Ok…when to shoot???

I hunt big timber, steep ridges and hills, and tight brushy creek bottoms. A 100-yard shot is a very long shot here because of the steep terrain and heavy cover. A few running leaps and a coyote will be over the side of the ridge or down the holler out of sight. If I am going to kill a coyote here, I have learned that I must take the first good shot opportunity I get because there is not likely to be another one. And, if using an ecaller, always take that shot before the coyote gets to the call. Once they get to the caller, they will smell you, and I don't care how much fox or skunk cover scent you sprayed around. It's all phoney and they know that in the blink of an eye. It is a judgment call that often must be made within seconds. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. It is the nature of the game.
 
Spurchaser said:
Alright, I need to know when do y’all shoot at a coyote that won’t stop or stops behind grass or brush?
I am beyond bummed after last night and keep kicking myself for not attempting a shot. I’ve always just been the type to wait for the perfect shot with deer or not take the shot if it wasn’t there.
With coyotes I’ve realized most of the time that’s NOT happening.
I called a coyote ALL the way to the call only to have him catch my scent on the call and bolt. Sorta too embarrassed to even post the video. These chances don’t happen often and I’ve been kicking myself all day over it.
What’s worse is I’d drive in, walked a few hundred yards and made a stand for an hour with nothing but deer and rats sighted. Walked back to the truck and figured I’d walk about 75yds behind it to a little bowl and see what might happen.
First howl and coyotes answered. Went through a few more howls and some mating sounds and nothing. Waited 5 minutes or so and decided I’d play some rabbit distress for a couple minutes and call it a night. The rabbit had been playing 30sec and I see him coming.
So…do y’all take a walking shot or a shot through a little bit of broomsedge? Mouth squeaks stopped him twice and the first time I should’ve pulled the trigger. The second stop he disappeared behind brush. Probably should’ve shot the minute he stepped onto the road. Also could’ve taken a dead away shot when leaving. How do you get over “not” pulling the trigger? Guess I’m more worried about rushing the shots, but with coyotes I’m beginning to think I need to just send it when the crosshairs are in him regardless of whether he’s moving or not.
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Personally for me its not so much about the kill. When I was younger it was. Now Im just so thankful for being out and the privilege of calling them in. Some of my best hunts I never shot anything but had some memories that stand the test of time What we get to experience as coyote hunters is such a rewarding blessing
 
Spurchaser said:
Alright, I need to know when do y’all shoot at a coyote that won’t stop or stops behind grass or brush?
I am beyond bummed after last night and keep kicking myself for not attempting a shot. I’ve always just been the type to wait for the perfect shot with deer or not take the shot if it wasn’t there.
With coyotes I’ve realized most of the time that’s NOT happening.
I called a coyote ALL the way to the call only to have him catch my scent on the call and bolt. Sorta too embarrassed to even post the video. These chances don’t happen often and I’ve been kicking myself all day over it.
What’s worse is I’d drive in, walked a few hundred yards and made a stand for an hour with nothing but deer and rats sighted. Walked back to the truck and figured I’d walk about 75yds behind it to a little bowl and see what might happen.
First howl and coyotes answered. Went through a few more howls and some mating sounds and nothing. Waited 5 minutes or so and decided I’d play some rabbit distress for a couple minutes and call it a night. The rabbit had been playing 30sec and I see him coming.
So…do y’all take a walking shot or a shot through a little bit of broomsedge? Mouth squeaks stopped him twice and the first time I should’ve pulled the trigger. The second stop he disappeared behind brush. Probably should’ve shot the minute he stepped onto the road. Also could’ve taken a dead away shot when leaving. How do you get over “not” pulling the trigger? Guess I’m more worried about rushing the shots, but with coyotes I’m beginning to think I need to just send it when the crosshairs are in him regardless of whether he’s moving or not.
Click to expand...
Personally for me its not so much about the kill. When I was younger it was. Now Im just so thankful for being out and the privilege of calling them in. Some of my best hunts I never shot anything but had some memories that stand the test of time What we get to experience as coyote hunters is such a rewarding blessing
 
Dead Down Wind said:
1st - have Coyote barks as one of your preset buttons on your ecaller
2nd - it’s hunting, not killing
3rd - it happens, don’t let it get to you and you will become a better hunter, being known as “The Crippler” is not going to win you many friends!
4th - get them the next time, they will be back
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👍👍👍 Dead down. Thanks for sharing that
 
I use a .243 or a 450 Bushmaster, because coyotes are not known for providing good shots or good shot angles. I want them on the ground and both of these calibers have never let me down. :cool: I'll take the first opportunity that I get for a shot on a coyote...without hesitation. I hate coyotes and want them off of the planet or at the very least out of my section of the state. ☠️🐾🚫
I've had better luck with daytime hunting hits, than NV hits. Sold all of my NV equipment and went with a motion decoy and an e-caller and have had more fun and success. (y)
 
bowhunter57 said:
I use a .243 or a 450 Bushmaster, because coyotes are not known for providing good shots or good shot angles. I want them on the ground and both of these calibers have never let me down. :cool: I'll take the first opportunity that I get for a shot on a coyote...without hesitation. I hate coyotes and want them off of the planet or at the very least out of my section of the state. ☠️🐾🚫
I've had better luck with daytime hunting hits, than NV hits. Sold all of my NV equipment and went with a motion decoy and an e-caller and have had more fun and success. (y)
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Unfortunately coyotes will be walking on this planet after the human race has destroyed itself. They have survived and flourished regardless of what we have thrown at them. Humans no such luck
 
I read on another thread you're shootin 87 grain V-Max in your .243, which in my opinion is one of the best bullets available for it. My brother has used those for years and we've never not recovered a coyote using those. Even with less than ideal shot placement.

If you can connect on a moving shot, that's great. But don't expect that coyote to die right away. Always assume it's getting back up after you shoot. Not just on a moving coyote, I mean any time you shoot one. But especially on a moving coyote. That second shot it'll be spinning in circles or flopping around on the ground. Shoot it again before it catches its second wind. If that doesn't kill it, shoot again. And again and again and again if you have to. Put heat on it until it's down and done moving. It'll be a lot more stationary that second shot if it's hurt bad enough. Just make fast and accurate follow up shots. You want as many bullets connecting as possible to get that coyote killed.

That's less than ideal for a fur hunter because there's more holes to deal with. If you're getting paid for a dead coyote regardless of what condition it's in.....keep shootin. Don't worry about the misses guy. Just make the next one count. The only way to get comfortable shooting at moving things is to shoot at moving things. You're too worried about missing and losing a coyote. But from where I'm sitting, you lost an opportunity at that coyote anyways.

You didn't shoot at that coyote anyhow. Let it sit for a while and try again.
 
OKRattler said:
I read on another thread you're shootin 87 grain V-Max in your .243, which in my opinion is one of the best bullets available for it. My brother has used those for years and we've never not recovered a coyote using those. Even with less than ideal shot placement.

If you can connect on a moving shot, that's great. But don't expect that coyote to die right away. Always assume it's getting back up after you shoot. Not just on a moving coyote, I mean any time you shoot one. But especially on a moving coyote. That second shot it'll be spinning in circles or flopping around on the ground. Shoot it again before it catches its second wind. If that doesn't kill it, shoot again. And again and again and again if you have to. Put heat on it until it's down and done moving. It'll be a lot more stationary that second shot if it's hurt bad enough. Just make fast and accurate follow up shots. You want as many bullets connecting as possible to get that coyote killed.

That's less than ideal for a fur hunter because there's more holes to deal with. If you're getting paid for a dead coyote regardless of what condition it's in.....keep shootin. Don't worry about the misses guy. Just make the next one count. The only way to get comfortable shooting at moving things is to shoot at moving things. You're too worried about missing and losing a coyote. But from where I'm sitting, you lost an opportunity at that coyote anyways.

You didn't shoot at that coyote anyhow. Let it sit for a while and try again.
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During the spring in Nevada I would get up early and practice shooting at running jackrabbits. Back then I shot a 6 mm Remington 75 gr speer hollow points. You do that often enough you get pretty good
 
I don't want to give advice since this is only my second season but I can say that you are not alone here the last coyote I had seen was not moving very fast at all and it was broadside and it would of been my first double night ever and I didn't take the shot and it was only 40 yards away. I still question myself as to why I didn't just take that shot before it disappeared into the treeline lol. I haven't seen a yote since, this was about a month ago.

I think I'm just gonna go with what lonehowl said and just shoot at the dam thing I don't care if I hit it's ass while it's running I'm just gonna take the shot
 
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Infidel 762 said:
I don’t try to kill every coyote I see, I try to kill every coyote I shoot at. I have them burn in and out like you described and it just the nature of the beast. It bothers me less than shooting and missing
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I agree with this. I have had them zip in and out and never get a shot off. I hate missing. I would rather let it go and not educate the damn thing. Maybe get a shot on it another time.
 
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