Hey fellows, I'm the state ADC Trapper for south central SD. (Gregory, Tripp, Todd and Charles Mix counties) I know Dave Tech very well and work on his ranch every winter.
Gunning from planes.....
Airplanes, Very low altitude, Loaded guns, Multiple targets, Excitment, Distractions......INHERENTLY DANGEROUS!
Elkslayer gave ya some good advice! Safety, Safety Safety.
Rule #1 NEVER, NEVER close the action on a shell while the muzzle is inside the plane! and ALWAYS open the action before bringing the gun back in the window after a pass.
Remember you will be moving the muzzle around right behind your pilots head! I promise...you will hit the ground but a split second after he does!!
Since you are going to be hunting in South Dakota, I'm assuming you will be gunning for a pilot who is flying under contract with our department (if not, he is illegal and in violation of the Airborn Hunting Act) as such he is required to have a specific minimum horse power. More than likely you will be in a supercub or something similar so you won't be lacking power or speed.
Rule #2 NEVER, NEVER close the action on a shell while the muzzle is inside the plane!and ALWAYS open the action before bringing the gun back in the window after a pass.
As for where to shoot, thats tuff! It all depends on the pass you get. a Super Cub only requires about 40 mph to stay in the air, so the ideal pass is to catch one running straight into a head wind so the pilot can cut power and just float right in on em...at times moving only slightly faster than the coyote is. Most pilots will be working the pedals to "cock" the plane to the right (asuming your shooting out the left window) to get the prop out of the way as much as possible. This also helps to "haze" the coyote so he doesn't cut under the plane. To compensate for this you will need to shoot slightly to the left of the yote. So the ideal pass has you coming up on the yote at a slow speed and just as you are geting out the window the pilot will be "sliding" to the right. As a place to start, on this type of pass, try shooting at the left, rear hip. Its different for each gunner depending on shootong style, follow thru etc.. and every different type of pass will require adjustments.
It just requires lots of hours in the back seat and lots of coyotes to get a feel for it, till you make the adjustments on instinct just like you do when wingshooting on the ground.
For fun, when ya start to think your good, ya might try getting one thats running flat out, almost to make a corn field in August with a strong tail wind and 120 mph! Knowing you're only going to get one pass.
Don't spare the shells. The cost of ammo is the cheapest part of the operation. Even if ya KNOW ya hit him on the first shot....hit him again ....and again! Coyotes dont die! Ya have to kill em!
In winter, on snow you will have multiples and family groups. keep the muzzle out the window and reload fast!
Rule #3 NEVER, NEVER close the action on a shell while the muzzle is inside the plane!and ALWAYS open the action before bringing the gun back in the window after a pass.
Wear warm clothing. You won't be able to move around much to stay warm, especially your feet. wear the warmest boots you have.
Wear some form of eye gear such as shooting glasses. A strap to keep em on don't hurt either. If its very cold out you can't belive how cold that wind is when ya hang your head out the window! Even if its nice out the wind will blow the burnt powder back in your face and eyes.
Befor you even leave the hanger, crawl in the back seat and get familair with the plane. How to open the window, handle the gun, unhook your harness etc.. Practice leaning out with the gun and see how limited you swing is by the prop and strut.
Our state pilots have a piece of bright colored tape on the strut and also on one blade of the prop. Makes it much easier to see in flight.
Don't assume the pilot sees those power lines over there, or that radio tower, or that other small plane! If he is offended by your concern and pointin out things, you don't want to be flying with him no how!
Have a great time. Its a blast! Don't let any get away... the one that are educated are the ones we have to get running flat out towards a corn field in August! lol
If I can be of any other help just hollar!
Did I mention Rule #4?