How exciting is coyote hunting in Maine? Imagine being circled by an alfa male when you thought you were the one stalking him.
Yeah, it’s that exciting.
Coyote Hunting in Maine
In Maine, coyote season runs year-round and there is no limit on how many may be harvested. Biologists estimate there are over 12,000 coyotes in the state. With coyotes being adaptable to just about any type of habitat, there is ample opportunity to encounter the state’s most abundant canine predator.
But wait, it gets better.
Coyote Night Hunting in Maine
Between December 16 and August 31, coyotes may also be hunted at night in Maine (except on Sundays; Maine prohibits all hunting on Sundays). A night hunting permit is required in addition to a regular hunting license. Night coyote hunters must also be in possession of either a handheld or electronic call. When the moonlight fails to cooperate, you can even use artificial light during Maine’s night hunting season.
Excited yet? Thought so.
Now let’s talk details.
Coyote Call Types
When it comes to sounding realistic, it hardly gets better than playing back recorded sounds of actual coyotes or their prey. That’s where electronic callers excel. Plus they free up your hands to aim and shoot. Many hunters swear by electronic calls and have had ‘yotes come right in while using them.
But for all the digital downloads money can buy, sometimes you need to do a little sweet talkin’ in ways mp3’s simply can’t.
Game calling is all about reading the animal. The best callers adjust their sounds to what the animal “wants” to hear. For that, you need a call (or several) that you can manipulate at will. Ones that you’ve practiced with and can make sound realistic. Thus, handheld or mouth calls are essential.
So if you’re going to pick just one type of call, go with the handheld. If you can add an electronic call to your arsenal, all the better. Used together, the combination can be deadly.
Coyote Call Sounds
Coyote calls come in two basic versions. One version is the kind that generally imitate the sound of a wounded prey animal such as a rabbit. These calls play to a coyote’s hunting instinct.
Since these calls imitate food and coyotes often hunt in groups, don’t be surprised when more than one ‘yote comes prowling in search of the prey you’re imitating. These calls also get more effective as winter wears on, snow gets deeper, and food gets scarcer. By the way, hunting in snow has it’s benefits.
The other coyote call version imitates the sounds of other coyotes. These calls play to a coyote’s territorial and pack instincts. If the alpha male is your target, this type of call may be your best bet. Imitating the sounds of an unwelcome newcomer may bring him, or others, in to exert their control over their territory.
Or not. Coyotes vocalize for a number of reasons and different sounds mean different things. There isn’t room to cover the intricacies of coyote-speak in this one post. Suffice to say there are many ways to use a coyote-imitating call to your advantage, even if the alpha male isn’t your primary target.
Coyote Hunting Light
In my experience, night hunting coyotes is best when there’s enough moonlight and snow cover to not need a light. For darker nights, a red light (or a regular light with a red cover) is best. Red light doesn’t destroy your night vision the way regular light does.
Assuming you keep the light still, many coyotes will either tolerate or fail to notice red light. I’m not sure which is the actual response, I’ve heard it argued both ways. I do know they can apparently see plain white light just fine and will actively avoid it.
Another option is to use some sort of night vision optic. This is one of those situations where you get what you pay for – the best, most reliable versions will cost more. I maintain the philosophy that ineffective or unreliable equipment is a detriment to the quality of my hunt. So when it comes to technology such as this, buyer beware.
Coyote hunting in Maine is definitely exciting. Mix in the ability to hunt at night and the excitement factor ticks up a few notches.
Just try to keep your own howling at the moon to a minimum.
Camp Katahdin is a luxury hunting retreat in Northern Maine. Our 15 person Hunting Lodge is set in the most beautiful hunting grounds in the Katahdin area. Step out the door and walk, ATV, or snowmobile to prime hunting locations.
Night hunting for coyotes in Maine is a thrilling adventure at Camp Katahdin. We set up bait and a nice, heated shack.
After your hunt, come back and rest easy in our new hunting lodge. We offer independent and guided hunts for all seasons, whitetail Maine deer hunting season is one of our favorites. We are also commercially zoned for Pheasant hunting – that means, no license needed, 7 days a week hunts.
Find out more by clicking here:
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