This month we are privileged to hear from the greatest coyote hunter I’ve ever known, my friend Jeremy Nickel. Let’s jump right into it:
Wolves were once the top predators in Oklahoma, until the early 1900s when the federal government and settlers hunted them almost to extinction while expanding grazing ranges for domesticated livestock. In the absence of wolves, coyotes established themselves as the new apex predators in the territories left vacant by wolves. The US government has tried to control coyote populations with the same methods used to curtail the wolf population, but coyotes are trickier animals than wolves. Despite being subjected to decades of persecution, including traps, poisons, aerial shooting, pursuit by hounds, and hunting, their numbers continue to increase, and their territories are expanding. Coyotes are remarkably resilient and adaptable creatures, displaying cleverness and resourcefulness, and my own experience hunting them has instilled in me an uncanny respect for these animals. Coyotes are simply doing what nature intended them to do, but their survival often comes into conflict with human interests.
How long ago and why did you first get into coyote hunting?
I’ve always been intrigued by coyotes and their haunting howls, ever since I was a kid. I have been hunting for them for most of my life. Over time, I’ve witnessed the evolution of hunting technology and regulations, which has led to expanding my hunting range from family property and nearby areas to targeting nuisance coyotes for landowners over a larger area. The equipment I use to hunt has also improved, such as electronic calls and thermal imaging devices. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during the night or at dawn and dusk. Taking advantage of this technology gives hunters an edge to be out hunting during these times and remove higher numbers of them.
How many coyotes did you take last year?
In 2023, I harvested 368 coyotes throughout several counties in NW Oklahoma.
Why is predator control important?
Livestock producers in the US face an estimated loss of $232 million annually due to predators. In Oklahoma, more than half of all such losses are caused by coyotes. These animals are intelligent and adaptable, and they tend to become bolder in areas where they can find a reliable food source. Coyotes are primarily carnivorous, but they also consume plant matter. During summer, they can cause significant damage to watermelon fields, and they often associate calving pens and poultry farms with a steady food supply. Furthermore, coyotes can clear 6-foot privacy fences to prey on small pets. In my opinion, targeting and removing coyotes from specific areas can create pressure on the remaining population and discourage them from associating that area with an easy food source.
What are some tips for newly beginning coyote hunters?
If you want to become a successful coyote hunter, it’s essential to pay close attention to your scent. Coyotes rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt, followed by their ability to hear and see. I have personally witnessed them react to my scent from hundreds of yards away across an open field. Therefore, setting up your calling stand in a way that accounts for wind direction is crucial, as coyotes have a natural tendency to circle downwind. It is also important to choose spots with elevation that enable you to cover as much ground as possible without revealing your silhouette. Keep in mind that coyotes have wider peripheral vision than humans and will detect your movements quickly, so avoid sudden movements. Coaxing coyotes into a position for a shot opportunity can be challenging since they are very in tune with their environment. However, don’t give up if you’re not successful at first. The trickster, as Native Americans referred to them, is one of the most challenging animals to hunt. There is no one way to do it, and you will learn tricks and tactics as you spend more time hunting.
Jeremy Nickel is an experienced coyote hunter helping landowners in NW Oklahoma with coyote problems. If you would like to contact him for his service, he can be reached at 580-484-1194. His service is free of charge.
