploy in seconds. Without touching, the Stalker Lite’s adjust from 21” to 36”, providing the hunter with a traverse rest in any terrain.
Swagger Bipods were designed with the hunter in mind. However, with so many choosing Swagger as their primary shooting rest, marksmen have also had their demands met by the same versatility and designs. Whether a hunter, competition, or recreational shooter, they all have one thing in common - They choose Swagger Bipods.
For tactical shooters, there is the SFR10, which is a field-to-range bipod. The SFR10 can be used in the field while lying prone, during long-range hunting or when enjoying time at the shooting range. The SFR10 features quick detach technology that allows the shooter to quickly remove the SFR from the weapon when needed. It can also quietly take the bipod from stowed to a 45 or 90-degree shooting position. Plus, the SRF10 achieves the ability to acquire the target and load while still maintaining visibility in any terrain.
Another task often presented to hunters and shooters is the need to reach extreme angles to maintain a proper shooting position when hunting, during competition, or in recreational shooting. The SEA12 model was designed for situational shooting when extreme angles are required. The S.E.A system provides an extensive range of maneuverability and is designed to adapt to trials such as uneven terrain or when put into challenging angles. Many hunters and shooters keep the SEA12s on their favorite AR rifle because they have every angle covered to remain a solid shooter.
The versatility, flexibility, maneuverability, and, more importantly, the confidence that Swagger Bipods has given hunters and shooters from the beginning has more people saying, I choose Swagger!
]]>By Heath Wood
Some predator hunters think the winter months are the prime time to hunt. The cold winter temperatures make for hungry predators who respond to calling better. Mainly, hunters pursue furbearers such as coyotes, foxes and bobcats through the winter because their furs are paramount during this time of year. The hardcore predator hunters hunt the entire year, even during the hottest part of the summer. They feed their passion by taking advantage of coyotes, who also respond to calling during the summer months. The spring of the year is a time to regroup and get ready for the next season of predator hunting, no matter which category of predator hunter one identifies as.
Shooting Prep and Practice
One of the most common tasks for predator hunters during the off-season is to make any necessary changes to their weapons. There are many things that a predator hunter may want or need to change, yet they do not want to do it in the middle of the season, as this could mess up their chance of harvesting more predators. Often, hunters recap their season and read notes on what changes are needed to make their weapon perform the best to its ability. The month-long or more period when most predator hunters take a break is an excellent time to head to the shooting range. Spending time at the range can be ideal to ensure everything on a firearm is working properly and is performing to the hunter's specific standards. The off-time is when adding or changing shooting accessories, optics or ammunition choices should also be completed.
I often visit the range or practice shooting at home three to four times a week for approximately a month during the off-season. Spending time at the range is also a great time to get in some practice that may have been put on the back burner throughout the hunting season. When shooting at the range, I try to shoot using my Swagger Bipods, be it the Hunter Series or the QD42 Quick Detach bipods, and when practicing at home, I use them every time. Using the same bipods while practicing that I do when hunting, I am confident that I can make a successful shot when it comes time to hunt predators.
Planning Out Hunts
After verifying that all firearms are intact and shooting correctly, the next step is planning for the next year of predator hunting. Planning the next hunt can involve a couple of different scenarios. The setup for the next year could involve planning any travel arrangements to hunt in another state. The off-season is an excellent time to purchase hunting permits, book lodging, or book an outfitted hunt. Everything is done before the hunting season begins; the hunter is prepared and less stressed when the season is in full swing. Another plan for subsequent hunts is to scout and gain permission from the area to be hunted most of the year. During the off-season, especially the spring and early summer, I like to do an abundance of scouting. I use a GPS app such as OnX Maps to search new areas, gain access to new properties, and mark areas where I have encountered coyote activity or heard howling. By creating a game plan months before hunting, the hunter is more prepared and ready to hunt when the season begins.
]]>Having the proper ground set up on a gobbler is one of the most significant factors in calling him into shooting range. If the hunter is not in the right location, everything else falls apart.
Written By Heath Wood
]]>By Heath Wood
Most spring turkey hunts that end unsuccessfully are likely due to the hunter having the wrong setup. Perhaps they couldn’t see the turkey from where they were sitting, the turkey hung up outside of shooting range, or they couldn’t get a shot when the gobbler presented himself, all of which are valid consequences associated with being in the wrong location.
Having the proper ground set up on a gobbler is one of the most significant factors in calling him into shooting range. If the hunter is not in the right location, everything else falls apart. When in the wrong spot, gobblers do not respond to a hunters’ call, decoy setups do not work correctly, and the overall quality of the hunt can tank fast. Below are three foolproof setups to ensure that you are in the right location and your hunt ends with a bang.
The Roost
The roost setup equates to getting set up early while the gobbler is still on the roost. The chances of getting a tom intrigued by a hunter calling will dramatically increase when you are set up close to the roost. When a tom first wakes up and immediately hears the soft calling nearby, it is as if the hen kissed him good morning. Why would a tom want to find a hen far away when one is waiting for him to fly down?
To set up when a tom is still on the roost, he must be located the night before using a locator call moments before he flies up to the roost. When he responds, his exact location is pinpointed for the following day.
Before sunrise, the hunter can ease into the roost area, getting as close to the roost without spooking them as possible. When he begins gobbling that morning, start calling by making soft tree yelps to let the tom know there is a hen roosted nearby. The gobbler can fly down from the roost and be in shooting range within a few minutes, leaving less time for another hen to slip in between or for him to find a different route to approach the calling.
The Strut Zone
The phrase “hurry up and wait” is commonly used when setting up near a strut zone. A strut zone can be a field or open area that toms typically go during mid-mornings and afternoons to strut and show off for the hens. The good thing for hunters is that these areas make great places to set up and wait.
Often, hunters use a ground blind or tuck themselves back in some cover on the edge of a strut zone and use decoys and calling to lure them to where the turkeys are naturally going. When set up on the edge of a field, hunters can place two or three decoys approximately fifteen to twenty yards out. Then using the Swagger Bipods QD42 to keep the shotgun in the ready position without holding it for an extended period, begin calling periodically. When the toms enter the strut zone, they see the Jake decoy with a hen, and they immediately think someone has beaten them to a hen, resulting in a quick approach.
Run And Gun In Timber
If sitting and waiting on a tom to come isn’t an exciting option, the next choice is to find him instead. The move and call until a gobbler is located strategy is often referred to as “running and gunning.”
The run and gun method is an excellent way tag a tom. However, it is crucial to have a potential ambush site in mind before zeroing in on a bird. Too often, hunters find a cooperative gobbler in a location that is too open to set up correctly. Instead, walk and call from old logging roads or pathways through the timber to get within range. Roads and pathways are natural places that a gobbler likes to travel, resulting in a better response. Every seventy-five to one hundred yards, use a locator call such as a crow call or a turkey call to try and spark up a gobble. If the gobbler answers close by, use the Swagger Bipods QD42’s and quickly set up on edge and begin calling.
]]>When introducing children to hunting, it is vital to teach them about hunter safety first and foremost. It is essential to show youth the proper way to carry a firearm, shoot a firearm safely, and always respect the firearm.
By Heath Wood
]]>By Heath Wood
Each year I look forward to kicking off the turkey season by participating in Missouri’s two-day youth season that typically occurs during the first week of April.
I have previously had the honor of taking several youths on their first turkey hunt throughout this two-day season. I have experienced excellent harvests, a few misses, and countless encounters that forever will be stamped in my mind. Yet, one of the most rewarding things I have gained in taking these kids hunting is crossing paths a few years later and hearing that they are still hunting each spring because of being properly introduced to the outdoors. That is what it is all about - Introducing newcomers to the world of turkey hunting and creating impacts that lead them to one day pass it along to someone else.
When introducing children to hunting, it is vital to teach them about hunter safety first and foremost. It is essential to show youth the proper way to carry a firearm, shoot a firearm safely, and always respect the firearm. Another teaching point is respect; it is essential to instill respect for animals being hunted and the hunting land. After safety and respect have been established, it is time to show them why hunting is a lifelong love, that being the fun that comes from it.
To ensure that kids are having fun while hunting, it is necessary to have the proper gear to make the hunt more enjoyable, such as the weapon, which must adequately fit the child. For example, if using a shotgun for turkey hunting, the gun should not have too long of a barrel or be too heavy for the child to hold. When the firearm doesn’t fit, the risk of missing the animal increases, or even worse, the animal could be injured. To prevent firearm mishaps while hunting, find a suitable firearm for the child, and have the child shoot multiple times before the season begins. Practice ensures that the gun is shooting correctly; the child can hit the target and handle the firearm properly. Once the confidence has been established in the child’s shooting ability, it must be transferred to the field when hunting. To make an ethical shot when hunting, the child must keep the gun steady; a stable gun keeps the turkey from spotting them with their incredible eyesight.
A shooting rest is essential to keep the firearm in proper form while hunting. The Swagger Bipods QD42 is the perfect bipod for turkey hunters. The QD42 quickly attaches to the gun when setting up on a gobbler while hunting. Plus, it always keeps the gun in the shooting position. The QD42 also easily adjusts to fit every kid or adult. One of the number one reasons a youth hunt doesn’t end with a harvest is being seen by a gobbler or a missed shot. Using a shooting rest can help with both.
The next item on the must-have list for youth hunting is a ground blind. Using a ground blind allows a kid to sit comfortably while moving their feet or adjusting their body to be more comfortable. Through my experiences, the older kids can stay motionless when sitting without a blind. However, ten and under have a more challenging time. When turkey hunting with a kid, staying quiet and being still for an extended period can be challenging. Turkeys have incredible eyesight and are always alert to unnecessary movement. I also favor using a ground blind when hunting with youth to quietly coach them through the hunt until they pull the trigger.
As for being comfortable, that too can make or break a hunt. If a kid gets cold, or their feet get cold, or slightly wet, it is often game over; they are ready to go home. During the spring turkey season, cool mornings are still a strong possibility. Having youth adequately dressed is essential for them to enjoy the hunt.
Taking a kid hunting is a special event and having the proper gear is vital to enjoying the hunt. The rest is up to the hunter guiding them along the way. Time spent with a child outdoors is remarkable for the parent, grand-parent, family member, or friend who is taking them yet is notable for the kid as well, only if we make it special for them. While hunting with youth, I always try to include them in every hunt aspect. I explain what each call is and why I use it. I try to keep them informed on what I think will happen next - keeping their anticipation high and their curiosity higher. I keep them involved by using a locator call to make a turkey gobble and let them have a turn at using a turkey call a few times when calling in a gobbler. Anything to make them feel involved and want to do it again in the future.
The last tip I can give is to make the harvest a special occasion. If the child can make the harvest, celebrate with them. Let them know they accomplished a challenging task for anyone to achieve. If they do not harvest a turkey, make it memorable for them and let them know there is always the next time.
]]>One of the most vital keys to consistently calling coyotes is the setup. If the proper setup is not made, the hunter takes the chance of being seen by coyotes or missing an encounter with them. The probability of a coyote catching the smell of human scent can also increase if not correctly set up.
By Heath Wood
]]>One of the most vital keys to consistently calling coyotes is the setup. If the proper setup is not made, the hunter takes the chance of being seen by coyotes or missing an encounter with them. The probability of a coyote catching the smell of human scent can also increase if not correctly set up. Equipment failure is another possibility when considering a proper setup. Failure to call coyotes into shooting range can occur if not using equipment correctly or missing a vital piece.
To ensure that everything is ready for a successful night calling stand, you must consider a few things. The proper setup begins before the hunter ever sits down and starts to call, especially when calling coyotes after dark. When darkness falls and visibility is limited, the challenge of producing a successful calling stand becomes even harder to achieve. Following these three steps will ensure that success follows.
Proper Sitting Placement
The specific location that a coyote hunter sits in is vital to success. It is imperative to know what the surroundings look like, even in complete darkness. Knowing the surroundings keeps the hunter's safety and others the main priority. Scouting before hunting not only allows the hunter the benefit to know where the best spots to call in coyotes may be, it also allows for a daytime visual of where a safe shot can be made when a coyote approaches after dark.
When scouting, I prefer using a hunting app such as OnX Maps to view an aerial satellite image, boundary lines, and a topo map that shows me the different terrains of where I will be hunting. Once I use my OnX Maps app to visualize my hunting ground, I scout the land on foot a few days before hunting.
Having the setups found and in place before returning to hunt increases the chance of making a better stand.
Wind Direction
Although determining the wind direction falls into the same category as making the proper setup, it is vital enough to have its own section.
Do not let the complete darkness take away the focus on how vital wind direction can be when calling coyotes. Wind in the face or a crosswind blowing from side to side is critical when calling in the daylight or after dark. If the wind direction is not in the hunters' favor, they should not call in that spot, period. A coyote has one of the most incredible senses of smell among all creatures. When calling with unfavorable wind directions, a coyote will likely smell the hunter and head in the opposite direction without the light ever catching a glimpse of them.
Equipment Setup
There have been instances on the first night of the season that I quickly realize that I do not have the proper equipment setup. I find that lights need new batteries or lights malfunction. I have also found that I can not use my lights the way I want or get my gun into the proper position. When mishaps occur, it is best to return home, regroup and return when everything is properly working.
My ideal night hunting setup consists of a rifle with an attached light on the scope or my AR-style rifle equipped with a thermal imaging device that takes the place of a scope. With extra hardware included on the gun, it doesn't take long to realize its heaviness. It is necessary to have bipods such as the Swagger Bipods QD42's. When my QD42's are in place, I can keep the rifle in a ready-to-shoot position without holding extra weight. Plus, my hands are free to operate the remote of my electronic caller, as well as a hand-held scanning light.
After using the QD42's, I never feel that I lack enough hands or fumble around trying to find what I need when a coyote approaches the call. That alone makes for a better predator hunter.
When calling coyotes at night, I prefer someone to accompany me. When two people are hunting, one can use a scanning light to spot coyotes when they first approach the call and keep the light on the animal until a shot can be made. The other can be the designated shooter when a coyote is spotted. By having my rifle attached to my QD42 bipods, I can help scan using a hand-held light until a coyote is spotted. After an animal is located, I let my partner stay on them with their light, and I quickly use my gun-mounted light or thermal to make the shot as quickly as possible. An adequately installed bipod makes a smooth transition from light to gun without any fumbles that prevent a successful shot.
The chance to enjoy the hunt and successfully take coyotes can be an experience that keeps the hunter hungry for more. Ensuring the best setup while night hunting coyotes requires a complete package—confirming the right location with the right wind direction and the proper equipment setup when scouting must be marked off the checklist before venturing out at night to harvest these intelligent creatures.
]]>Over the last decade, the popularity of hunting deer using a crossbow has soared. Archery hunters have encountered many advantages using a modern-day crossbow instead of its predecessor, the traditional compound bow.
A few years ago, I was asked to do a couple of reviews on different models of crossbows. At first, I wasn't thrilled about the task because of my love for using a compound bow, and I felt as if I was cheating or that I had an unfair advantage against the animal that I was hunting. When I finally agreed to do the reviews, I quickly found out there are still challenges getting an animal into bow range and making the shot. Many of those trials were not about the shot itself; it was more of the hunter's challenges and the build-up until the shot opportunity happens. For example, one of the crossbows that I reviewed was a reverse-limb crossbow. The reverse-limb-designed bows require a cranking system when cocking the bow. When hunting with that model, I hunted in a tree stand close to my home in southern Missouri. When I arrived early one morning to hunt, I elected to get to my stand well before first light. After spraying down with a scent eliminator, I made the five hundred-to-six-hundred-yard walk along the edge of a field to my stand. After getting in my stand, I strapped in my safety harness then pulled up my crossbow; as my final step to being ready to hunt, I began to put the bolt in place on the crossbow. That is when I realized that I had not yet cocked the bow, and to make it worse, the cocking handle was still lying in my garage, approximately ten miles from my hunting area.
I was not a happy hunter when I had to lower the bow back down, unstrap from the tree, walk back to the vehicle, and drive back to my house to get the cocking device. When hunting with a crossbow, remember essential things that might ruin your hunt.
Mobility When In Tree stand Or Blind
One of the significant differences between a crossbow and a compound bow is that the crossbow has horizontal limbs, thus requiring a bit more space to make the shot. It is vital to allow adequate space in the tree stand to maneuver and make the shot. Always make sure limbs have been removed that could interfere with the hunt. If any deflections remain, the risk of detouring the flight of the bolt increases, and objects can interfere, causing damage to the crossbow or risk injuring the hunter.
The same preparation should be done when hunting in a ground or elevated blind. Hunters should inspect the windows of the blinds and any other objects that could interfere with the crossbow shooting properly. I have heard horror stories of hunters having a deer within bow range, only to have the crossbow's limbs hit the sides of the blind when trying to fire. Again, this could cause the hunter to miss, injure the animal or injure the hunter.
Use Proper Shooting Rest
Another notable advantage of using a crossbow is the increased speed of the bolt and the ability to make the shot without having to draw the bow. If the crossbow has been engaged before, the hunter simply must pull the trigger when they are ready to shoot. Less movement
equals prolonged concealment until the opportunity to shoot presents itself. The disadvantage to the modern crossbow having the mentioned technologies is that the crossbow will weigh more than a compound bow if the hunter has to hold it for some time before making a shot.
Whether hunting from a treestand, blind, or the ground, it is essential to have the crossbow in position and ready to shoot during the entire time you are hunting. To assure you are in position, using a shooting rest such as the Swagger Bipods Stalker QD42's or the QD72 is highly recommended.
When hunting in a seated position from a treestand or blind, the hunter should use the proper bipod such as the QD72's. The Stalker QD72 adjusts from a height of 24" to 72", giving the hunter the proper height to always be ready. If hunting from the ground or hunting in a treestand, the better choice would be the QD42. With the adjustable height being from 14" to 42", the hunter can take advantage of the Flex Ready Technology and rest the bottom of the shooting sticks on their ribs when sitting in a treestand or adjust to proper height when sitting on the ground, or lying in a prone position.
Having the proper stability to the crossbow will ensure better accuracy, less fatigue and keep the hunter concealed longer if the need for staying in the shooting position longer is needed.
Have All Accessories To Crossbow In Possession At All Times
As mentioned earlier, many of today’s crossbows come with a detachable cocking device such as a cranking handle or a rope-style cocking device that manually draws the string into place. It is a must always to keep these in your possession when hunting. For safety reasons, one must wait to engage the crossbow until they are in the stand or blind. As with my experience, not having the proper equipment can prolong the hunt or end it entirely. To prevent any mishaps, I prefer to carry a small backpack packed with all the accessories I might need during the hunt. Other accessories besides cocking devices could be extra bolts, a rangefinder, or extra broadheads.
The last accessory that every crossbow hunter should keep with them is a crossbow-rated target. No, you do not have to take a target with you to the treestand or blind when hunting. However, a target should always be in your vehicle or at a hunting camp when done hunting. Only a few newer designs of crossbows have a de-cocking feature. Typically, to disengage a crossbow, it must be shot. Leaving the crossbow in a cocked position for an extended period could cause damage or stress to the crossbow and be unsafe.
]]>By: Heath Wood
Calling in a coyote within close range or, more importantly, shooting range can be one of the most thrilling adventures while hunting that one will experience. The problem that the predator hunting thrill-seekers encounter is that it isn't always easy to bring them in on every stand made.
Whether you are a beginning predator hunter or a veteran at the sport, it is essential to remember that no hunter is ever too good not to ask another hunter for advice. Some of the best predator hunters I know seek out advice from other hunters.
Often it will be a tip or tactic that they may have already known or used in the past, yet hearing it again refreshes their skills and boost their confidence when on their next hunt. Below are five tips to make you a better predator hunter that may help you on your next predator adventure as well.
Scout
In almost every predator hunting seminar, how-to article, or tips and tactics video, you will probably hear the word, scout. In my opinion, it is the number one tactic to being a better predator hunter or hunter in general, for that matter. Almost every predator hunting pro will tell you, to up the success rate at calling in coyotes, scouting is crucial. By scouting for coyotes, you can eliminate many of what coyote hunters call dry stands. A dry stand is when nothing comes to the call, nothing is seen in the distance or heard in the distance. When dry stands are eliminated, the hunter's success rate improves, keeping them focused and excited for the next hunt.
How does scouting eliminate dry stands? Too many dry stands in a row are what bring doubt into a hunter's mind when trying to call. They begin thinking they are making the wrong calls, the calls were too loud or too soft, or they didn't have the wind in their favor. The number one factor for a coyote not responding to a call is typical because there is no coyote there to hear you in the first place. The outcome would have been different if the hunter had done a little more homework on the area. Spend time looking for signs such as tracks, droppings, den areas, leftover prey remains, or visually seeing coyotes in the area. When you find these in a specific area, that is where you need to make your next calling stand.
Approaching A Calling Stand
Once you have confirmed that there are coyotes in the area you are calling, the next mistake that may be happening, if no success has yet to be achieved, is how you approach the areas you are calling. I learned this tip several years after I began having success at calling coyotes. After going to areas where I knew coyotes were living, having wind direction in my favor, and making what I thought was a good attempt at calling, yet still was not successful, I began seeking advice from other hunters. After observing my surroundings, I discovered that coyotes were seeing me walk across a large open pasture when headed to where I was making my calling stand. Then someone asked if I was getting seen or smelt while walking in. That too, was a possibility that I never considered before.
When approaching an area to call, it is vital to stay hidden from being silhouetted or seen in the open while walking, and it is essential to keep the wind in your favor the entire time.
When I began using landscapes, shadows, and camouflage clothing to its fullest potential, I noticed my success rates increase.
Vocally Locating Coyotes
Even though I scout all my areas before I hunt, I can never be too confident. To ensure that I locate a more specific area where coyotes live, I often locate coyotes by using howling and yipping. By learning where a coyote is located, I know the area to call from when hunting.
On many occasions, I go the night before hunting and spend time driving roads or paths near the areas I have scouted. Using an open reed style howler, a diaphragm call, or my electronic call, I imitate the sounds of two or three coyotes yipping and howling together. These sounds will strike excitement from nearby coyotes, thus making them howl themselves, which gives up their location. When I go into that same area, hours after locating, I know the general area where coyotes will be, increasing my success rate.
Using howls to locate coyotes is another tactic I like to use throughout the summer while preparing for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Periodically throughout the summer, I visit my hunting areas and use vocals to locate coyotes. I revisit these same areas several times during a two or three-month span. Throughout that time, I note where coyotes usually howl, how many coyotes are there, and how often I hear them. At the end of the summer, I can look at the data and see where coyotes spend the most time and where calls will work the best.
Practice Shooting
I would answer seventy percent if someone asked me how important it is to be a good shot when predator hunting. Yes, it is essential to scout, find coyotes, and know what sounds and when to use them to call in coyotes. However, if you can't kill them when they come in, the rest is just icing on the cake.
The difference between bringing more coyotes home at the end of the day or coming home empty-handed is seventy percent based on shooting ability. When I see a predator hunter who stands out because of their ability, they usually shoot better than average. For example, if a coyote hangs up at four hundred plus yards, the average hunter will have to scratch it up as another unsuccessful hunt. However, the better-than-average shooter will make the shot and load another coyote in the truck. To become a better shooter, one must practice every situation that a hunter might face. I use the Swagger Bipods Stalker QD42 to stabilize my rifle. When practicing, I choose to shoot from a table or solid surface, such as at a shooting range. Many shooters prefer using a vise or sandbags when shooting at a range or shooting from a bench. I agree if I am sighting in a new scope or testing a new load. However, if I am there to practice, I choose to shoot with the QD42's because that is what I often use while hunting. I shoot the primary fifty, hundred, two hundred, and three hundred yards when practicing. The reason for shooting each distance is to ensure that my scope is accurate at each distance. Plus, it increases my confidence when shooting the same distance while hunting.
The next type of practice that I like to do is shoot in a hunting situation. I periodically shoot while laying down, sitting in open areas, and against a tree or solid surface throughout the year. By shooting in a hunting situation, I am more comfortable and confident in making the shot regardless of the position the hunt requires to make the kill. As with shooting from a table, when practicing in hunting situations, it is crucial to use the Swagger Bipods that will be used while hunting. I shoot while leaning in one direction or turned to one side. Both mimic the movements that could be made while a coyote is approaching.
The last practice drill I use is a speed drill along with a friend. If you have predator hunted at all, you know it can be a fast-paced action when a coyote comes charging to the call. I often shoot with three to four different targets at different angles and distances to practice being ready for a quick charging coyote. A buddy calls out what target to shoot; the shooter must aim at the called target and quickly make the shot within three seconds. The quickness drill prepares the hunter to quickly get on a coyote when they come running in and successfully make the shot. Shooting at a quick pace can be the difference-maker in bringing a coyote home or coming back empty-handed.
Learn From Mistakes
All the above tips prevent mistakes from happening in the field or while preparing for the hunt itself. Unfortunately, no matter how good you are or how much you prepare, mistakes will happen. The key to being a better predator hunter is capitalizing on those mistakes and using them to become better. I often make mistakes throughout a season of predator hunting that cost me another shot on a coyote. As I get older, I have learned not to get discouraged, take notes of what mistakes were made to prevent a harvest, and learn from them in the future.
Common mistakes could be call selections and timing, wrong setups, bad wind directions, getting busted from unnecessary movement, and the list could go on forever.
One of my favorite movie lines comes from National Treasure when Ben Gates states, "You know, Thomas Edison tried and failed nearly 2,000 times to develop the carbonized cotton-thread filament for the incandescent light bulb. And when asked about it, he said, "I didn't fail; I found out 2,000 ways how not to make a light bulb." but he did not need 2,000 ways; he only needed one way to make it work. The same goes for predator hunting.
]]>By: Heath Wood
In recent years, the popularity of calling coyotes has steadily increased. Not only are more men and women hunting predators, but many are calling throughout the entire year, especially during the summer months when there is nothing else for hunters to do.
Across the country, hunters are finding that during the months of late May, June, and July, there is not much going on except for a little bit of deer scouting and preparation of land for upcoming food plots. This lull in the year can be turned around with quality coyote calling that is not only a blast it is also beneficial to landowners, wildlife, and the hunter themselves.
Tooth and Claw TV host and expert predator hunter Jon Collins has had many successful calling stands during the first few months of the summer. Collins credits most of his success on focusing on the territorial behavior of coyotes due to raising their young. "This time of year is called the denning season," says Collins. He explains that during this time, the female and males have pups in the ground raising them. "A coyote is a pretty good maternal animal; both the male and female do a good job of taking care of their pups. The male goes out and finds food for them, and the female stays in the den to milk the pups and take care of them."
A coyote is known to be one of the most territorial animals. Collins explains that their already high territorial instinct increases even more when raising their young. "If there is any kind of intruder that comes nearby, they are running them off." He adds that he focuses on den sights during this time of year to call them in more effectively. "When I find one of those den sights, I will go in and make a few non-aggressive howls," He also states that a den sight causes the coyotes to show the territorial instinct that has increased from raising pups when howling nearby. "When they hear another coyote nearby their den, they don't like that. They will respond to the howls to come run off what is making those sounds; they don't want anything close to their pups.".
If howling nearby the den sights doesn't result in a coyote responding, Collins says he likes to use sounds such as puppy whines, pup in distress, or puppy cries to get the overprotective parents to respond to calling. The denning season of raising pups is what is going on in a coyote's world during this time of year. The sounds that come from their pups are the sounds that should be mimicked to bring them into shooting range.
Now that the how and why of sounds have been established, let's move on to the best time to hunt. Like most hunting seasons, the early mornings and late evenings is typically the most active part of the day to hunt. The same goes when trying to call coyotes during the heat of the summer. "I hunt the first few hours of the day before it gets too hot, as well as the last couple hours of the day when temperatures began to cool back down. "says Collins. However, Collins adds that even during the hottest parts of the day, such as afternoons, coyotes can still be called when someone is interfering with their space near den areas.
"Summertime calling near den sights is one of the best times to call coyotes," states Collins. He says that they can't resist being territorial when a hunter enters close to their den areas and begins screaming at them. A coyote is very receptive to calling during this time of year."
The last thing to make summertime coyote calling successful is by making sure you, as the hunter, are comfortable. Dressing in proper garments is a must for summer coyote hunting. Hunters must wear a lightweight garment that is moisture-wicking and fast drying to stay cool during warmer temperatures.
Another way for the hunter to stay comfortable when calling coyotes during the heat of the summer is by paying attention to bugs, ticks, and chiggers that are common this time of year.Is often asked if one should spray down for ticks and chiggers and if the smell from the spray stops the coyotes from getting close. "Dressing in a t-shirt or warm weather garments is important to stay comfortable, but the big thing is the bugs, mosquitos, ticks, and chiggers," says Collins, stating that not
spraying down can make a hunt less enjoyable. "There is nothing worse than waking up the next few days after hunting and being covered with 800,000 chiggers and tick bites all over your body," explains Collins. As for a coyote smelling your bug repellant efforts, the answer is, yes, they can smell the sprays, but they will not smell you if the wind is in your face when calling. The risk of smelling you is another reason why Collins says that paying attention to wind direction is one of the most critical factors in successfully calling coyotes. "I am always hunting with the wind in my favor," He then adds that the hunter should already know where these sights are located during the summer months of calling near den sights before going into the area to call. "I go into areas before hunting and make some howls, or even pup howls to get coyotes to howl, giving up their den location," states Collins. "Knowing where the dens are located before calling allows me to approach that area when ready, with the wind in my favor."
One of the main reasons for summertime coyote hunting is to help in wildlife management practices. When young fawns are the most receptive to coyotes, hunters can help by taking out a few coyotes during one of the best times for them to come to a call. By reducing the number of coyotes during this time, the survival rate of fawns will increase, thus helping the deer herd in the long run. The same goes for baby turkeys, rabbits, etc.
Another benefit of hunting coyotes during the summer is giving the hunter, what Jon Collins calls, more trigger time. "A coyote's fur isn't worth much during the summer months of the year, so I am not worried about pelt damage from a bullet like I am during the winter months of the year," says Collins. He explains that this time of year is a great time to take your favorite caliber of rifle hunting with you.
Collins recently went on a hunt in Kansas and took two rifles with him. One being his 6.5 PRC, which is one of his favorite big-game calibers. All though it is a more significant caliber for coyotes than usual, Collins can get practice behind the gun in an actual natural hunting situation or what he calls "trigger time" before using the same rifle on big game hunts this fall.
The next time you get the summer blues and think there is nothing to do during the hot summer months, try calling coyotes. You will be helping to control the population while also assisting in the survival of other wild game.
]]>As the gobbler approached, I knew that the guys should be able to see him and make the shot at any moment. As I waited for a boom from their shotgun, I heard drumming and dragging of wings as the gobbler barely skirted around to the left of where they were sitting.
]]>After agreeing to accompany two good friends while turkey hunting on their family farm, I found myself being designated as the group's caller, and they would be the shooters.
The two friends of mine were relatively new to the sport of turkey hunting. Being new, they were not the most experienced callers. With that being said, when we finally got on a gobbling tom, I instructed them to sit, and both face ahead in the toms direction.
After setting them up, I fell back twenty yards directly behind them and began calling. When I first sat down, I noticed a woven fence running up the hill towards the gobbling tom. Because it was my first time on this property, I did not know where the fence line leads. However, the tom sounded like he was further to the right of the fence, which was the side that I placed my two friends to get a shot.
As the gobbler approached, I knew that the guys should be able to see him and make the shot at any moment. As I waited for a boom from their shotgun, I heard drumming and dragging of wings as the gobbler barely skirted around to the left of where they were sitting. He was well within range, yet over the peak of the hill, enough to make a shot impossible. While wondering why wasn't a shot taken, I caught a glimpse of the big tom turkey making his way down the woven fence to my left, still to the left and out of sight from where they were sitting. When the gobbler made it to ten or twelve steps from me, I had no other option than to take the shot.
I truly felt bad for making the shot on the tom intended for one of my friends. The tom had circled them and practically jumped into my lap without them ever seeing the tom. After celebrating and recalling how the hunt unfolded, we topped the hill to notice that the same woven wire beside me made a ninety-degree turn to the right, continuing to run along the other side of the hill.
A woven fence can act as a steering course when a turkey is responding to your call. Specific landmarks, man-made objects, and ways of the land can alter a turkeys route. If one has done their homework and will avoid these distractions or use them in your favor, calling a gobbler into gun range can be much easier and less aggravating for the hunter.
Many hunters have had a turkey hang up on the other side of a fence at one time or another. Like the woven wire fence that I experienced, turkeys are notorious for not wanting to go through or fly over obstacles when going from one point to another. I have experienced this same hesitation when turkeys are on the other side of a creek, river, or other natural landmarks that altar a turkeys route. These types of distractions are to be avoided or used to your advantage when calling to a gobbler.
As when calling in the turkey that skirted my two friends and eventually gave me a shot opportunity instead. Using obstructions such as a woven fence can steer turkeys in your direction if set up correctly. The key is knowing where all of these obstructions are before hunting. By scouting an area before the season, the hunter can know where landmarks, fences, etc. are to use them to their advantage or avoid them when setting up on a gobbling turkey. A turkey, specifically a gobbler, desires to take the quickest, easiest route when responding to a hen calling; the fewer obstacles, the quicker they will come.
If the hunter doesn't have the opportunity to scout before the season, I suggest using an online hunting map app such as OnX Maps to scout instead. These maps can give the hunter a 2D view of how the land lies, where creeks and rivers are located, giving the hunter a game plan before setting up and calling to a gobbler.
Another mistake often made when setting up is sitting too far away from landmarks, creeks, or obstructions like a fence. As with the earlier mentioned hunt, if I had known before setting up my two friends that the woven wire turned and ran their way as well, I would have sat them up further to the right, close to where the fence made the turn because it would have naturally steered the gobbler into coming into range.
I have always been a fan of getting as close to a tom gobbling as I can before I set up and begin calling. Again, the shorter the distance between you and him, the fewer distractions for him to endure when coming to a call. When natural landmarks or distractions such as fences or water bodies keep me from close to the preferred distance, I set up as close to them as possible. By setting close to the detour, I am still in shooting range when the gobbler decides to hang up.
The last location for a natural possibility for a gobbler to hang up is in open areas such as a field. A large green field or a big crop field looks ideal to the hunter for a place to call in a turkey. However, they can also create a natural hang-up if he doesn't like what he sees.
When a gobbler enters into an open area without seeing what he has been hearing, he feels unsafe and will hang up the same as having a barrier such as a creek or a fence, or he may leave the area altogether. To provide a comfort zone and urgency to come into closer range, one must use two or three decoys. Using decoys provides realism, comfort, and a reason to come check out your calling.
A gobbler changing his destination plan is one of the worst scenarios that a hunter can face. Yet, with suitable systems in place as well as a solid game plan, an indecisive gobbler could very well be a thing of the past.
]]>My first daughter started hunting at the age of five and I knew my hands would be full making her comfortable and engaged in the field. First, I would pick days that weren’t as cold and always bring activities for her to do to keep her occupied, such as coloring books and playing cards. Believe me when I say that I became a master of Go Fish and never knew I could color between the lines as well as a 5 year old.
Second, we would practice shooting a .22 rifle at home almost every day and finally worked up to a .260. I used hand loads that were specifically loaded so a little girl could handle the recoil. The only problem we encountered was her physically holding up the rifle because of her small arms at the young age of five. That’s when we found the Swagger bipod. This changed everything for us and has made it possible for now both my daughters to handle a larger caliber rifle and be efficient. My daughter Gracen, took her first deer at the age of five and hasn’t looked back since. My daughter Briley, pulled the trigger on her first deer at the age of six and has also kept me busy skinning.
If anyone could take anything from our story, it would be find something that works, and for us that would be the Swagger bipod. To steal a line from my good friend Michael Waddell, “Around here, we raise kids, not deer,” so make it fun, no matter what.
Kenneth Lancaster
The Given Right
By Geoff Nemnich
Bagging 30 coyotes in a 2-day contest? Most would agree that a total that high is virtually impossible and as history has proven, they would be correct. Coyote hunters have only imagined killing that many in a 2-day, day-time only calling contest because it’s a feat that has never been accomplished. That was until the 2018 National Coyote Calling Championship took place earlier this fall in Rawlins, Wyoming. Although I don’t plan on giving away any earth-shattering coyote hunting secrets in this article, I do plan on giving you a play-by-play account of how those remarkable 2 days unfolded. As you’ll see, a combination of strategy, planning, skill, and luck all played an important role in us capturing the best 2nd place finish of all time!
You can read the full blog here.
]]>By Geoff Nemnich
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance October is your favorite month of the year. The temps are dropping, football is in full swing and hunting seasons are opening up all over the country! Whether it’s chasing bugling bulls in the high country, stalking speed goats on the prairie, or waiting on a whitetail to pass under your tree, October is full of prime opportunities in the hunting world. Although calling coyotes may not be high on the priority list of most hunters in October, taking advantage of primetime conditions during the early months of fall can lead to some of the best coyote-calling action of the season! Throughout this article, I’ll discuss the coyote life-cycle and how it relates to early season calling, the relationship between coyote populations and hunting pressure throughout the year, and how these coyote characteristics affect the early season approach to calling coyotes.
Read the full article here.
]]>We know, we know, Christmas is already over and still several weeks away. Last December Geoff Nemnich wrote a great article that included some great gear for Coyote Hunters and Swagger was on the list. Here is what he had to say!
Swagger bipods are quickly changing the shooting game in the predator world! Unlike traditional stiff-legged bipods, shooting sticks or monopods, Swagger does more than simply function as a barrel rest. The adjustable telescoping legs feature flexible joints that allow infinite maneuverability, which means you get the stabilizing benefits of the bipod without the restrictions of the stiff, fixed legs. Swagger allows you to maneuver in any terrain and any situation, constantly stabilizing your rifle while you raise up or lower down, slide left or turn right, move forward or lean back. With the push of a button, Swagger transforms from full flex to rigid legs, just like a traditional bipod. Swagger also lets you shoot prone, sitting or standing. Having a tool like this while coyote hunting allows the hunter to quickly adjust positions and get on target all while providing the stability needed to consistently put rounds on target at any range!
You can read the full article here.
]]>Swagger gives you mobility, quickly. Here are some tips on utilizing the Swagger Bipods flex ready technology for shooting from a seated or kneeling position.
Watch the video on YouTube here.
Purchase a Swagger Bipod here.
]]>Swagger BiPods are a new piece of hunting gear to make steady rifle shooting possible at any and all angles. In uneven terrain, soft, hard, or rocky terrain this shooting tool is at home. Follow along as we test out the this BiPod from Swagger while shooting at steep angles to practice for the upcoming mule deer season.
Watch the video review here.
]]>Introducing Swagger, the bipod with moves! Revolutionary Flex Ready Technology gives you shooting agility and flexibility like never before, which will dramatically expand your shooting zone. Swagger replaces ordinary "stiff " bipods and shooting sticks that have to be held to stabilize, must be carried, and are heavy, noisy and limited in how they allow you to shoot. Swagger is the all-terrain bipod and can do anything the others can do, and a whole lot more!The revolutionary Swagger All-Terrain Bipod gives you never-before-achieved shooting agility that allows you to maneuver in any terrain, and any situation.
Watch the product focus here
]]>