Spirit Lake Coyote Hunt

[Flintlock Fellow]

Just wrapped up a coyote hunt in the bitter cold, and as I looked out toward the rugged Selkirk Mountains in the distance, I couldn’t help but reflect on the mountain men who once called this wild land home. Trapping and surviving in these unforgiving conditions wasn’t just a challenge—it was their way of life.

Sitting there, shivering in modern gear, I was reminded of their grit and endurance. They didn’t have the luxury of warm trucks, insulated boots, or high-tech gear—just their wits, skill, and sheer determination. It’s humbling to walk even a small part of the path they once blazed, and it makes me appreciate their legacy all the more.

The hunt may be over, but the connection to the past lingers on.

 

[Sam squanch]

But did you get any coyotes?

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

But did you get any coyotes?

Nope! Sorry to have to tell you this, Sam, but I’m convinced coyotes are just like elk and Bigfoot—pure myth. Probably invented by the same guy who came up with the misnomer “honest politicians”.

To be honest, I didn’t see a living thing— not a bird, rabbit, or even so much as a squirrel… nothing. It was more than a little eerie.

 

[Sam squanch]

That’s strange. My friend was out fishing one evening and he said everything went silent. He felt really creeped out and left as fast as he could.

 

[Spikebuck]

To be honest, I didn’t see a living thing— not a bird, rabbit, or even so much as a squirrel… nothing. It was more than a little eerie.

The woods around me are like that this time of year...sometimes not so much as a track in days old snow.

I was out last Saturday afternoon just post-season scouting and flinging some stump arrows and never saw a thing in four hours. As I was quietly walking up a dirt trail at dusk my eye caught a horizontal line about 30 yards away. A doe was standing in the brush dead still just watching me move along. As I went well past her she just stood frozen.

They are there more than we realize...just watching.

 

[Antelope Pete]

Sounds you had fun Flintlock Fellow. As I sit here it's 11 below out and I wouldn't want to be out there especially with period stuff on. I think calling up a coyote and taking one with a muzzleloader is more of a challenge than a lot of big game animals. I'm talking about intentionally going out for them and not a random encounter. Coyotes use the wind better than anything.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

I was out coyote hunting one time on private property and called. I saw a coyote come over the crest of a hill in the distance. I called again and it was coming towards me. I cocked my rifle and put the cap on and waited. I look at the coyote again and see a person coming over the crest of the hill running after the coyote and realize this is a dog and man out doing cross country training. I was so glad that I waited to confirm my shot. Neither the dog or the man saw me. I told the property owner about this, and he confirmed they should not have been out there.