Learning experience-all depends

H

Heymartay

Well-known member
Went hunting Friday night, ended going to be 4 of us which was fine, I have 2 thermal guns and 2 thermal scanners. Figured we would pair up and be able to see more area which in Montana there is a lot of. First stand was about 300 yds from the ranchers house over a hill, beautiful night mid 30’s and full moon. We had to sit in a dark area cause of no cover and had called maybe 2 minutes when I looked hard right and saw a double around 70 yds away. Well first learning experience, the guy shooting needs to b looking through the scanner cause he needs to know where they’re at. We were on the right side and the other 2 guys were left of me maybe 3 feet looking 10:00 with the coyotes at 3:00. My guy was on my right but not looking hard enough right saying where are they at. Needless to say being as bright as it was they started moving to our left into trees in and out. I think everyone but me had coyote fever and were just watching the show. One showed up again about 150 yds out and my guy on the left got a shot off but no cigar. Here is another learning lesson( maybe) I like shooting my Hogster 35 at the 2nd power up so maybe 3x which makes things a bit bigger for shooting, which might b and excuse for missing. Anyway we ended up making 3-4 more stands on the ranch and with the full moon did not need a light for setting up or breaking down, it was bright.Kept in the shade of trees but didn’t see a thing but the glorious Montana view in front of us. Last stand was again about 400 yds from his sons house on a creek bottom. I’d been letting my shooter who was using my pulsar xq50 use the scanner while I was running the caller. Well probably around 7-8 minutes in he says one’s coming so hands me the scanner while he gets on the gun. Well I normally shoot on 4x and I hadn’t changed it so it was on base which is 2.5. That might b another excuse. Anyway we were on a small bench, the other 2 guys were 15-20 feet to out right and lower behind a tree so there was no communication. So this coyote is coming down the creek in and out of willow bunches and got around 170 when I stopped him in the open. To me that’s a gimme shot, anyway even without knowing what the other guys were seeing they both shot within half second of each other. The coyote took off hunched up and I lost sight quick, the other guys lower said when it cleared the willows It was moving out. Anyway looked but couldn’t find it, I think if I’d had the gun at 4x he might been able to pick his spot better. Both guns were on tripods. I probably should have let it get closer but I normally hunt alone and shoot when I have a good shot. If I had been shooting I think I would’ve had 2 dead coyotes maybe 3. Anyway everyone had a good time, we saw coyotes and the rancher just loves using the scanner. So I guess I should’ve set the guns up better but it’s tough to remember when your not shooting. Gonna get out again this week, Montana has been warm this year with no snow down low anymore. I’d say more time behind the gun helps a lot.
 
Was it their first time out at night? It’s usually always somewhat of a cluster when you bring people for the first time. Sometimes mildly entertaining. Usually extremely frustrating!

I’m primarily a solo act when I hunt coyotes. Occasionally someone wants to give it a whirl, and I take them out. Usually end up wishing I didn’t!
 
Yup, shooter and scanner need to be the same person. Trick is to 'drop' the scanner and get on the gun. I say trick as if on a lanyard, does it get in the way or clunk? OR set it down someplace? I scan with the scope a lot. Faster 'draw' on the target.
 
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