Coyote calling in Indiana- Question about techniques

[sugarfoot]

I use Dan Thompson game calls. I don't have any electronic calls.

I don't get out a lot because of my shift at work, so I'm still experimenting on what calls for what situation.

Last night was a usual hunt for us. We riled up a coyotes in a couple of different areas, but saw none.
I decided to start with a couple of howls. No response for a few minutes.
I tried again and got what I think was challenge howls back. Howls that were somewhat shortened, mixed with barking.
The howls also kind of modulated or sounded a little choppy. My coonhound does it when he's barking but nervous about something.

I howled back and forth with him for a minute or so. Then it stopped.
Then another group a bit further away started raising hell. Sounded like a few of them. So I howled some more. No luck.

Question- How should I respond to the challenge howl? And how to respond to the group howl?

After they quieted down, I waited a few minutes and switched to distress calls. Nothing else happened.

I'm fairly certain there is an issue with how I'm handling the calling, but I also think that the coyotes in our area may be
well fed and a little call shy. In the past, I have been answered back to by people with the FoxPro type calls.
Last night wasn't the case though. I didn't see any other vehicles parked in the hunting areas on the way in or out.


Thanks in advance!