Here are three key things to consider:

1. Never go near your hunting spot if the wind is going to carry your scent into the area where you expect coyotes to be. Even if there’s only a 5 mph breeze, coyotes more than a mile away can smell you. You will be arrested before you even start. If you can’t get to your spot due to poor wind direction, it’s best to save that hunting spot for a later date, when the wind is more favourable.

2. When setting it up, remember that 99% of the time coyotes will try to turn downwind of the sound you are using. You want to be able to see them when this happens. You need to set up where you have shooting opportunities as they circle to the leeward side.

3. Always try to choose an area downwind that allows a coyote some safety as it approaches and still allows a shot.
By following these three simple steps before you start calling, you can greatly increase your coyote hunting success.

Recently, some new products designed to hide their scent or to attract a coyote have appeared on the market. I think most hunters are undecided about the effectiveness of these products. Chances are if a coyote goes downwind no matter what you’ve done, your hunt is over. Unless you’re quick on the trigger or can hit a coyote running at 40 mph, it’s best to avoid any chance of the coyote going downwind.

Some more configuration tips:
Your search begins the moment you park your vehicle. If you think a coyote can see your vehicle from where you plan to set up or where they might approach, don’t park there. Coyotes are very suspicious of vehicles. Park your vehicle off site and downwind of your hunting area. Don’t slam the doors; push them silently to close them. You are dealing with an animal that can hear the screech of a mouse from 300 meters away. If you hunt, or ever get a chance to hunt, in some open areas you will see how good a coyote’s hearing is.

Once you are out of the vehicle, whisper or do not speak at all. If you’re hunting with partners, now is not the time to stand outside your vehicle and discuss the details. This should have been done during the trip.

Move and walk as quietly as possible. Develop some hand signals with your fellow hunters. When you are walking to your place, do not see yourself on the horizon. Use the environment to break up your outline as you walk silently to your post.
Don’t forget about the sun and try to use it to your advantage. It is better to have the sun at your back and in the coyote’s face than the other way around.

Position yourself where you have a backdrop to hide your silhouette against a bush, tree, or on a hillside.

I usually like to wait about ten minutes before I start calling. This gives you time for things to settle down and gives you a little time to look around and identify areas a coyote might be approaching from. They usually surprise you and come from somewhere unexpected, but at some point you’ll get lucky and one will arrive exactly as you planned.

Proper setup is only part of a successful coyote hunt. Everything from scanning to calling needs to be accounted for. These tips will definitely increase your chances of a successful hunt.