The Eastern Coyote Feeding Pattern
Theory by Matt Lookadoo of Marauder Outdoors
Have you ever noticed that the Eastern Coyote has a completely different, if not odd travel pattern in comparison to the Western and Midwestern brotherin?
Well we have, over the past few years we have noticed this pattern a little more than we had ever realized. As we have theorized this we are not wildlife biologist, but we are avid outdoors men and this is just what we have picked up from our hunts!
The Eastern Coyote is not as “territorial” as the Western brother, but they do keep a “home territory” as we will depict as our “sweet spot”. The coyotes of the east have a quote/unquote migration pattern, around a specific central feeding area. This feeding pattern is a series of feeding rotations that overlap just slightly. These 5 to 7 week cycles of rotation we will call “The Pattern”. The breakdown of this pattern is a one week per station with 5 to 7 stations in the rotation overlapping to make up the total pattern area, with the sweet spot smack in the middle of it all.
The feeding pattern is simply put like this, the cycle of movement that the pack makes through the course of their week to week search of food and possible companionship. In our hunting area we have noticed that each weekly station covers 1.5 to 2.5 miles. These stations do overlap the last area to make up the sweet spot in the center which all stations share this “sweet spot” is the most likely place for the dens and bedding areas for the females. This area is sparsely traveled and densely covered with extremely thick surroundings.
The pack stays in this “total pattern area” which we have notice that on average is around 5 miles (give or take 1\2 mile). If you can scout this area and know that every 6 weeks (for our outline we are using 6 weeks) you hear them on your south 40, then next week they will be in the hallow behind the neighbors barn, then you can look at the overlapping area. If you can or you are lucky enough to know the 3rd week this will give you a good base to formulate the feeding pattern in your area. Once you pinpoint the total travel pattern area, this will give you a rough idea of the sweet spot.
Now this may take some time but it will show you were you will have the best luck and at what times. Once you have your sweet spot figured out, try a bait drop with a trail camera, it may take them a couple days to clean it up but that is ok. All of this will tell you three things; 1. If your calculations are correct. 2. What time(s) they are moving through there (tells you whether you should do a morning or night hunt). 3. How many are approximately in that area (rule of thumb, if you see one, there is most likely two).
Other Notes That May Be Helpful
Tree stands can prove to be helpful, watch your wind, if you are using an electronic call place it in a clearing on the ground. As a properly set up tool the tree stand can greatly increase your odds with the Eastern Coyote and his brushy cover.
Walk the extra mile, take the time to “hunt” into your stand or setup. Most people try to drive up close, make too much noise, and then just stroll up to the set. It may work a time or two but then you have educated that pack.
Give it a little more time, with the Eastern Coyote set up you should go at least half an hour on set. The West and Midwest say 15 minutes is good but with the Eastern you will most likely scare him on your way off the set.
Coyotes eat their own body weight on food\meat a week. So if a coyote weighs in at 45 lbs he will eat 45 lbs of meat a week at minimum. The colder it is out the more a coyote will eat to stay warm, and the more frequent they will feed.
Hopefully this will be helpful on your next hunt. If you have any comments or questions feel free to drop us a line. We always enjoy talking about the sport we love. Best wishes and good luck in the field.
Marauder Outdoors,
Matt Lookadoo, Pro Staff
