Properly done, setting and breaking the call stand can be a key to productivity, I believe.

I've called with many partners over the years, some of whom will simply pick a spot for a call and hope something in the area is curious enough to respond. And, sometimes it does. But, when we enter a new area our first order of business is to assure there is something out there than will indeed come to our catterwallings. Sign can be deceptive, however, when fresh scat is found on the roadway and pawprints abound, we will investigate further.

Often we will designate three or four points for a day's calling. These will usually be a quarter to a half mile from the vehicle. We will want two or three stands for the early morning and one or maybe two for the evening, which means taking the sun's position into account. In general, we look for stands that enable entry from a rise or hill; good cover for the approach is nice, but, not always available. Once designated, we will leave the area and return for the calling the next day or when conditions are optimum.

We often take a long time approaching the stand. We like to come in very slowly and once there we sit for five or ten minutes before beginning the first sequence. This is time spent getting in proper position, comfortable and well hidden. If we are using a remote caller and decoy, we will set it up and come back to the stand, waiting another five or ten minutes before hitting the call button.

I've been guilty of mistakes when breaking a stand and we have refined a system to address some of those errors. Communication between the caller and others is essential. Once it has been determined by the caller to quit the stand, our proceedure is for the caller to give two low bleats on the call (when using the remote electronic, we simply flick it on/off quickly). Then we wait five or ten minutes and those not calling or controlling the remote will get up and leave their position cautiously. That way, we make sure everyone has no targets approaching. In the past, we have had numerous coyotes get away by breaking too early or having the person doing the calling get up to signal the stand's end when there may be approaching coyotes not visible to the caller himself.

While some of these things may seem basic, it has been something we have had to refine in order to improve our kill ratios.

Great information Handloader, keep it coming!