HELP QUICK!

[Kyle5865]

Went out tonight for coyotes. Heard them last night while I was locating and they howled and I knew exactly where they were at. Went out tonight and setup right where I knew I was at a safe distance but they would come in. Started with the same call as the night before that got them fired up and once again, they howled back and closer than ever. I knew that I had a good chance. I switched to another call and while I was calling I heard a strange barking and didn't think that was part of the call and it did it again. I turned my light on and there stood a coyote after almost 4 years of trying to get one and getting closer every year, I was now this close. I couldn't get my light on it right with the scope and didn't have a shotgun. Shot and I don't know if I hit it or not. I am going to look for blood tomorrow but I need to know from experience what I should do next? I know there is a large pack there. I don't want to over pressure them and make them call shy or let them figure out my calls but I wanna get on them and get them. What has anyone done before? keep going after them or give it some time? Any advice. Also I know I wasn't very prepared. Just got off work and wanted to go out and try so next time I will be ready. Learned that lesson tonight.

[Misterjake23]

 "I turned my light on and there stood a coyote after almost 4 years of trying to get one and getting closer every year, I was now this close. I couldn't get my light on it right with the scope and didn't have a shotgun."

First question:  Did you have your light on scanning the entire time and couldn't get the shoot light on in time?  I was a little confused .  Always have the light on and be scanning if you weren't.

     Those coyotes may not be there a few days from now, so I would stay on them.  I always try to mimic their vocals as much as possible.  BE PATIENT and don't over call to them.  If they are there,  they will know where you are.  Most dogs will come in silent after circling and checking the wind.  Don't be afraid to leave your shoot light turned on .  I will often scan with mine if I think something is near by.
     JMO    I would repeat what worked the first time.....

Always remember,  with coyotes,  less is more.  Don't be afraid to sit silent for 10-15 minutes at a time.  Always try to be down wind of the call if possible.  I like to have a shooter at least 100 yards down wind of my call.

     What sounds were you using?  Distress , coyote vocals, etc?   I had good luck with yip howels this time of year.  Nothing to challenging to scare off other dogs, but lets them know another yote is in the area.   Think about what they are sounding off with and fire it right back at them.

     Keep us posted

[Kyle5865]

I didn't keep my light on. Usually when I start calling I keep the light off and see how it plays out and the coyote caught me off guard because I didn't expect him to come in that quick and that close. Second night out and second night hearing these same coyotes. Just hope I can get another chance and do it right. Before I couldn't even get coyotes to come in, now I have been calling them in. I've learned a lot and would like to finally say I did it.

[Bigcat]

Like misterjake23 said always have your scan light on. I turn mine on when I get out of the truck and turn it off when I get back. Also watch your down wind and less is more when calling yotes. I would go after them again tonight but I would set up in a little different location if possible.

[Hern]

Ky5865 says-
...and I knew exactly where they were at.
...I wasn't very prepared.
I know you stated your short comings and mistakes, but you need a kick in the pants. Be prepared and ready when the bell sounds.
Knowing exactly where they were is a huge key to success. Huge.
Sorta like fishing a hole where they dump Trout into, know they are there, just figure out how to get 'em.
Sound advice above, keep us posted...

[Hern]

K5865, did you fine blood or dead Coyote?
I shot one in a corn field last Thursday morning @ 0923. I didn't recover it.
I was on a long lane that went through a large Corn field. Adult Coyote appeared on lane 150 yards away but coming my way. Stopped 90 yards out, turned broad side and I made a lung shot. Coyote did two tail spins and went into the Corn. Good hold and knew I made the shot count.
I continued a few more toots on my mouth call, waited, watched and did the series again. It was a wonderful, cool morning for July so I did a third series. Nothing showed after the shot so I went to recover my kill.
I had blood but couldn't find the Coyote in the Corn. I stayed tight in semi-circle then bird dogged outward. I did my best but couldn't find the Coyote. And I hate that. I knew I had a good hold, was calm and ready.
K5865, I know we lose one once in awhile, but I hate it.

[uncle buck]

I never turn my shooting light off. The gun sitsin the rest and pointed where I think the coyote will come from. The scanning light on my head is shut off right when I look down the scope tube. I find the coyote in cross hairs and fire. At all times hiding behind my red LED lights!