Spotlighting for COYOTES

[222Rem]

Is anyone out there spotlighting for coyotes. If so how is it going? What kind of spotlight do you have?

Thanks 222Rem

[222Rem]

Is know onespot lighting for coyotes this or is there a fear that this is against the law.

[Special T]

http://www.lightforceusa.com/products/huntsman/rmsmrmsgriflescopeandshotgunmountedspotlights
This is what i use, and it shines them farther than i can shoot them. I beliver its rated at being able to read a book in pitch black 600meters from the light.
It looks like they may be coming out with some new product tho.

[calib]

nothing illegal about it unless there is a big game hunting season open there

[MadHatter]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night. 

[Heredoggydoggy]

That's why spotlighting is best done by 2 people...

[BOWHUNTER45]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night.

Need a Red lens on your spotlight ! 

[Dbax129]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night.

Yeah, I was there for that.  Two people, we just couldnt quite get 'em.  Now they are chasing the home owners dogs.  Also not backing down right away.  Homeowner ran out with a 2nd dog as the first was trying to get away.  Crazy. We'll get 'em this week.

[halfpipe88]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

[bigtex]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

This type of thing isn't unheard of. Deputies, Troopers, and City Officers do not get any type of training in WA regarding hunting/fishing enforcement/laws, it is all self taught. Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

Thats how I feel about too !! Almost everytime I have went at night someone has called the sheriff too...I do not remember having a warden come and check me while spotlighting ...I have called the local warden and told him about where I would be So if they got a call they would at least know I am out there 

[sirmissalot]

I grew up spotlighting, never once had an issue. This is on the Westside though where you can't see the spotlight beam for 20 miles.

You wouldn't believe the amount of arguments I've got in with people claiming spotlighting is illegal.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I've heard of guys being stopped for spotlighting coyotes.  I have been out spotlighting them quite a few times, and never have been stopped.  Either I've spotlighted in a remote enough area, or any nearby residents know what is going on...

[coyotehunter]

Try these:
http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/wicked-lights-w400-predator-pursuit-signature-series-pack-scan-shooter-kit-with-2-lights-white-red-and-green-leds-weapon-mounts-batteries-charger-w400pp/

They work extremely well and come in white, red and green. One mounted on my rifle is white, the one I scan with is green. Yes the Lightforce is stronger but I don't shoot 600 yards even in the daytime! Also The Wicked lights are WAY more affordable!

I also usually call law enforcement of the area ahead time and tell them what I'm doing. Sometimes they give static but as long as you're not breaking any game laws, its your right as WA state hunting license holder. Its also a good idea to have a copy of the game regs with you just in case.

[Special T]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

This type of thing isn't unheard of. Deputies, Troopers, and City Officers do not get any type of training in WA regarding hunting/fishing enforcement/laws, it is all self taught. Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

What were you charged with? Did they work with you when you tried to explain?