I'm sure this has been covered time and again, but how about one more once...

I am an experienced bird and big game hunter, mostly bow for the big game. I want to start killing some yote and cat, have land and critters but do not have a small cal rifle or any calls or decoys. I so have plenty of questions.

What is the best caliber to cover small game? I will take the time to skin and freeze so would like to do the minimal damage possible.

Do daytime hunts produce? When are your favorite times to hunt?

Are electronic call necessary? What about Decoys?

Thanks in advance.

Michael

Here is a good read to start with. http://www.allpredatorhunting.com/allpredatorhunting_010.htm

What calibers of rifles do you currently have? Most likely you can use one of those. Hand calls or electronic, that is like the discussion of Ford and Chevy. Both have their good points and bad, and most predator hunters use both.

Decoy, if you feel you need one, get a feather and tie it to a 3 foot piece of 1/8" welding rod with mono filament. A slight breeze will be enough to get it to move.

My advice is to start cheap, see if you like it. Then spend the money on all of the extras. My basic starter set of calls, a cottontail distress and jackrabbit distress are $28, a squeaker is $7.75 all of this icludes shipping. PM me if I can help you.

Link for starter set http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...all#Post1879724
Link for squeakers http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1879692#Post1879692

22-250, and foxpro, and a wing off a duck, dove or some bird tied to a string is all you need to get started out right

+1 for dogcatchers stuff & his advise

which model foxpro do you recommend

any of the foxpro's will work. i have the Spitfire and its worked well numerous times

I normally throw in one varmint set-up between my morning and evening deer hunts and quite often they work out. A lot depends on the weather. Any reduced light, cloudy, overcast and even drizzle days will up your odds. Seems to me both dogs and cats come faster and don't slow up much during daylight, so you have to watch like an eagle! I fully agree with the other guys, start out cheap, use what you got until you're hooked (and you will be). Oh yeah, do that set up about as far away from your deer stand as possible. My favorite call during the day is puppy distress but that could be completely coincidental too. Good Luck.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will try to pick up a foxpro and give it a try this weekend.

Is the wind a factor? Not in terms of scent but do they tend to stay put in heavier winds?

If they hear the call, even on a windy day, and it hits their go switch, they'll come. That's why you've got to watch so closely. One thing you can be sure of; they'll show up when you least expect them on any day under any conditions you can think of.