Just got off the phone about an hour ago with my hunting buddy, he told me about his ordeal with a pack of coyotes.
Zenon, my hunting partner of 15 years, was out at his property yesterday, trekking through the bush on his snowshoes. We had a lot of snow this year, and with the cool spring we've been having it hasn't melted much. For some reason he didn't like the way his snowshoes were performing, so he took them off, and began trudging through the deep snow. He soon came upon a fairly fresh deer kill, before he got to it, he did see a coyote in the bush, but didn't think much of it. He stopped to look over the kill site, eventually stepping through it and proceeding up a steep hill on the trail. He was struggling to get up the hill, through the deep snow, which was almost up to his knackers, when he stopped to take a rest. As he turned around, he could see 6 coyotes around him in the bush. Just as he went to get the gun off his back, a seventh coyote out of no where, tore up the trail he was on. Zenon had just enough time to squeeze a shot off with his right hand, while his left, blocked the coyote from jumping on him. He said he was sure the yote was going for his neck, luckily the shot hit and killed the coyote. My partner said he was OK, just a few threads ripped on his jacket, and did have a scratch on his ear, but wasn't sure if it was the coyote or a twig he caught while on his trek.
He had no idea why this coyote attacked, and could only speculate that maybe when he stepped through the killed site, he had blood on his boots, and the coyote saw him struggling up the steep hill. I told him maybe they felt threatened by you intruding on their kill, and were just protecting their food. We'll never know what went through that yote's mind. But I know someone who's glad he was carrying a gun.
I joked, that he should get a shoulder mount of his dead coyote. He did say that he tried dragging the coyote out, but found it to hard in the deep snow, so just left it there.
I've said many times on this forum, that I never, but never, walk my property with out a firearm. But I never in my wildest dreams thought at this time of year a coyote might attack a human. I've always thought maybe a black bear, cougar or wolves would be my prime concern. Once the snow melts enough to look for shed horns on my property, I'll be packing enough fire power to put down an elephant.
Have any of you guys ever had this experience, or heard of anybody that did? I'd be curious if this is more common than not.
Grey Owl
Do coyotes attack..... yip, yip yip, they do.
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Pydpiper
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They sure do attack! Here is a post I made on another forum:
I put on my best camo, (was my best camo) and headed into the woods where I have been seeing a lot of tracks.. I backed up against a tree and pulled some brush against me, it would have been a useless position if I had my crossbow, but since I left it at home I figured it was a good spot.
I have been reading all the sites you guys sent to me, it seems pretty rare that these guys get animals closer than a hundred yards or so, so I felt pretty safe.. I hunched down and let the howler go for a bit, still think it sounds like a drunk duck but the coyotes seem to think it sounded pretty darn good. I seen the first one come up over the river bank, and my heart went crazy.. it was the closest I have been to one of these things since I decided to hunt them, probably 75 yards or so right in front of me, then gone again.
I was far from stealthy when I stuck the howler in my pocket and popped the squeaker in my mouth, I was concentrating more on what sound I was making than what was happening around me, that's when I seen the nasty looking thing about 10 yards in front of me, head cocked to one side and taking slow steps towards me, he was alone I think. All I could think about is how easy of a shot it would have been if I actually had something to shoot it with, and by the time that thought went through my head it was 5 or 6 feet in front of me, I was sure it was looking me straight in the eye. My excitement turned to concern when I realized it wasn't stopping, just walking right to me.. I of course was still tooting away on my squeaker, almost laughing into it in nervousness. By now I knew it was coming for that sound regardless of what I did, so I decided I would grab it by the scruff if it came closer, and closer it came, lunged at the squeaker that was still making noise as I tried to breath through it.
It was in the air when I grabbed it, Damn thing pounced like a cat, I missed his scruff with both hands, one hand had his cheek and the other the top of it's head by the ear.. He was pretty pissed, and I could smell his rotten breath and all I remember thinking is how white the teeth were for an ugly animal. It was mere seconds and I had it pinned down under my knee while holding its head to the ground. I had it in a position where it couldn't do any damage to me and I looked around to see if he had any friends nearby, all I could think is why I hadn't read anything like this, and what else could possibly happen. I mumbled something through my teeth about not being a mouse with lots of colorful words included. I took my hand off it's cheek to grab my knife and that's when he turned and got my leg, just above my ankle. It happened pretty quick, didn't feel a thing. About 10 seconds later, neither did he. I learned a few things today, that is for sure.
So, my buyers remorse for buying the cheapest yote call Bass Pro had to offer is now gone, I am a firm believer now.
Photo deleted, too big
I put on my best camo, (was my best camo) and headed into the woods where I have been seeing a lot of tracks.. I backed up against a tree and pulled some brush against me, it would have been a useless position if I had my crossbow, but since I left it at home I figured it was a good spot.
I have been reading all the sites you guys sent to me, it seems pretty rare that these guys get animals closer than a hundred yards or so, so I felt pretty safe.. I hunched down and let the howler go for a bit, still think it sounds like a drunk duck but the coyotes seem to think it sounded pretty darn good. I seen the first one come up over the river bank, and my heart went crazy.. it was the closest I have been to one of these things since I decided to hunt them, probably 75 yards or so right in front of me, then gone again.
I was far from stealthy when I stuck the howler in my pocket and popped the squeaker in my mouth, I was concentrating more on what sound I was making than what was happening around me, that's when I seen the nasty looking thing about 10 yards in front of me, head cocked to one side and taking slow steps towards me, he was alone I think. All I could think about is how easy of a shot it would have been if I actually had something to shoot it with, and by the time that thought went through my head it was 5 or 6 feet in front of me, I was sure it was looking me straight in the eye. My excitement turned to concern when I realized it wasn't stopping, just walking right to me.. I of course was still tooting away on my squeaker, almost laughing into it in nervousness. By now I knew it was coming for that sound regardless of what I did, so I decided I would grab it by the scruff if it came closer, and closer it came, lunged at the squeaker that was still making noise as I tried to breath through it.
It was in the air when I grabbed it, Damn thing pounced like a cat, I missed his scruff with both hands, one hand had his cheek and the other the top of it's head by the ear.. He was pretty pissed, and I could smell his rotten breath and all I remember thinking is how white the teeth were for an ugly animal. It was mere seconds and I had it pinned down under my knee while holding its head to the ground. I had it in a position where it couldn't do any damage to me and I looked around to see if he had any friends nearby, all I could think is why I hadn't read anything like this, and what else could possibly happen. I mumbled something through my teeth about not being a mouse with lots of colorful words included. I took my hand off it's cheek to grab my knife and that's when he turned and got my leg, just above my ankle. It happened pretty quick, didn't feel a thing. About 10 seconds later, neither did he. I learned a few things today, that is for sure.
So, my buyers remorse for buying the cheapest yote call Bass Pro had to offer is now gone, I am a firm believer now.
Photo deleted, too big
Last edited by Pydpiper on Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
If you are not willing to learn, nobody can help you, if you are willing, nobody can stop you.
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
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Grizzly Adam
- Posts: 5701
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Glad your friend wasn't hurt, Grey Owl.
That just goes to show how necessary it is that we be careful all the time.
Kill sites are always danger zones, as is carrion, or covered or stashed carcasses. Animals that aren't known for attacking can nonetheless, and sometimes do. It is never wise to set up for calling in a spot where a predator can get right up to you in cover, or where you might not have time to set-up for the shot ... and it is dangerous to let a called-in animal get too close, as our friend found out.
I carry when in the woods. We have coyotes, red wolves, black bear, bobcat, alligators, five varieties of poisonous snakes and starving lost hounds to think about ... not to forget that ever-elusive creature of fable, the Carolina Black Panther! Then there are the two-legged critters ... the really dangerous ones.
The Boy Scouts have it right: "Be Prepared."
That just goes to show how necessary it is that we be careful all the time.
Kill sites are always danger zones, as is carrion, or covered or stashed carcasses. Animals that aren't known for attacking can nonetheless, and sometimes do. It is never wise to set up for calling in a spot where a predator can get right up to you in cover, or where you might not have time to set-up for the shot ... and it is dangerous to let a called-in animal get too close, as our friend found out.
I carry when in the woods. We have coyotes, red wolves, black bear, bobcat, alligators, five varieties of poisonous snakes and starving lost hounds to think about ... not to forget that ever-elusive creature of fable, the Carolina Black Panther! Then there are the two-legged critters ... the really dangerous ones.
The Boy Scouts have it right: "Be Prepared."
Grizz
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Grizzly Adam
- Posts: 5701
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:36 pm
- Location: Decatur County, Indiana
Ouch! 
So that was you who got jumped by a hunting 'yote!
Why were you calling without a weapon? Just messing around, or figured they weren't likely to get close? I'm not criticizing ... just wondering! That's a bad way to learn it's not a good idea, huh?
Good you weren't hurt bad. It's positively hazardous to predator-call around here unless you do it in an open field or a raised stand ... too many bears.
I never had to learn the hard way because I'd always read that it could be dangerous, and took appropriate precautions!
Do you carry a firearm now?
So that was you who got jumped by a hunting 'yote!
Why were you calling without a weapon? Just messing around, or figured they weren't likely to get close? I'm not criticizing ... just wondering! That's a bad way to learn it's not a good idea, huh?
Good you weren't hurt bad. It's positively hazardous to predator-call around here unless you do it in an open field or a raised stand ... too many bears.
I never had to learn the hard way because I'd always read that it could be dangerous, and took appropriate precautions!
Do you carry a firearm now?
Grizz
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Rage_A_Holic
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- Location: Brampton, ON
Someone correct me if I am wrong... but.. Grizz; I think PydPiper was quoting another user, from another forum.
In his first quote he deleted the attached picture... then it appears he later reposted it.
He uses "I", but I believe it was a quote.
In his first quote he deleted the attached picture... then it appears he later reposted it.
He uses "I", but I believe it was a quote.
[img]http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/948/sig2ty6.jpg[/img]
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taureau noir
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taureau noir
The word in English is "rabies".
We are both thinking the same thing. The head of that coyote should have been turned in to a Provincial Health Department or a Veterinarian for testing. That was unusual behavior for a coyote. It could possibly be explained as protecting its kill, but even that is unusual. The animal may have been rabid.
If the animal was infected with Rabies brain tissue samples should disclose that to be the case. Unfortunately, there is no test to see if a human got infected until symptoms appear in the human. By that time, it is too late for treatment.
The Rabies testing would be done at no cost personally to the victim.
Why take a chance?
The word in English is "rabies".
We are both thinking the same thing. The head of that coyote should have been turned in to a Provincial Health Department or a Veterinarian for testing. That was unusual behavior for a coyote. It could possibly be explained as protecting its kill, but even that is unusual. The animal may have been rabid.
If the animal was infected with Rabies brain tissue samples should disclose that to be the case. Unfortunately, there is no test to see if a human got infected until symptoms appear in the human. By that time, it is too late for treatment.
The Rabies testing would be done at no cost personally to the victim.
Why take a chance?
"Gun Control Laws"--trying to nag criminals into submission.
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Pydpiper
- Posts: 6148
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That was my leg, and No, I don't do that without a weapon anymore.
I did keep the head and turned it in, all is well.
The story says it all, I was just messing around and seeing if I could master the call, as bad as I thought I was doing it turned out to work surprisingly well. It is a MAD call, coyote howler. The mouse squeaker I was using an insert out of a toy, modified to fit my mouth for hands free squeaking.
The story gets dumber. I am a wildlife control technician, I should have known better. I have devoted a good part of my life to coyote hunting now, I may add predator control to my companies list of duties, hopefully my customers don't get wind of this story though.
I did keep the head and turned it in, all is well.
The story says it all, I was just messing around and seeing if I could master the call, as bad as I thought I was doing it turned out to work surprisingly well. It is a MAD call, coyote howler. The mouse squeaker I was using an insert out of a toy, modified to fit my mouth for hands free squeaking.
The story gets dumber. I am a wildlife control technician, I should have known better. I have devoted a good part of my life to coyote hunting now, I may add predator control to my companies list of duties, hopefully my customers don't get wind of this story though.
If you are not willing to learn, nobody can help you, if you are willing, nobody can stop you.
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
Grizzly Adam Actually my friend wasn't calling coyotes, or even hunting specifically for coyotes. This guy is like me, he always, always carries a gun on his own property. I know it sounds a little strange, but this same fellow had a black bear charge at him several years ago, while again walking his property. I'm sure while carring the gun if he would of saw a coyote he would of taken a shot at it. Here in Saskatchewan, foxes, coyotes, black bears, beavers, all can be shot, hunted, throughout the year if they pose a problem to the land owner, we do not need a licence. In the case of bears, if you do happen to shoot one, the game wardens would like to be notified. That's so you don't go and sell body parts like gall badder, paws, and claws to the Asian black market.
cwt That's exactly what my buddy said. Since he walked through the blood of the dead deer and was on his boots, he figured the coyotes saw him struggling up the steep slope in the deep snow, it looked like supper to them.
But here's my point guys, what if he didn't have a gun. What if he was just a nature lover (which he is), and was out walking his property, like so many people do. Would the coyote have taken one swept at him and leave him alone, what about the other 6 that were watching, would they have gotten in on it? This is scary stuff, this could happen to anyone, even one of you guys. This episode is something to think about. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to create pandemonium, but just trying to give a wake-up call.
My opinion, everyone if possible should have some kind of protection on them when in the outdoors, bear spray, a hunting knife, numb-chucks, what ever, at the least a big stick.
Grey Owl [/b]
cwt That's exactly what my buddy said. Since he walked through the blood of the dead deer and was on his boots, he figured the coyotes saw him struggling up the steep slope in the deep snow, it looked like supper to them.
But here's my point guys, what if he didn't have a gun. What if he was just a nature lover (which he is), and was out walking his property, like so many people do. Would the coyote have taken one swept at him and leave him alone, what about the other 6 that were watching, would they have gotten in on it? This is scary stuff, this could happen to anyone, even one of you guys. This episode is something to think about. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to create pandemonium, but just trying to give a wake-up call.
My opinion, everyone if possible should have some kind of protection on them when in the outdoors, bear spray, a hunting knife, numb-chucks, what ever, at the least a big stick.
Grey Owl [/b]
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Grizzly Adam
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- Location: Decatur County, Indiana
Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
I agree that it's good to have something with you to fend off the unexpected!
The image of a hardy outdoorsman whipping out his trusty nunchakus when attacked and whirling away at a crazed critter is somewhat disconcerting, however!
I'd much rather have a Samurai sword.
Your point is well taken, though. I often carry both a firearm and a wickedly sharp, extremely pointy knife when I'm out stomping around ... the grand old KaBar Marine fighting knife ... it rides in a sheath attached to the chest strap of my haversack. Always in easy reach.
Instantly available. It's nice to have a Big Tooth on you.
I know lots of outdoorsman make fun of those who carry a big knife ... but let them surprise a big water moccasin at arms length while wading in the swamp about once ... try hacking away at one of those with your nice little drop-point. No thanks.
I keep a little knife in my pocket. Use it lots.
I keep a big knife across my chest. Use it sometimes.
I'm glad when I have both as needed.
I agree that it's good to have something with you to fend off the unexpected!
The image of a hardy outdoorsman whipping out his trusty nunchakus when attacked and whirling away at a crazed critter is somewhat disconcerting, however!
I'd much rather have a Samurai sword.
Your point is well taken, though. I often carry both a firearm and a wickedly sharp, extremely pointy knife when I'm out stomping around ... the grand old KaBar Marine fighting knife ... it rides in a sheath attached to the chest strap of my haversack. Always in easy reach.
Instantly available. It's nice to have a Big Tooth on you.
I know lots of outdoorsman make fun of those who carry a big knife ... but let them surprise a big water moccasin at arms length while wading in the swamp about once ... try hacking away at one of those with your nice little drop-point. No thanks.
I keep a little knife in my pocket. Use it lots.
I keep a big knife across my chest. Use it sometimes.
I'm glad when I have both as needed.
Grizz
