Do coyotes attack..... yip, yip yip, they do.

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:10 pm

Hey, Grey ...

Didn't mean that as a spelling lesson! You weren't so far off ... the nickname is nunchucks ... but lots of folks actually say "numb-chucks" ... don't worry about it.

I was just using the full version!

Had a buddy when I was a spam who was always twirling the ol' 'chucks around ... broke a chain once and beaned me on the forehead. I sported a knot for days. Guess I really am a knothead!

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:14 pm

Hey! Just noticed that the program substituted the word "SPAM" for t-e-e-n as in teenager!

What's up with that? Do they think we're a bunch of dirty old men?

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:29 pm

I always have a Buck 119 on my belt for who knows what.. I also always have a pack on in the bush and I wear a Gerber Gator on my chest strap.. Problem with a fixed knife is it rides under the camo, problem with the folder is it needs to be unfolded before it becomes effective.

My hands were full, the unfolding part is what cost me.
People told me that day would be priceless if I had it on video, after reading this thread I think it would have been far better if it were on video and I were fighting it of with nunchucks..

LV2HNT · Post by **LV2HNT** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:08 am

Wow, I never thought a coyote would attack a full grown man unless it was rabid. I guess their were circumstances in these two cases that made an attack more likely but I still never thought they would be that bold.

When they first appeared in this area, I was affraid they would decimate the deer and turkey populations and even worse, if prey became scarce or coyote populations became too high, I figured that they would start snatching pets and children. As horrible as that would be, the public would have yet another reason to support hunting which would be good for us but I hope we can get support in other ways.

When they came here I started seeing a lot of sign but never any coyotes, but the deer population started to drop pretty dramaticaly. Then I had my first sighting when I was out deer hunting. One loan coyote came trotting by me at about thirty yards. I took a shot at it but I think I missed because it didn't react like it had been hit and it unfortunatly crossed into an area I couldn't go so there was no way I could follow it and look for blood. My thoughts after seeing it was that it was small, about the size of a medium dog and unless it was a baby I couldn't realy see coyotes being much of a threat to any full grown healthy deer or people. Later that year my dad and I were out hunting and walking up a gravel road when we heard something running through the woods towards the road. We assumed it was a deer so we stopped and waited for it. A few seconds later a large doe went flying across the road with two coyotes (about the same size as the first) hard on its heels. From then on I realized that no deer is safe because the coyotes, although small, could possibly chase it untill it was too tired to run anymore and then they could gang up on it to take it down. That was pretty much it as far as sightings, so I eventualy figured that with the very large amount of time I spend in the woods and the large population of coyotes in the area that if I hadn't had any more sightings then they must realy be affraid of humans meaning that they shouldn't be a threat. Your posts make me think other wise though.

Today I also realized that my worst feers are quite real. Check out this article about a todler being attacked in New Jersey.

http://www.ahherald.com/content/view/1525/1/

Muzzyloader · Post by **Muzzyloader** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:07 pm

This is the first account I heard of coyotes being a threat to human.

Two years ago on my trip to the big woods of central PA, I was so spooked by just the sounds of coyotes howling I fired off a shotgun shell just to get some piece of mind. The experience was so eriee.

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:42 am

In my experience the coyote did not see me as a human.
I was in full 3D camo, against a tree, with a pile of brush pulled against me. He didn't know I was a person until we were on the ground in front of the tree.
Many times over the winter I would walk the same path out of the bush as I did to get in, there were very few times the coyotes didn't walk my tracks for a great distance, never seen them though.

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 10:30 am

Bstout ...

I've often considered the possible advantages of repellent sprays, as we have so very many bears around here. Even ordinary tasks around this farm involve likely encounters with cub-rearing sows.

Problem is that here on the costal plain the wind blows incessantly ... there was a reason the Wright Brothers came here, you know. Even a mild day usually boasts what might be considered quite a breeze elsewhere, and they constantly swirl about. I have always feared that in deploying a fogging spray I'd be quite as likely to incapacitate myself as an attacking predator! Wouldn't that be ironic ... a predator rushes ... I spray ... I fall to the ground, blinded, choking, disabled and helpless ... predator feasts on Grizzly seasoned with pepper.

Not a pleasant scenario to contemplate, my friend.

I guess I'll have to keep counting on wariness, Little Big Bang, and the Big Tooth for my welfare and protection.

I'll tell you something that I know does work to keep angry creatures that can kill you at bay ... a PITCHFORK ... I spent some time on a farm that raised prize Murray Gray bulls in my late teens. The old fork works ... but I guess you'd look odd carrying one in the woods! It would only convince my detractors that I really am the Devil!

VixChix · Post by **VixChix** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:31 am

Up here in Canada we don't have the option of carrying "little big bang". I'm carrying bear spray and take my chances on the wind direction.

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:10 pm

Amen to that!

I have no delusions of ability in dangerous circumstance.
I make no assumptions about having time to react.

It is my belief that having time to plan a reaction to attack is unlikely.
It is my belief that being cool and collected in executing that reaction is just as unlikely.

My personal preparations address the probability that when I am able to respond, I'll likely already be under attack and shaken.

I trust first in God to watch over me, but I'm a big boy now and I think He expects me to act like one. That old saying, "The Lord helps those who help themselves" may not be biblical, but it is reasonable. I try to live and act accordingly.

Little Big Bang is a dedicated defensive firearm ... a stainless Smith and Wesson hammerless snub that can chamber hot defensive rounds. No exposed hammer to hook or jam, no adjustable sights to snag ... a "squeezer" intentionally designed for close-in, under-attack use.

Big Tooth is an all-purpose knife that was designed with self-defense foremost in mind ... a field and battle proven weapon with a glorious history ... the classic KA-BAR Marine Fighting Knife in the Kryton handle style, with a rigid nylon sheath, maintained in scary-sharp form.

Both are carried in an X-shaped custom rig across my chest for easy access by my strong hand. They are secure enough to remain in place through a fall and during a struggle, but are easily released for use.

My own preparedness for trouble BEGINS with the assumption that should I ever need to employ my defensive weapons, I'll already be in jeopardy and will need to be able to access and use them even under contact with an aggressor and even though I'm shaken.

Sudden as the situation might be, and nervous as I might be, defense is as close as putting hand to chest, in the form of two weapons kept in top shape with which I am thoroughly familiar. I can only do my best to be ready ... and that's what I try to do, with humility and resolve.

My rules are:

Entertain no illlusions of readiness ... expect to be surprised.
Control what you can control, knowing that you can't control everything.
Make no assumptions about what will happen ... you don't know.
Take no chances ... be as prepared as you can be.

My "things to remember":

Wild animals are just that: WILD!
Worst-case scenarios do happen ... sometimes to you.
You can be your own worst enemy ... don't be.
The most dangerous predator in the woods walks on two legs. I don't mean Sasquatch.

Some people might think it foolish to give such attention to an event that might never take place ... but I think it prudent.

I may well add a canister of spray to my strap in the future.

Can't hurt. Might help.

When trouble comes, you're only as good as you're prepared to be.

And yes, I do wear both belt AND suspenders!

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:19 pm

Belt and suspenders? You sound like you need a wagon to carry all that stuff!

Canada does not allow the use of a personal firearm, especially a handgun.
A boot knife in the bush is a great idea, it would have saved me a bit of heart ache.. I actually considered clipping my Gerber to my rubber hunting boots, but my last minute decision was to leave it behind, in case it got lost..

I carry way too much stuff on my person on a daily basis, for those "just in case" moments.. I just may be in the market for a pair of suspenders too..

VixChix · Post by **VixChix** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:32 pm

When I used to do a lot of whitewater paddling, we wouldn't dream of being without a good "water" knife clipped within easy reach on our PFDs - mind you that was for ropes and royalex than animals, but it didn't take long to get used to wearing it.

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:33 pm

Double amen to carrying a knife while paddling!

I used to canoe whitewater every weekend ... you never know what's under that water ... in some sections of country there is rope, wire, nets and all sorts of junk in the drink. It's not safe to paddle without a knife, and again ... affixed for EASY ACCESS!

GREY OWL · Post by **GREY OWL** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 12:05 am

Very good second last post Griz. Those are sure good words of wisdom, I wish more people could think like you....... BRAVO.

VIXCHIX.. Here in Canada we can't carry, or isn't legal to carry Little Big Bang, but we sure can carry a sawed-off shotgun and Big Tooth. I bought a legal sawed-off shotgun with a pistol grip from a local gun store here, many years ago. The barrel can be no longer than 18 inches (I believe) from the chambered shell to the end of the barrel. When I have it slung over my back, the end of pistol grip rest's on my lower back and the end of the barrel is level with my shoulders. Its about the length of my back, and I'm not a big guy. I never, never, have any bullets in the gun, just to dangerous if the weapon would go off. If I have to use it quickly, I always have a single round ready in my pocket. I even practice to see how fast I can get the gun off my back, bullet in magazine, and pump a round in the chamber.

As for that coyote that attacked my buddy, well, I'm not that quick.

Grey Owl

TPM · Post by **TPM** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 12:52 am

The barrel can be no longer than 18 inches (I believe) from the chambered shell to the end of the barrel.

Actually it's measured from the bolt face to the muzzle with the action closed and the chamber empty. The barrel length must be just over 18" (most guys cut them to 18 1/2" to be safe) and the over-all length of the gun must be, I believe, 26" (?).
I have a friend who used to guide on horseback in the Rockies. They would carry a shotgun much like yours except they carried them in a scabboard on their backs muzzle down and the magazine loaded but none in the chamber. In the event of an emergency you are not likely to have time to get a shell out of your pocket and load it.

I even practice to see how fast I can get the gun off my back, bullet in magazine, and pump a round in the chamber.

With most pump guns you don't have to load it in the magazine first. Just open the action, drop the shell in the ejection port and close the action.

If you're going to rely on a pistol grip shotgun make sure you practice with it. They are brutal to control when firing. Make sure there is no gap between the grip and the web at the base of your thumb. Also make sure your fore-arm is in line with the shotgun. This will allow your arm to take some of the recoil.

Kenton · Post by **Kenton** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:03 am

Last spring, i was planting a grass field while I was working for pheasants forever. In one field there were six different coyotes and one followed about 15 yards behind the tractor waiting for voles to come his way. I also saw a three legged rabbit which i figured should have been an easy meal. Anyway, a while later I noticed a large 'yote about 200 yards away. This thing was huge, I grabed my video camera that i carried with me and ran to get in front of it. It disappeared into a bushy fencerow so I went to the other side to wait. When I got through there was a 'yote pup heading back into the fencerow. I figured this could be awesome. I got close to where the pup disappeared and waited to get some video. Nothing happened for a short time so I whistled like a woodchuck to try and get some action. Boy, did I! The big 'yote came flying out of the bush teeth showing and growling. We were pretty much face to face but it left as fast as my heart was racing. I think once it realized what I was, it did not want any part of that fight. I was so focused on geting close, it never even dawned on me that it might get ugly, I won't make that mistake again.