Gang,
I hunted hard and smart last nite. Despite my efforts, I only saw one pair of eyes... The eyes of a sweet blonde yote...
I had the pack howling at 6:00 PM. However, in true fashion, they never appeared for the shot.
I went back to the same exact set up spot at 10:30 PM and heard them howling in the same location - probably 200-300 yds in the woods- as I walked in. I gave them a buffet of calls for 16 mintutes...
Ernie Wilson lip squeaks
lil rabbit
mad rabbit
baby cottontail
estrus chirp
female whimpers
female howls - 3 varieties
Still nothing!
As a last resort, I tried the coyote locator, just to see if I could make them howl again.
As soon as that was over, I scanned with the "Predator Light" and had eyes at the end of the field! I switched to the Cabelas light, but could not see very well. I went back to the "Predator Light" to confirm the 'yotes position. The coyote was in some brush and would not come out. I switched to Earne Wilson lip squeaks and the yote slowly walked out into the field.
Even though the yote was "way out there," I knew my trusty Remington 700 in .223 was up to the challenge. The Cabelas Light now picked up the eyes and I held just below the eyes.
A hollow "Thwack" sounded as loud as the rifle report and I knew that I had connected. A lengthy walk across the hard snow pack, assisted by the "Predator Light" led me to a prime blonde coyote!
The first thing that came to my mind was... "There's no one here to share the moment." Where was Chief?, Where was my buddy Sleeman? I couldn't even call Dad, as he is in Florida!
Alone, but happy, I hauled the 'yote (30.8 lbs. on the scale) back to the Bark at the Moon Mobile - a feat that took 45 minutes!
I returned in the AM to call for any other 'yotes in the area, but saw nothing. I then measured the shot at 200 yds.