Risk of mistaking a coyote for someone's dog

Bittereinder

Bittereinder

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I looked a bit and didn't see any other mentions of this here. I've idly thought about trying coyote hunting, mainly just to open up another opportunity for hunting in the off season and try something new. One thing that makes me hesitant is the risk of inadvertently shooting someone's dog.

I've only casually seen coyotes from the road, and have never deliberately gone looking for them or calling. Through binoculars at 100 yards, near the end of legal shooting light, I wonder how easily I could make a mistake. Especially in the context of where I would hunt, southern Ontario farm land. As I understand it, there's a lot of hybridization among coyotes and dogs. Add to that, a friend of a friend once had a pants-crapping moment where he thought right after a shot that he made this mistake, but fortunately did not. I don't know more about that story, maybe in retrospect the guy himself would admit he wasn't being careful enough. And, I've heard a couple stories about people's dogs getting shot in circumstances where it seemed like someone thought they were shooting a coyote or wolf. Presumably in some of those cases the shooter was being plain old reckless.

Any suggestions on how a beginner coyote hunter can make sure it's not someone's mixed breed, wolfish looking dog on the loose? I guess looking for absence of a collar is one thing, but I wouldn't consider that 100% reliable.
 
The tail is usually a good indicator. Coyotes won't be curled and won't be wagging when he walks. It'll be down and straight. Short face on a coyote and of course if he's got any Acme products on him- blast him.
 
Bittereinder said:
Fair enough. Of course, I wouldn't take a shot if I wasn't sure. My question is, what sorts of things do people look for to help be sure? Maybe it's just a bunch of things in behaviour and look and you get an eye for it with experience.
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Were i hunt yotes there is no domestic dogs
You need to be aware of your hunting surroundings
Know your area

If there is an isolated dwelling and you are hunting by there
Make sure you are within your distance from there
Check your regs
Then you shouldn’t have an issue
 
there was a coyote taken in my area that had a black hide with a white patch on the chest. it had all the coyote characteristics but is a cross as a coyote female was observed breeding with a local homeowners black male dog. falconflyer in post 6 has got it nailed.
 
99% of the time I can tell the second I see it whether it's a coyote or dog or fox. The way it stands, Tail position, way it trots, runs, looks. I always confirm before shooting though.

ONCE I had a dog in my scope. First light, 200 yards behind the barn of a new farm I had permission his girl was trotting across the field. Had her in my scope but knew it was a husky after seeing it better About 40lb husky from the neighbouring farm. This was the first time I seen the dog. She would follow me everytime I seen her after that. Actually shot at least 4 coyotes with her in the field or close by that year. Once a coyote was running toward her. She dont like gun fire though and be gone back to the barn until I started walking back lol.

JhamLfK.jpg
 
Falconflyer said:
It's pretty difficult to mistake one for the other when you've observed coyotes for a while, they move differently than domestic dogs and are much more cautious. As has been said already, be sure of your target though.
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Ok, so it's partly a thing that becomes more obvious with experience observing them. Like I said, I haven't spent any time out looking for them or calling. Where I'd be hunting them, I'd probably have to not take a lot of shots at first. That's fine.
 
DVXDUDE said:
99% of the time I can tell the second I see it whether it's a coyote or dog or fox. The way it stands, Tail position, way it trots, runs, looks. I always confirm before shooting though.

ONCE I had a dog in my scope. First light, 200 yards behind the barn of a new farm I had permission his girl was trotting across the field. Had her in my scope but knew it was a husky after seeing it better About 40lb husky from the neighbouring farm. This was the first time I seen the dog. She would follow me everytime I seen her after that. Actually shot at least 4 coyotes with her in the field or close by that year. Once a coyote was running toward her. She dont like gun fire though and be gone back to the barn until I started walking back lol.

JhamLfK.jpg
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Cool story and picture, thanks.
 
LOL Brewster

Bitter, you're using the proper exercise of care and that's more than enough. If you aren't using binocs, finger off the trigger and safety on as you observe (and unload if you're REALLY not sure or want to be extra safe), but I'm confident that you're not going to shoot unless you're very sure. It won't take very much observing for you to be, for the reasons others mentioned above! It doesn't take long to just... know, but I guess it could take more time in low-light situations. I've never had that problem - usually what's beyond my target is what I'm considering.
 
watch coyote vids on YouTube.. their behaviour is completely different from domestic dogs.
They are very cautious and pause..sniff the air..circle to get downwind of a call.. etc.
Dogs just trot to what they want to investigate.
It's not hard to tell the difference.
 
Falconflyer said:
It's pretty difficult to mistake one for the other when you've observed coyotes for a while, they move differently than domestic dogs and are much more cautious. As has been said already, be sure of your target though.
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Agree they walk totally different than a dog with a bounce in their step
Cheers
 
The dog owner should also put a orange scarf, or collar around their dog during hunting season of it looks like a wolf or coyote. Thats what the neighbour at the hunting camp does with his shepard every fall.
 
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for. With some effort and experience in observing, one can become sure of the shot. There are a few specific things to look for mentioned in this thread.

I might also get a trapping license and fool the cunning bastard with an anvil falling off a cliff activated by a bottle rocket hitting a toy soldier throwing a ball down a roller coaster track.
 
There has been some mixing as coyotes moved east. Saw literally thousands on the right of way while at work and they are easy to discern at first glance after awhile. Not sure if life is that simple as you get into coy dog territory.
 
Bland said:
There has been some mixing as coyotes moved east. Saw literally thousands on the right of way while at work and they are easy to discern at first glance after awhile. Not sure if life is that simple as you get into coy dog territory.
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I am in the center of coy dog land and they are not hard to determine if one takes a minute and looks before they shoot
To me the walk alone gives it away
Cheers
 
3macs1 said:
I am in the center of coy dog land and they are not hard to determine if one takes a minute and looks before they shoot
To me the walk alone gives it away
Cheers
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The walk for sure. Paws all inline. They are super aware of their surroundings and walk in a way to economize energy. My goofy PP on the other hand...not so much.
 
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