Q: What has been making all the noise up in the Boise Foothills at night over the past week or so?
Are they coyotes or foxes?
FRED AND OTHER READERS, via email
A: It’s definitely the serenade of coyotes.
I’ve heard them at all hours of the night this week in the hills behind my house, but for some reason I haven’t gotten them on my remote wildlife camera lately.
They’re being noisy but very sly. They sound really close. I’ve gone out on the deck at night after hearing them and spotlighted the hillside with my 4-D battery Maglite but haven’t seen anything.
I checked with biologists from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and they say it’s breeding season, which is one reason for all the racket.
Coyotes typically breed in January and February, and the pups are born 62 to 63 days later, according to Fish and Game.
The racket is driving my dogs crazy, and they’re barking right back.
Although coyotes call and howl all throughout they year, it is more common during the mating season.
It’s really cool to hear and a little spooky, when you’re awakened by the calls in the middle of the night.
At first you might hear a little howling and then some yipping and yelping. Then the whole pack seems to go off on a crazy yelling match.
FISHING THE BOISE RIVER
Q: Have you fished the Boise River in winter from Eagle Road to Linder Road?
I know the river is split and I have often taken a look at it while golfing at Banbury.
If you have, can you walk it? Canoe it?
Is it mainly whitefish this time of year? Any trout, and if so, what catches them.
HARRY RHODES, via email
A: That stretch is not one of the more popular stretches of the river for trout fishing, but the trout are there and you’ll probably pick up whitefish, too.
The problem is access. You can’t walk the banks because of private land, and if you try to wade it, you’ll encounter deep holes and gnarly brushy areas.
If you want to canoe it, be aware of skinny channels, overhanging trees, brush and curvy sections that can sink a canoe. There’s also a diversion in there somewhere.
Believe me, I’ve learned from experience wrapping a canoe around a low-hanging tree branch in the lower stretches of the Boise River. It can be a jungle.
You might want to scout this section in the late summer with warmer weather because it does take intermediate paddling skills.
Your best bet fishing it might be fly fishing with a nymph.
Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445
