New to Coyote Hunting, all Advice would be helpful!

[Bullsky1]

I'm new to coyote hunting. I live just south of Canada in very rural Washington State. I need any information you are willing to share on everything from caller placement, camo, etc.

I've been an avid bow hunter for all game, but so far the coyotes are outsmarting me. I'm using a 223 with 55gr V-max sighted in for 500 yards.

 

[SBruce]

Are you wanting to call them in, or are you hoping/trying for long range shots from the vehicle type of thing?

In my experience, 500 yd sight ins with the 223 means you'll likely overshoot anything that you call in to normal ranges or even see within normal ranges.

Shooting them from the vehicle is very low percentage kills IME, that is why I began calling some 24 years ago. Problems associated with shooting from the truck (even though it is fun, and sometimes we get one) is that they usually have already seen us and will be running shortly. If we take the time to range the dog, dial the correction, dope and hold for any wind, and get a solid rest; the coyote usually has already got nervous and is quickly leaving the area. What I am getting at is; We're usually only given running shot opportunities . Often times, as soon as a vehicle stops, they are running and not about to stop for a shot. ...................That's been my experience in most parts of Wyoming anyway.

Additionally, if they are close enough that you dont' have to worry about ranging them (well under 500 yds with any load), then we want to be able to hold on hair for elevation and only concern ourselves with lead for moving targets and holding for a little wind..........therefore, my first suggestion, no matter if you call them in or shoot them from the truck; is to sight in your rifle for dead on at about 200-250 yds. That way you're holding center mass from the muzzle out to about 250-300 yds.

I've put some other tips in this thread, more directly related to calling:
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f30/calling-sequence-question-new-hunter-84225/

Best of Luck.

 

[rosborohunter]

Are you wanting to call them in, or are you hoping/trying for long range shots from the vehicle type of thing?

In my experience, 500 yd sight ins with the 223 means you'll likely overshoot anything that you call in to normal ranges or even see within normal ranges.

Shooting them from the vehicle is very low percentage kills IME, that is why I began calling some 24 years ago. Problems associated with shooting from the truck (even though it is fun, and sometimes we get one) is that they usually have already seen us and will be running shortly. If we take the time to range the dog, dial the correction, dope and hold for any wind, and get a solid rest; the coyote usually has already got nervous and is quickly leaving the area. What I am getting at is; We're usually only given running shot opportunities . Often times, as soon as a vehicle stops, they are running and not about to stop for a shot. ...................That's been my experience in most parts of Wyoming anyway.

Additionally, if they are close enough that you dont' have to worry about ranging them (well under 500 yds with any load), then we want to be able to hold on hair for elevation and only concern ourselves with lead for moving targets and holding for a little wind..........therefore, my first suggestion, no matter if you call them in or shoot them from the truck; is to sight in your rifle for dead on at about 200-250 yds. That way you're holding center mass from the muzzle out to about 250-300 yds.

I've put some other tips in this thread, more directly related to calling:
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f30/calling-sequence-question-new-hunter-84225/

Best of Luck.

Bruce,
You sure have some good information in all of your posts. However, I must say it is hard to read them when I can't take my eyes off of that giant mule deer.
Thanks for the good info.

 

[Yote59]

You would be better served by sighting your gun at 1" high @ 100 yards.

 

[tt35]

Bullsky1: I've written several articles on coyote calling for LRH.com. There are a couple in the December issue and several more in earlier issues that may answer some questions for you. (Click "Articles" at the top of the page.) Len has also put together an archive of Coyote Hunting articles. Go to the Home page and click on the "Coyote Articles" link in the left column. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions after reading some of those. Coyote hunting is a blast. Good luck!

 

[roninflag]

what size groups are you getting? coyotes are a small , challenging target.