By: Heath Wood
Game Cameras Versatility
Every summer, I begin using my primary resource for scouting whitetail deer, that tool being my Stealth Cam game cameras. Throughout the summer months and continuing through the fall, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t have at least one Stealth Cam in place to monitor deer. Typically, I have at least three Stealth Cams running on the property that I am regularly hunting. I often capture predators on the same cameras I set up for deer movement. After several years of capturing predators, I decide to use my cameras after deer season to gather data on coyotes.
When hunters think of using game cameras, they most often think of big game hunting. However, with the advancement of Stealth Cams and other game cameras, predator hunters can also reap the advantages of using game cameras.
Look at all the Coyote activity I caught on my Stealth Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSuLDaerXhE
Scouting Confirmation
The first thing I mention when talking about coyote hunting is that a hunter must confirm coyotes are close by before hunting. I always mention this is because I constantly see coyote hunters making numerous calling stands in areas with no coyotes.
All quality calling stands begin with prior confirmation that coyotes are living in the area. To make that validation, hunters must spend time scouting before the hunt. Scouting methods include walking the hunting area, howling for coyotes, glassing with binoculars from a distance, and using game cameras. Knowing that coyotes live in a specific hunting area will result in a higher success rate when calling.
Coyote Hunters Arsenal
Adding a game camera to any predator hunters arsenal can easily save time and effort. When setting up a game camera for coyotes, one must set the camera in areas where coyotes often travel. Many trappers look for well-used travel routes when finding the ideal location to set their traps. Often, they will find areas such as old logging roads, farm roads, or even paths made from livestock to set their traps. These areas can also be excellent locations to place a game camera for scouting predators.
Another tactic to capture predators on a game camera is luring them to a specific location. In the past, I have used predator scents such as the Predator Bomb Coyote Urine from Buck Bomb. The Predator Bomb consists of fresh coyote urine that attracts the curiosity of coyotes and activates their territorial instincts, which will help draw them in front of your game cameras. Using multiple cameras on one particular property will help to confirm a coyote presence.
Springing Into Action
Much of the predator hunting that I do each year is nearby my hometown in southern Missouri. For the past several years, I have tried to find properties close to my home to hunt. The majority of properties are owned by local farmers who constantly keep an eye out for coyotes. The advantage of having nearby farm owners on speed dial is that they call me when they see a coyote. After a quick phone call, I feel like Batman suiting up to fight the bad guys. Instead, I am suiting up in my Mossy Oak camouflage and heading to try to call in a coyote.
When I first began using cellular game cameras for coyote hunting, I quickly discovered that it was the same as having a farmer on constant lookout. When using my Stealth Cam Fusion X cellular camera, I get an instant notification when a coyote is on my hunting property. I have been using my Fusion X cameras on properties that I know are a short drive from my home. When my Command app sends me a notification of a coyote, I immediately head that way to hunt.
Game Cameras Change The Game
Instant notification and the exact location of the coyote is a massive advantage for predator hunters. Because of the immediate reaction, I know there is a coyote close by, resulting in fewer calling stands that do not produce a coyote response.
When using game cameras to scout for predators, the hunter can know when and where coyotes spend most of their time. With regular SD card-style cameras such as the Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate, one can monitor a wide range of hunting properties used for calling predators. The cellular technology provided from the Fusion X gives actual-time proof of when a predator is nearby. When both types of Stealth Cam game cameras are combined, it creates the missing tool hunters need to have more successful coyote calling stands.