when we took the shot from the road we were not on the persons land. we did not want to miss the shot, we were in the process of calling the land owner and it was fish and wildlife land so we were in the clear if we had dropped the coyote.
While there are exceptions, shooting from the road is generally illegal. If it was WDFW land, and as you say, you were in the clear if you had got it, who is it your were you trying to call then? And shooting onto property before or while you say you were trying to get permission is just a lame sounding excuse.
Generally speaking, once your foot is in your mouth, it is best to not continue chewing up to your knee. Make sure you know where you are, have permission BEFORE doing any hunting or shooting, and make sure you are legally and safely off the road and then have fun.
Don't be impatient and do dumb things that make it harder for the next person who is careful and respectful that may come along behind you.