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Posted by R.Shaw (Member # 73) on September 06, 2004, 02:16 PM:
In my part of the country, squirrels and blue jays are good indicators of approaching predators. Actually, squirrels are much better because the blue jays lie about 75% of the time.
Squirrels give the excited barking when a predator has run past them. Sometimes they go into what I call booger barking. This is a monotonous low bark which continues while the coyote or cat is in sight. It usually indicates that a predator has stopped and is just standing or sitting within sight of the squirrel.
Several times each season I have a situation where a squirrel is booger barking just inside the brush and past where I can see. This is usually 50 to 60 yards from me. I believe it is a coyote or cat that has held-up. I lean more towards a cat. I have tried switching prey distress sounds, switching to predator distress sounds, and leaving the caller running and trying to slip my way towards the booger barks. Nothing has worked. I have even tried waiting the animal out. The barks continue for as long as 20 minutes and will usually last a good ten after I have shut the caller off.
This usually occurs along creek bottoms and areas of thick cover. Cedars, buck brush, blackberry vines. Also, it starts during prime time for the stand. I time every stand and the barking begins 3 to 7 minutes into the stand.
I believe a predator is there. Any suggestions?
Randy
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on September 06, 2004, 05:24 PM:
I've had those occasions where squirrels have followed a bobcat through the timber as it responds to my calling, staying just over it in the tree tops and chattering at it as you have described. Also, I've had times where jays raising hell foretold of an approaching predator as well. but, I've also had plenty of times where my calling elicited barks and jays - something of a shock gobble type scenario.
Personally, I tend to watch a little of everything. I listen not only for bluejays, but for the telltale warning rish-rish-rish of any of a couple dozen species of sparrows native to hereabouts, listen for pheasants or quail flushing, watch for entire flocks of nongame birds busting up at one time, watching the cattle who will all watch a coyote come in from around a bend where you can't see but they can.
But, as far as bluejays and squirrels being reliable as an indicator, my experience leads me to believe that they all lie a lot. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 06, 2004, 07:18 PM:
Well, when I have a gut feeling that I'm dealing with a spooky animal, I try odds sounds. I have been known to kick a bush causing the leaves to russle, and kick pebbles with my boots, and scratch on the bark of the tree I'm leaning on. I can usually get away with a little movement, if I keep the ruckus to a short duration, and then just be very alert. Sometimes a cautious animal will become incredibly stupid when he is puzzled by what he hears.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on September 06, 2004, 07:47 PM:
Leonard,
If I know, or think I have a coyote or bobcat hanging up just out of sight. I use my voice to meow like a cat in heat.
If there is something there, it almost always makes them step out to be seen.
Posted by R.Shaw (Member # 73) on September 07, 2004, 05:43 PM:
Leonard
I have used that technique on turkeys. Never thought about using it on predators. Thanks.
Tim
Sounds interesting. Thanks.
Randy
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