Full Moon Hunt: Lesson's Learned

[Zen Archery]

6hr Hunt (6pm-Midnight)
Wind Conditions Supposed to be 5-7 NNE but was swirling and variable all night long.
Temperatures started in the mid 60's dropped into mid 40's
Moon FULL
6 Sets.

1st set
Trusting my app. I set up in a place where I've seen multiple coyotes/bobcats.
Soon as I got set. The wind started blowing on my neck.
LESSON 1: Don't trust app. Use puffer.

2nd set
The wind was literally swirling (which it always is on this ridge). 90% of the time it was in my favor.
Using Alpha Dog Caller used Expert Jack Rabbit call.
Used Primos Decoy and another rabbit Decoy about 80 yards apart.
Kicked on 630 (sunset). Got quick pair howling almost instantly.
Sat there for 30 minutes. No reply.
LESSON 2: If there's any chance with wind is wrong don't try it.

3rd set
Moved opposite end of property.
Narrow 400 yard lane.
Wind was more consistent. After moon roes.
Used Denning Calls.
Heard one response call about 10 minutes into the hunt.
Then every coyote in the zip code started howling.
I stayed here for about an hour using different calls.
Then I got into a calling competing. This guy wasn't moving.
LESSON 3: Calling competition is fun. But FRUSTRATING.

4th set
More of tricky hunt b/c the wind was swirling again.
Set up on a long 300 yard pasture. Much wider.
Used Territory Call.
Just like last time: 10 minutes into the hunt. Got multiple responses. No movement.
LESSON 4: Repeat lesson 2!

5th set
Large open hay field.
Hog hunted for about an hour.
Kicked on Rabbit in Distress call.
Nothing, Nodda, Nope.
Lesson 5: NOTHING (including hogs) will come out into an open field under a bright full moon

6th set.
Ranch house over looks a vast area all shots under 300 yards.
(I've shot more coyotes off this deck than anywhere else on the property).
Turned on Territorial Call.
Instantly got a coyote barking.
Waited 15 minutes.
Turned on rabbit in distress. Coyote barked again.
Lesson 6: Repeat Lesson 3

One thing to note: We've had near flood conditions on this property due to the last 3 weeks of rain. Water is literally flowing over our pond dam. I purposely hunted high terrain. I also stuck to distress calls figuring them yotes gotta be hungry. But nothing was going to get these guys to leave their beds!

Last note: I have several neighbors who also night hunt. I didn't hear a gun shot all night long. Which I usually hear one or 50 a night.

 

[geo4061]

Thank you for the lessons learned.

 

[just country]

morning, do not call, just look and listen. I would use a mouse
squeak. I hunt coyotes at night using a decoy and a varmint.
I use a shotgun with buck shot. I hunt one area I know has travel routes.
I am not always successful, I see lots of other creatures.
b careful of snakes and owls, depending of the area
of the USA u hunt. GBOT TUM

 

[Coach W]

Full moon hunts are tough. I usually try to avoid it.

 

[huntaxhunta]

Thanks for the update on this topics.

 

[elmerkeithclone]

I have killed my last 4 coyotes by just sitting on travel corridors early in the morning and late in the afternoon. I had one hanging up in the brush at 400 yards so I waited until last light and did a rabbit in distress call and he headed through the timber in the opposite direction like his tail was on fire...wind was perfect in my favor and he did not see me. Too many knot heads blowing rabbit calls all day long have them spooked big time in this part of the world. I will just keep hunting them like deer. Get betwixt their den and food source and following tracks is the only way to know for sure what they are up to and when. I won't even get the call out of the truck this time of year unless I'm bored stiff and want to kill some crows....those stupid things show up at the sound of anything making noise!