I'm looking for lessons on coyote hunting. I'm in Bartlett, IL (west Chicago sub), will drive up to 3 hours. Will appreciate any help, advise and practical lessons.

Thanks

Get a few mouth blown calls.

You will need some camo clothes.

I like one of the turkey vests with a folding seat to sit on and it holds your calls, a sandwich, and anything else you might need.

I like to use a 243 that will shoot within 4 inchs at 300 yards or better with a medium power variable scope, mine is a 3 by 9.

Find a place you can see a couple of hundred yards or better. I like the wind to be blowing in my face or at least sidewise.

I like a sitdown set of shooting sticks. Check out Varmit Al's page and follow the instructions on building one. It's easy, cheap and works. He has some calling sounds you can download and give you an idea what your calls should sound like.

Find a place with some brush or hillside behind you to break up your outlline. Set your rifle up in the shooting sticks and start calling. Call for no more than 30 minutes. If nothing shows up move to another set. If you call in a yote and shoot it continue calling, often another will come in.

This is great fun and addictive. I wouldn't worrry about keeping the pelts as prices have gone down the toilet for a bunch of years.

Hope this helps you out.

If you find yourself hunting a section of woods (short range visibility) put a natural barrier to your downwind ie creek, ridge, fenceline, field/opening to prevent the buggers from coming in downwind such as they are given to doing. They like to scent the sounds as they approach. This is where I like to have someone sitting on my "6".

Lessons or not you will still have to experience many times on-stand without seeing them. Ask the experienced ones that have paid their dues to this very intelligent creature.

They are unpredictable and refuse to be put into a system...though you will find what works in your area/terrain.

Good hunting!

Here's a place that specializes in predator hunting in those states - click here (http://midwestpredator.groupee.net/groupee)

I learned more about coyote hunting from a Randy Anderson video than I did from hunting with self-described "experts", internet forums, or books and magazines. A good video or two helps a bunch.

Here's another website with lots of good information about coyote hunting in your region.

www.indianapredatorcentral.com