Make no mistake, there are coyotes in Delaware.
Over the past several years, we Delawareans have seen news reports of coyote sightings. In fact, several years ago, one was trapped near the Delaware Memorial Bridge. I have also heard stories of hunters catching glimpses of coyotes while hunting in Delaware, and I personally saw one about 35 miles away from Wilmington, Delaware in East Norriton, Pennsylvania.
It was not until today, however, that I can speak of a close encounter with a Delaware coyote. My lifelong best friend and hunting partner John Massey, owner of Shooters Supply store in New Castle, Delaware, called me frantically last night and again this morning. I missed his call last night, but I spoke with him at 8:00 AM today. Here’s his story.
John was bowhunting by himself last night. He set up on the edge of a cornfield. Around 6:00 PM, he was scanning the field when, out of nowhere walked, a “huge coyote.” John said the coyote was within 20 yards of him, but moving at a trot. John tried to nock an arrow, but the coyote got his wind and took off running. About 45 minutes later, a small herd of deer came by — with one shooter buck. The buck came within range, and John put a good shot on it. He waited until almost dark and began tracking. Running out of light, he opted to go back to his truck to grab a flashlight. (Here’s where things get hairy.) While taking the several-hundred-yard walk back to his truck, John walked the edge of the cornfield. Within a few paces, he head corn crunching and noticed the shape of the coyote several rows into the corn. It was shadowing John’s every move! The coyote then began “snarling, snorting, and barking” at John and stayed with him step for step for 200 yards. John said he tried yelling at the coyote, but it still would not leave. Finally, John reached the edge of the corn, where the coyote stopped.
Oh yea. John later went back — with a buddy and 3 flashlights — to retrieve a nice 7-point buck. (Photos to follow.)
Editor’s Notes: The above photo was taken in Pennsylvania of an eastern coyote. The photo was borrowed from the Pennsylvania Game Commission web site.
For more info on Delaware coyotes, click here.