Northern New England for Coyotes If you live in the Northeast and like big-game hunting your choices are...well, how about coyote hunting? In Maine and New Hampshire in particular, coyotes are abundant, challenging to hunt, and make a spectacular trophy. A bit of history: large, wild canids first began showing up in New England about 50 years ago. Since they looked like coyotes, but were larger, they were assumed to be a coyote/dog cross and were called "coydogs," a name that's still in use in some areas. Thanks to modern genetic studies, scientists now know that the coyotes picked up some timber wolf genes as they crossed southern Canada. Officially, they are known as eastern coyotes (canis latrans var.) but because they are larger than western coyotes, many hunters are leaning toward the term "brush wolves," which accurately describes both their preferred habitat and behavior. An average "brush wolf" will weigh about 35 pounds at maturity, with the biggest males pushing 60 pounds. In northern New England, coyotes are firmly established. According to Gerry Lavigne, who tracks coyote populations for the state of Maine, "coyotes are at their carrying capacity throughout the state. Every township has a huntable population." The situation in New Hampshire is similar, according to Eric Orff, predator biologist for the state. These northern coyotes have become particularly adept at preying on deer, which has earned them the enmity of hunters throughout the region--which means that visiting coyote hunters are greeted with open arms in most areas. Coyotes can be hunted year-round, but they are particularly vulnerable to calling and baiting tactics in the winter months, when food can be scarce. Maine even allows night calling during the winter. The abundance of coyotes makes it possible for experienced predator callers to pick a spot at random in northern Maine or New Hampshire and find coyotes to work on. Areas that cater to snowmobilers--two good examples are Colebrook and Pittsburg, New Hampshire (North Country Chamber of Commerce, telephone 800-698-8939), and Greenville, Maine (Moosehead Lake Chamber of Commerce, telephone 207-695 2702, fax 207-695-3440) have motels and lodges which stay open all winter. If you have sufficient sign-reading and calling skills, you can effectively hunt coyotes on your own. Coyotes can also be hunted over bait, or with hounds, but this type of hunting usually requires the services of a guide. Ed Richard, who operates #9 Lake Outfitters in Blaine, Maine (207-429-9632) has received good recommendations as a bear guide and also offers winter coyote hunts over bait or with calls. He charges $150 per day for two hunters, with a two-day minimum stay. Winter coyote hunting isn't for everyone--it's often a cold, frustrating game that the coyote wins more often than not. But it is a hunt that almost anyone can take on their own or with a guide. And, in winter in the far northeastern corner of the U.S., it's about the only game in town. Enjoy. Copyright (c) 1997 All Outdoors, Inc. All rights reserved.