Predator Calling Setups: How to Call Coyotes and Bobcats Effectively

Successful predator calling is less about the call itself and more about how—and where—you use it. Coyotes and bobcats are masters of using wind, cover, and terrain to their advantage. Understanding how to set up a stand with these factors in mind can dramatically increase your odds of success.

This article breaks down proven calling setups, wind strategies around thick cover, call selection, and how long to stay on stand when targeting coyotes and bobcats.

Understanding Predator Behavior

Before discussing setups, it’s important to understand how these animals typically approach a call.

• Coyotes almost always attempt to get downwind of a sound before committing. Even aggressive coyotes often circle.

• Bobcats rely more on cover and patience. They move slowly, using brush, shadows, and terrain features to stay concealed.

Because of these differences, your stand selection and calling strategy should reflect your target species—though many setups work well for both.

Wind Direction and Stand Placement

Wind is the single most important factor in predator calling.

Basic Wind Rules

• Always hunt with a crosswind or quartering wind, not a direct headwind or tailwind.

• Avoid setting up where predators can approach from thick cover and hit your scent cone before you can see them.

• Expect coyotes to circle downwind; plan to intercept them before they reach your scent.

Setting Up Near Thick Cover

Thick cover—brush, timber edges, cattails, or creek bottoms—is where predators feel safest. Use it strategically.

Ideal Setup:

• Place thick cover upwind or crosswind, not directly downwind.

• Sit where you can see the downwind edge of cover, not the interior.

• Use terrain to block a full downwind swing (hills, cliffs, rivers, fences, open fields).

Example Setup:

• Wind blowing left to right

• Thick timber on your left

• Open field or sparse cover to your right

• You sit facing into the wind, covering the open downwind side

This forces predators to expose themselves as they try to scent-check the call.

Common Predator Calling Setups

1. Edge-of-Cover Setup

Best for: Coyotes and bobcats
Terrain: Timber edges, brush lines, CRP, creek bottoms

• Set up 50–150 yards off the edge of thick cover.

• Call into the cover, but watch the open ground.

• Position yourself so predators must step out to see or scent the call.

Key Advantage:
Predators feel secure in cover but must reveal themselves to approach.

2. Downwind Intercept Setup

Best for: Coyotes
Terrain: Rolling hills, open prairie, farmland

• Place the call slightly upwind of your position.

• Sit 50–75 yards downwind with clear visibility.

• Expect coyotes to circle and cut the downwind side.

Tip:
If hunting with a partner, place one hunter strictly watching downwind.

3. Elevated Setup

Best for: Coyotes
Terrain: Hills, ridges, cut banks

• Sit above the surrounding terrain when possible.

• Elevation improves visibility and scent dispersion.

• Call down into valleys or draws.

Wind Note:
Thermals can shift scent uphill mid-morning—be cautious on calm days.

4. Tight-Cover Bobcat Setup

Best for: Bobcats
Terrain: Thick brush, swamps, timber

• Set up closer (30–60 yards) to dense cover.

• Choose a spot with natural shooting lanes.

• Minimize movement—bobcats often sit and watch for several minutes.

Key Difference:
Bobcats may already be watching you before you ever see them.

Call Selection and Sound Strategy

Call Types

Prey Distress Calls

• Cottontail rabbit

• Jackrabbit

• Rodent squeaks

• Bird distress

These are effective year-round and especially good for bobcats.

Coyote Vocalizations

• Lone howls

• Interrogation howls

• Pup distress

Best during breeding season, territorial periods, or when coyotes are call-shy.

Manual vs Electronic Calls

Hand Calls

• Lightweight

• Allow quick sound changes

• Excellent for close-quarters calling

Electronic Calls

• Allow remote sound placement

• Useful for downwind setups

• Consistent volume and realism

Pro Tip:
Place electronic calls 30–50 yards upwind to pull predators past your position.

Calling Sequence and Volume

Coyotes

• Start with low volume for 1–2 minutes

• Pause for 1–2 minutes

• Gradually increase volume

• Add pup distress after 10–15 minutes if no response

Coyotes often respond fast—within the first 5–10 minutes—but hangers-on may take longer.

Bobcats

• Start quiet and stay patient

• Use continuous or frequent calling

• Avoid long silent periods early

Bobcats respond slowly and methodically. The sound keeps them moving.

How Long to Stay on Stand

Coyotes

• 15–25 minutes is typical

• In open country: closer to 15 minutes

• In thick cover or pressured areas: up to 30 minutes

Bobcats

• 30–45 minutes minimum

• In dense cover or known bobcat habitat: up to 60 minutes

If targeting both species, a 30-minute stand is a good compromise.

Final Tips for Success

• Approach stands quietly and avoid skyline silhouettes

• Sit with the sun at your back when possible

• Always watch downwind first

• Be ready—predators often appear silently

• If something feels “off” about the wind, move the stand

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