Well for the first time this year I was actually able to fire my rifle. Unfortunately it wasn't at a bear, but a coyote. After getting set up in a clear cut and calling for roughly an hour, my call dies. Lovely. So I sit there contemplating my next move while watching the gray skies creep over the mountains. Rain wasn't forecast so now im thinking im gna get a surprise shower. I decide to kick it for a while and just see what happens. While I happily munch on a bag of small carrots and browse the forum, I glance around. Did a double take when I noticed a lighter spot that seemed out of place. While i nearly choke on carrots while trying to get my gun up I realize two things. 1. My carrots had been stored in my rangefinder pocket. Which in turn means my rangefinder isnt in my pack. And 2. SWEET MOTHER MARY it'll be the first animal i shoot that's not a duck. So I scope up, and try to relax. I have practically zero experience guessing distance with a rifle so I settle the cross hairs and pull the trigger. AAAAAAAAAANNNNNNDDDDDDD nothing. This coyote is young, and extremely stupid, while I, the great white hunter have missed with no sign of impact. So I recollect, guess that I shot over him and adjust. While I do this, the coyote took about 5 steps closer, and looks at me with pity. I fire again, going nearly deaf this time in my right ear, and miss yet again. And now the pup just kinda moseys on, in no particular hurry, but a definite sense of urgency to get away from the guy who keeps making a lot of noise.
After the fact, I'm thinking I had far over-estimated the range. But I cant really say. It makes me feel like a puttz. Also, ear plugs....
