advice on night yotes

[fast1]

I've moved from cats in the blues to dogs in the sage.
Trying this night hunting,I can get them talkin with a locator or siren. Then what??? Do u go with a distress or keep howlin? Do u pan the light until u see eyes or just turn it on every now & then? Any advice would be much appropriated. Went out today,saw one about 400 out,didn't shoot. Next stand I dumped a o'gal on the run at about 100. Wewhew!lol got anxious got up turned call of looked to mark where she was & there was another down with her. She took off so I called some more & seen her about 200yds. Shoot twice but by the dust my bullets where travelin about two feet a second slower then she was! I know it wasn't my lead!lol

[fast1]

Wow! I thought these forms were to help people out! A lot of viewers but no comments. Come guys I know some has to be willing to help. We all started somewhere & need some advice. Not like I'm trying to take anyone's honeyhole. I have my own, just want to try it at night.

[bear hunter]

I only hunted them at night last year and it sucked. They were howling but didn't want to come in. I was going to try it again this year but the new law sucks but I under stand it. You can't see houses and buildings and a bullet can fly way out or skip off the dirt. I like to see out far so night hunting sucks to me. Good luck hunting

[sirfunkeybut]

When I night hunted coyotes we would set up intge bottom of a valley and shoot into the hill at them. We never used a locator call we would just show up spotlight for eyes and if none were seen we would start with a quite distress call, wait a few minutes and spotlight again. Rinse and repeat gradually increasing the volume.  Plus we used a red filter on our light and it seemed to not spook them as much. Good luck 

[fast1]

I appreciate the in put. Either of u near the cities & want to give it a go? I have a bout 18 miles of land to hunt on both sides of 395 from Eltopia to Connell, that I just picked up along with some from Connell to kalotus, then everything from south of 260 in kalotus  to the snake,between devils canyon & 261 to Lyons ferry. It's lease deer & from what I understand no one hunts dogs there,just ranch hands working.

[GEARHEAD]

Lol, sounds like your the one that can offer some help.

[Machias]

You want to run the light non-stop, don't turn it off and on or you will spook them.  Keep the main beam above the horizon.  Make sure your outline is broken up, make sure you don't silhouette yourself, sneak in just like daytime.  Start of calling quiet and increase the volume.  Keep the caller next to you, not away from you like during the daytime, you want the eyes looking at you.  Personally I only like using shotguns at night, I don't like shooting far in the dark, too risky.  Once you spot eyes keep the main part of the beam just above their heads.  Howling works great during the breeding season, rest of the time I like distress calls.

[rynokron]

You want to run the light non-stop, don't turn it off and on or you will spook them.  Keep the main beam above the horizon.  Make sure your outline is broken up, make sure you don't silhouette yourself, sneak in just like daytime.  Start of calling quiet and increase the volume.  Keep the caller next to you, not away from you like during the daytime, you want the eyes looking at you.  Personally I only like using shotguns at night, I don't like shooting far in the dark, too risky.  Once you spot eyes keep the main part of the beam just above their heads.  Howling works great during the breeding season, rest of the time I like distress calls.

This.

[fast1]

Thanx guys for all the info. I'm anxious to try. It's nice to have the space so I can wait about a week before callin the same place. I'm always lookin for Somone to hunt with & either learn or teach.

[Heredoggydoggy]

A little better at night.  But the same as hunting them in the daytime in that either they're out there or they aren't.  Spotlighting is best done as a 2-man operation.  One to hold the spotlight, and the other to shoot. 

[yote]

Spotlighting is best done as a 2-man operation.  One to hold the spotlight, and the other to shoot. 

This.

[rynokron]

With a weapon mounted shooting light and a headlamp for scanning you can get away with doing it by yourself. It is much easier to night hunt with a partner and probably safer too.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I only hunted them at night last year and it sucked. They were howling but didn't want to come in. I was going to try it again this year but the new law sucks but I under stand it. You can't see houses and buildings and a bullet can fly way out or skip off the dirt. I like to see out far so night hunting sucks to me. Good luck hunting

Sorry about the thread jack, but what new law?

Copied from this years regs:

Coyote may be hunted at night
year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful
to hunt coyote at night during the
months of September, October,
or November in any area open to a
centerfire rifle deer or elk season.

Did something change?

[rynokron]

Nothing has changed.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have found that it's best to hunt areas that you've hunted in daylight, so you know where it's safe to shoot.  Things look different at night.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I have found that it's best to hunt areas that you've hunted in daylight, so you know where it's safe to shoot.  Things look different at night.

True!  Best sugguestion so far.

Nothing has changed.

I didn't think so, I knew there were some proposals put out, but hadn't heard that they had actually moved beyond that stage.

[Machias]

I have found that it's best to hunt areas that you've hunted in daylight, so you know where it's safe to shoot.  Things look different at night.

True!  Best sugguestion so far.

Nothing has changed.

I didn't think so, I knew there were some proposals put out, but hadn't heard that they had actually moved beyond that stage.

I somewhat agree, but you still don't know what is standing out there 300 to 400 yards, could be another guy that has walked in.  I know alot of guys use rifles at night and I'm not trying to discourage it, but I think you are alot better off shooting into a hillside that you can reasonably be sure no one or nothing is beyond your target.  I just feel more comfortable using the shotgun, but not trying to dictate to anyone else, just food for thought.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have found that it's best to hunt areas that you've hunted in daylight, so you know where it's safe to shoot.  Things look different at night.

True!  Best sugguestion so far.

Nothing has changed.

I didn't think so, I knew there were some proposals put out, but hadn't heard that they had actually moved beyond that stage.

I somewhat agree, but you still don't know what is standing out there 300 to 400 yards, could be another guy that has walked in.  I know alot of guys use rifles at night and I'm not trying to discourage it, but I think you are alot better off shooting into a hillside that you can reasonably be sure no one or nothing is beyond your target.  I just feel more comfortable using the shotgun, but not trying to dictate to anyone else, just food for thought.

I agree.  One rule is: Be sure of your target.  My rule is: Be sure of your target AND your backstop!  There have been animals that went on living because I didn't know where my bullet would go if it went past the critter.

[bear hunter]

I only hunted them at night last year and it sucked. They were howling but didn't want to come in. I was going to try it again this year but the new law sucks but I under stand it. You can't see houses and buildings and a bullet can fly way out or skip off the dirt. I like to see out far so night hunting sucks to me. Good luck hunting

Sorry about the thread jack, but what new law?

Copied from this years regs:

Coyote may be hunted at night
year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful
to hunt coyote at night during the
months of September, October,
or November in any area open to a
centerfire rifle deer or elk season.

Did something change?

I thought I read in it in the regs that night hunting for coyotes at night you have to be 100 ft or so from the rig,shotgun 4 shot or smaller and rifle limited to rim fire only on public land. Maybe I am wrong I look at it again later and Names not Jock OK SON

[BIGINNER]

I only hunted them at night last year and it sucked. They were howling but didn't want to come in. I was going to try it again this year but the new law sucks but I under stand it. You can't see houses and buildings and a bullet can fly way out or skip off the dirt. I like to see out far so night hunting sucks to me. Good luck hunting

Sorry about the thread jack, but what new law?

Copied from this years regs:

Coyote may be hunted at night
year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful
to hunt coyote at night during the
months of September, October,
or November in any area open to a
centerfire rifle deer or elk season.

Did something change?

I thought I read in it in the regs that night hunting for coyotes at night you have to be 100 ft or so from the rig,shotgun 4 shot or smaller and rifle limited to rim fire only on public land. Maybe I am wrong I look at it again later and Names not Jack OK SON

 

[7t9cobra]

  what we have here, is a failure to communicate.

[bear hunter]

I looked in the re gs but can't find it. I read it on the form last Feb. 2012 some one posted the game dept. proposal for next season. Maybe they didn't do the change. That's cool because I thought it went through. My bad

[fast1]

I haven't seen any restrictions for yotes at night.
I've hunted long enough to know your area of hunt, livestock,pets,etc. I don't shoot skyline muchless at night.
For the most part the closest house is over a mile & at places its over 10 miles. Commonsense is always a plus when hunting, which I agree a lot of people lack, Ooo wait that's our government & the people who can't by a gun over the counter but rather get it out of a trunk. But thanx for the advice all. It never hurts to get reminded of stuff we already know but often over look!

[Smossy]

I've moved from cats in the blues to dogs in the sage.
Trying this night hunting,I can get them talkin with a locator or siren. Then what??? Do u go with a distress or keep howlin? Do u pan the light until u see eyes or just turn it on every now & then? Any advice would be much appropriated. Went out today,saw one about 400 out,didn't shoot. Next stand I dumped a o'gal on the run at about 100. Wewhew!lol got anxious got up turned call of looked to mark where she was & there was another down with her. She took off so I called some more & seen her about 200yds. Shoot twice but by the dust my bullets where travelin about two feet a second slower then she was! I know it wasn't my lead!lol

Hey if your serious about night hunting coyotes I HIGHLY recommend checking these guys out.

http://www.sniperhawglights.com/

They have awsome products that are perfect for what your looking for, Colored filtered lights that mount to your bow/guns that the animals cant actually see because of the spectrum of light. Will still give you your night shine in the eyes though. Just without blasting a bright white light at them and scarin them away.
Im waiting to save up enough to get mine for my bow.
It mounts to where you would normally put your stabilizer. Hope this helps you man.

[Machias]

Those were proposals they wanted to inflict on us and probably will try again in the future, but they got sooo much flak it was quickly removed.  None of those changes made it into the final package.

[fast1]

I will check those lights out, thanx. Right now I'm useing a laser genetics ND3 x40 subzero. Things great at night, lights up the hole body out to about 3-350. But I'm always looking. Better to spend what u don't have then let the government take it when were eating worms!

[Blacktail Sniper]

I only hunted them at night last year and it sucked. They were howling but didn't want to come in. I was going to try it again this year but the new law sucks but I under stand it. You can't see houses and buildings and a bullet can fly way out or skip off the dirt. I like to see out far so night hunting sucks to me. Good luck hunting

Sorry about the thread jack, but what new law?

Copied from this years regs:

Coyote may be hunted at night
year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful
to hunt coyote at night during the
months of September, October,
or November in any area open to a
centerfire rifle deer or elk season.

Did something change?

I thought I read in it in the regs that night hunting for coyotes at night you have to be 100 ft or so from the rig,shotgun 4 shot or smaller and rifle limited to rim fire only on public land. Maybe I am wrong I look at it again later and Names not Jock OK SON

Now that is funny!

I was appologizing for "Jacking the thread" or as it is otherwise know as changing or veering away from the original topic...POPS!!!   

[fast1]

Should a guy stay away from challenge howls? Last spring I had pretty good luck with it,this year not so much. Vole seems to be the hit so far. Never had much luck with any bunny dis. Think they would be good at night? Or invitation howls?
I may be wrong but I'm thinkin invotation fallowed by just some plain old male or female howls or saranade. A lot of cattle,beck maybe distressed calf.lol Not enough time in the night now. Anxious to try it all out now.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I'm no calling expert, but my buddy and I finally decided to just get them to answer a howl, and then clam up and let them get curious and come to check us out.  Seemed like all the calling we did to get them in only scared them off.  Another hunter we met said he had good luck with mouse squeaks. 

[Snopczynski]

I've moved from cats in the blues to dogs in the sage.
Trying this night hunting,I can get them talkin with a locator or siren. Then what??? Do u go with a distress or keep howlin? Do u pan the light until u see eyes or just turn it on every now & then? Any advice would be much appropriated. Went out today,saw one about 400 out,didn't shoot. Next stand I dumped a o'gal on the run at about 100. Wewhew!lol got anxious got up turned call of looked to mark where she was & there was another down with her. She took off so I called some more & seen her about 200yds. Shoot twice but by the dust my bullets where travelin about two feet a second slower then she was! I know it wasn't my lead!lol

Have you hunted coyotes in the daytime? If so, have you called any in?

[RadSav]

Use a red filter on your light and keep it on all the time with little movement if you can.  A couple motorcycle batteries in a pack will keep you going if calling away from the rig.  When you are ready to shoot blast 'em with full white.  Best when done with a team.  Quite hard to get them within archery range at night as the light does tend to get their attention.  But generally your good to go within rifle range.  Maybe even long shotgun range.  Dang foxes would jump right up onto the rig at night and stare into the light.  Stupid *censored*s   Never have waited long enough to see if I could get a cat inside of 30 yards at night.  Most have laid down on me out around 80 yards so I switch from arrow to the triple deuce.

As far as continuing to howl after locating it all depends on time of year.  I haven't had much luck bringing them close with the howler after the pups have left the den.  So after May until about late March/mid April I put the howler away and stick with house cat, rabbit or rodent calls.  In spring get mobile and use the howler as you close in on the dens at night.  Once you get close settle in and start the hurt pup call aggressively.  And be ready!!!  This is where I use the shotgun as more often than not it's like shooting a running alligator coming right after you.  Ears pinned back and teeth shinning in the light.  Dang fun and exciting stuff!

Night time vermin hunting can be one heck of a lot of fun.  And extremely effective once you get it figured out.  Good luck.

[fast1]

I have hunted them quite bit  during the day. And as far as success, its predator hunting! Some days better than others. I have used hand calls with great success as well as e callers. Somedays u wonder if u brought enough shells & how u are going to get back to the pick up,others u enjoy the views & exercise. I'm not randy Anderson by any means,but I have put my share of kitty's & dogs on the ground. I have lenses, think red works the best or just white? My scope mounted ND3x40 is green.

[Machias]

I have heard (no first hand experience) that green spooks yotes.  Red or Amber is a much better color. IMHO

[fast1]

I'm goin to try white, see how they respond. All all else fails I can throw the red filter on. I know with my laser gen. which has a green beam,most seemed ok with it. I have night owl night vision. Does anyone know if it wood be any good to watch threw them & not turning lights on till ready to shoot? Anyone know of a brand of spot light that really puts out but runs more then 20min. Im going to try the bike batterys but that seems like a lot of wait to pack to far.
?

[westsidehunter]

And what candle power? 5million ok? Or dimmer2millm?

[fast1]

I have a 3 mill & 2 that are about 950 lumens what ever that translates to. My ND3 I have no clue but it will light up eyes further then I will shoot at night. It's a beck of a light but pricey compared to some. I've been going to look for another to scan with, thinking of lookin at tue 'wicked'. Any input?

[fast1]

Well I gave the night thing a go last weekend, every stand I had them howlin around me but couldn't get them in. Is this normal? I would start out with a howl & then go to a distress, after a few I would do a yote cotton dis. Then end with a few greet howls. I tried e caller, hand calls. But nothin seemed to bring'em in. Will be out ther again. But its maddening to know how close they are but can't get them to move.

[RadSav]

Once you locate just stick with the one call this time of year.  Cottontail should be great. 

Biggest mistake new callers make is being too loud and too long winded at the beginning of the sequence.  Start off very small and timid.  Think "I'm in distress, but not yet being torn apart."  Convey that in the temperament of your call.  Remember you are talking to the coyote through emotion. 

Cottontails have very small lungs.  Be sure to represent that in each blast.  No coyote is going to mess with a 300# rabbit so don't sound like one

After about 10 minutes of calling start to increase both volume and excitement.  Thinking like the rabbit you are now in extreme distress.  I like to imagine I am being ripped apart by a small fox or martin.  Something that is not big enough to kill me right away.  Make that coyote think he can come steal some easy vittles from a smaller predator.  Again, don't forget you are a small rabbit with small lungs - loud does not mean long drawn out blasts.

Have you ever seen a small dog like a Yorkie trying to kill a toy?  They pin it down, bite it, shake it, flip it and repeat.  Try to imagine yourself being that toy and transfer that emotion and distress through the call.  This I will do for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

After the extreme distress series of calling you want to once again reduce volume and enter the exhaustion stage.  Here I imagine that I am now just minutes from death having no more energy to fight off the small predator.  My face often falls deep into the dirt and I moan with every small breath I can muster as the fox or martin begins to eat me alive.  This is not a stage of distress or blasting.  Just slow moans of exhaustion and life escaping form my little rabbit body.  I do not call constantly at this time. This final sequence is no longer than five minutes.

If after these three sequences I have been unable to bring the coyotes in I sit still for another 5 to 10 minutes before picking up and moving location.

I can not express the importance of imagination here.  You don't ever want your quarry to ever think you might be a human blowing on a call.  And you never want that coyote to think you are too dang big to be an easy meal.  Imagine yourself as that poor little flea bitten rabbit - little, fragile, scared to death, and slowly dying at the hands of a predator only slightly larger than you are.  This is where a digital caller can never compete with a good hand caller.

If you can visualize that and portray that image through your call you are going to kill a lot of dogs

[fast1]

Thanks for the advice radsav. Ya I would get them goin with a greet, then go to a vole dis. For a min, wait about 5 then again for about a min. After about 20 minutes of this I would wait a couple then pack up.
I know they should be pairing right now, but ya its frustrating when u hear them,know their close but u just can't seal the deal.