First hunt of the year

[skookhunter]

Got out last night for the first time, ever.  Sat in one spot for a little until dusk with no action. Then the daughter and I decided to move up the mountain more towards the tree line. We found an old dozer with some.brush growing around it so we set up shop on that. I placed the call about 40yrds to the east with the tree line about 100yrds to the north.  We started with a fawn distress for about 5 min then went silent for another 5 and went to coyote in distress for about 5 min and then went silent. The daughter was scanning the fields about every minute checking for eyes. We spotted 2 sets about 200yrds out. Couldn't make of what they were from where we were. Figured they were deer.  They walked off behind a patch of bush in the field and figured eventually they will pop out on the opposite side in a minute or 2. Then we tried grey fox distress call for a couple minutes and stopped. And then the action stared. At the treeline one started howling and then about 20yards to the right of that one another started to howl. And they must have been talkin with one way down the mountain cause then we heard a howl way below us. We spotted the eyes on the treeline but our light wasn't bright enough. All I could see were what looked to be 2 glowing marbles. After about 30 sec of howls they eyes went away and we were all alone once again.

Awesome time even though there was no shooting.  Loved hearing the howls. My electronic caller doesn't have any howls its all distress calls. What other calls should I not leave home without?

[Bulldog]

What A Rush Why Dont Yont Run Your Scanning Light The Whole Time?

[predator77]

Sounds like a great night. 

[Misterjake23]

     I agree with Bulldog....Leave the light on while scanning.  When you see the eyes, try not to shine directly into them.  Use the outside halo of the light when scanning.  When its time to shoot, then use the full center of the light to see and shoot with.

     Sounds like you did an awesome job.  I've made many sets without ever seeing or hearing anything.

[skookhunter]

I wasn't sure how long to call for or how long to keep the light on. For the first time we had a blast. When those 2 started to howl and we actually realized we weren't alone and how close they were to us our eyes lit up like half dollars and though here we go.

[Bulldog]

Yeah Its Very Addicting. Just Wait Till You Get Your First Kill Its The Best Rush. We Better See Some Pic Too lol

[Predator53]

Sweet ......good start brother!

[skookhunter]

Tonight we are going round 2. I'll be sure to let yous know.

[Misterjake23]

     One thing to remember with Coyotes.....If you have a shot opportunity - however small - Take it!!  YOU MAY NOT GET A SECOND ONE.

[skookhunter]

I am using a .22 hornet with a leupold 3-9x40. I Am.planning on head or neck shot anyway. When I had those eyes in the scope the other night  I should have taken it but wasn't sure about yardage.

[Misterjake23]

I actually carry a range finder with me because I have a difficult time judgeing distance at night.  Range various spots so when you see the eyes, you'll have a better idea as to what the distance is.  You probably won't have time to range the coyote and then shoot if you see one.

[skookhunter]

I do carry a range finder as well. It was already dark when we started our 2nd set so I don't think the range finder would have worked anyway.

[icecube]

Congratulations on a fine hunt. You will get better with each hunt. Good luck tonight....ED

[Misterjake23]

     The range finder should work a night as long as you can see the reading inside the view finder.....  I use a Leika range finder and it illuminates red,  which works great for me at night.