Wyoming sage peppered the yellow grass valley where a dozen or so head of Black Angus were grazing. White-capped mountains in the distance warned me that the heavy snows of winter would fall here soon.

I parked my truck out of sight from the valley I planned to call and carefully snuck along the 10-foot deep, red-clay ravine splitting the valley. After gaining some distance from the truck, I ascended out of the ravine and quickly sat down on its edge concealing myself with a sage tall enough to hide my silhouette. I chambered a round of Dead Coyote into the Benelli and began a stint of the bunny blues with a well-used Foxpro Lil’ Skyote.

I groaned and wailed quivering tones into the call for less than 30 seconds when I caught motion in front of me. Coyote! Totally unaware of my presence, the coyote came double-time to my cries and stopped seven yards from my feet. That was close enough, so I put the Benelli to work. I gathered my calling gear along with the coyote and snuck back into the ravine quietly so I could call this stand another day.

At 30 seconds into the series, that coyote had to be less than 100 yards away when I started. The stealth approach to my stand location put another hide on the stretcher. It takes planning, practice, and some good old fashioned woodsman skills to sneak that close to a coyote without his awareness.

I get a lot of opportunities to mentor newbie predator callers with my guide service. As a result, I’ve developed some rules for approaching a stand with stealth and precision.

Rule 1: This Ain’t NASCAR

Don’t rev and race your motor while approaching a stand. I realize in NASCAR this type of behavior will draw a crowd, but when predator hunting, you’ll finish last.

Rule 2: Turn It Down

Coyotes and bobcats could care less if you have 1,000 watt’s of power crashing through your speakers. Keep the windows rolled up, turn the music down, and don’t slam the doors.

Rule 3: Crossing Fences Is An Art

Any sound you make while crossing a fence will travel both directions and let critters know you’re in the area. Cross as quietly as possible. If you happen to snag your delicates on barbed wire, scream in silence.

Rule 4: Slow Down, Big Guy

Stepping on sticks, crashing through leaves or tripping over rocks are all great ways to ruin your stand. Slow down, watch where you’re stepping and tread lightly to avoid making a lot of noise.

Rule 5: Monkey See, Monkey Run Away

If a predator sees you, that predator will leave. Don’t expose yourself while approaching your stand and expect to consistently call in predators. Plan your approach using the terrain for concealment.

Most of us loved to play Army when we were younger, some of us still do. Figuring out the terrain, sneaking in on the enemy and planning the attack are all part of it. Apply these five simple rules, use some discipline, and make a plan of attack on a battlefield near you.