Did 7 stands yesterday. Had a blast, no pun intended.
Stand one, was near buddies yard in a coulee with a creek running. No snow. Started the call immediately had loud and active response. Patiently waited, didn’t see any or hear them again. Used some Yotarunners hand calls and we had some hard chargers, 6 of them. Buddy was laser focused on the first one and didn’t see the second one on his side. Nor did we see the other four further down the draw. We went to retrieve our prey but could not find them. Found a beautiful set of whitetail sheds though.
Had the next three stands yield no return calls nor a coyote.
The 5 th stand a coyote crest the valley and skyline itself at 150 yards. It was seated and watching the decoy. DRT with 57 gr James calhoon in 223 AI.
The 6th was a beautiful spot with rock outcroppings that provided excellent cover.
The 7th was started just as the sun began to set. Well used a rub stone as our cover that put us in the shadow of a hill to the west. Had 3 come in but they were spread out. I hit the first at 255 yards and then buddy was having trouble with his rem 700 22-250 (get a Bergara or other improved action 700 Clone) So I had to take a poke at the coyote his way by this time it was moving further away. It hadn’t spotted us. It stopped and I missed my first shot low and then hit it through both lungs through and through at 375 yards.
Decent number of deer so they would have some vittles. Tougher to spot coyotes when they blend in to the background so well.
Good optics and good gear make a hunt more successful and fun. But most of all good company to share the tales and relive the moment again.
Stand one, was near buddies yard in a coulee with a creek running. No snow. Started the call immediately had loud and active response. Patiently waited, didn’t see any or hear them again. Used some Yotarunners hand calls and we had some hard chargers, 6 of them. Buddy was laser focused on the first one and didn’t see the second one on his side. Nor did we see the other four further down the draw. We went to retrieve our prey but could not find them. Found a beautiful set of whitetail sheds though.
Had the next three stands yield no return calls nor a coyote.
The 5 th stand a coyote crest the valley and skyline itself at 150 yards. It was seated and watching the decoy. DRT with 57 gr James calhoon in 223 AI.
The 6th was a beautiful spot with rock outcroppings that provided excellent cover.
The 7th was started just as the sun began to set. Well used a rub stone as our cover that put us in the shadow of a hill to the west. Had 3 come in but they were spread out. I hit the first at 255 yards and then buddy was having trouble with his rem 700 22-250 (get a Bergara or other improved action 700 Clone) So I had to take a poke at the coyote his way by this time it was moving further away. It hadn’t spotted us. It stopped and I missed my first shot low and then hit it through both lungs through and through at 375 yards.
Decent number of deer so they would have some vittles. Tougher to spot coyotes when they blend in to the background so well.
Good optics and good gear make a hunt more successful and fun. But most of all good company to share the tales and relive the moment again.
