Just call me the coyote clipper! AGAIN!

Rank Amateur · 03-04-2006, 08:19 PM

Dog gone it! Went out calling coyotes/elk scouting/deer scouting/get a work out. Setup #7, I was on top of a ridge in the timber, about 30 yards back from the edge of a fairly recent clearcut, I could see portions of the road I was on out to about 400 yards. I had put the Fox Pro on a stump on the other side of the road and I nestled up to a stump on a small cut in the road about 10 yards from the edge of the road. Good looking setup. Started with the female invitation howls and then switched to the pup in distress call (guys on a different forum have been saying this works good). I was probably 15 minutes into the set and I noticed movement out at the end of the road, 400 yards away. This was how I had my rifle setup, so I swung on it and it was 3 deer (in good shape), when they hit an intersection I turned the pup distress on again and they stopped and looked. Well, I new at least it was carrying that far. About 4 minutes later I saw movement again at the end of the road, this time it was a pair of coyotes. They were just trotting along, and heading right for me!

I knew this was going to be good. I lost sight of them at about 250 yards because of a dip in the road, I had shooting lanes at 100 and 40 yards. I switched the Fox Pro to the vole sqeaker and turned the volume down, all while in mute mode. Then I flipped the safety off and settled into the scope. The two dogs came over the hump at the 100 yard spot and I just about took a shot when one turned sideways in the road, sniffing something, but I knew they would come on in and that they did. When they disappeared in a small dip in the road I swung on the 40 hole and got ready. I had one hand on the remote to turn the sqeaker on to stop them. They came into the opening and I just about squeezed off when both yotes were lined up, but they were moving so fast I couldn't keep up. I pressed the mute to make the vole sqeak, but nothing happened!

I had turned the sound down too low, now the coyotes were right in front of me, but all I could see was tops of ears because of the cut in the road. I started to raise up and about then I heard the toenails on the rocks as the dogs spooked, they were right at the caller and had probably scented my tracks. Now I'm up on my feet and the dogs are scampering back down the road the way they had come. When they crossed through the 40 yard spot I let the closest one have it, I could see a hit. Now they were both in high gear, the hit one shot off the road in a culvert push out and the other headed on down the road, I finally came to my senses and barked at the dog, he slowed down and started to quarter across the road at about 100 yards. I let one fly, but did not connect.

I found lots of hair and meat where I hit the first one, I think I got too far back on him.

I tried to track the dog, but there was no more blood. I made a circle out through the timber and then came back up the road looking for the second shot, nothing there. So, I blew it again.

If I would have had a shotgun, it should have been duck soup. I made the mistake of trying to get too fancy with the caller, I should have just barked at them when I had them in my crosshairs at 40 yards. Live and learn.

BrianMaguire · 03-04-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

If I would have had a shotgun, it should have been duck soup.

Have I heard that before?

Limbhanger · 03-04-2006, 08:42 PM

I would be pumped you are getting them to respond and come in. I have been out 3 times in the last few weeks and have had no luck. I am using a circe rabbit disress call.
I might have to give in and get with the times and check out the foxpro. Good Job on the set up and calling them in.

ehunter · 03-05-2006, 07:31 AM

Rank I just glad that you found your way home..

Ni! · 03-05-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

I should have just barked at them when I had them in my crosshairs at 40 yards.

You learned the right lesson, IMO. I would have taken the shot at 100 as well. In that kind of terrain, you're probably only gonna get one of them anyway. Once they get too close it usually gets harder rather than easier.

At least you're getting some responses. That's always encouraging.

Ni!

Rank Amateur · 03-05-2006, 02:13 PM

Oh ehunter, I don't get lost in my honey hole! Gee and think I invited you to come along. Would have been good though, since I didn't see a elk all day.

But they were leaving some sign around.

I agree Ni, the closer they get the tougher it can get, now a shotgun would have equilized that quite a bit. Oh, well it was pretty exciting, especially when you see them coming from that far away. Gee these yotes are just about as hard to hunt as bull elk.

ehunter · 03-06-2006, 08:28 AM

Well Rank I think I will have to get out with you soon. I am pretty sure that I am just what you need somebody who is the worst shot in the West ( err tht would me )to get your confidence back up.. After you see you me shoot you will you will be feeling pretty good.

Hey that is what friends are for.

Bait O' Eggs · 03-06-2006, 09:33 AM

Rank
Maybe some time at the range

or like some of us, just a bigger gun would eliminate those clips

Jim thought my 300 mag was overkill for a cougar

I wanted firepower on my side when I was being hard charged

Rank Amateur · 03-06-2006, 07:57 PM

Yep, it must be the gun, too underpowered, I should just chuck the old .270 in the brush and get me a big gun.

Then maybe the concussion will kill them!

I'm afraid to take ehunter now, he will probably kill one now!

I should have had StevenB with me, he packs that Drilling, two shotgun barrels and a rifle, now that is a varmit rig!

Naaaa, I'm think AR-15 and just spray the country side with lead.

Looks like you guys had a great cougar trip, I was talking with a local who bow hunts in the country I was in and he said he saw two cougars running together in that area. So, the tag in my wallet just might get punched, that is if I can hit the dang thing!

StevenB · 03-08-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

I was probably 15 minutes into the set and I noticed movement out at the end of the road, ..... About 4 minutes later I saw movement again at the end of the road, this time it was a pair of coyotes.

Took a lot of time for those coyotes to decide on coming in. They sure liked the sound of that caller you are using Rank. I'm still amazed at how it changes the calling experience. Makes doing long calling sessions all day a little less taxing. I do like to blow on a Weems mouth call in central or east Oregon where a stand takes less than 10 minutes or so.

Do you have any plans on trying for a cougar with your caller? I understand roaming about after a fresh snow to find cougar tracks helps the odds of getting one to hear the call. Maybe in the Cascades (west swide).

If ehunter goes he could bring his bow to make in interesting.

StevenB

Hope to be able to keep in touch on ifish from my out of state work trips. Had trouble logging on at first and thought there may be some trouble in that but all seems to be working now.

Killertraylor · 03-08-2006, 07:46 PM

Dude - don't worry - you'll get em'. That's the way hunting goes - if you take the shotgun, they'll stop at 100 yards and give you a broadside shot. If you take the rifle, they'll give you a running through the brush shot at 30 yards. Sounds like you've got a good area - keep trying!

ehunter · 03-09-2006, 07:14 AM

Hey Steven if we go cat hunting are you and rank suggesting that I be the bait???

Gee what are friends

Rank Amateur · 03-09-2006, 07:18 AM

I don't know if you can run fast enough to make it sporting ehunter!

skein · 03-09-2006, 07:35 AM

Now that's funny! I don't care who you are!

Don't let 'em tease you, ehunter. Tell 'em if you can shoot then you don't have to run.

Man, this snow is killin' me. We sure cudda used this last week. :depressed:

Skein

Rank Amateur · 03-09-2006, 08:01 AM

Well I guess that means he better put on his track shoes!

Yep, we have a couple inches of snow and I have to work tonight, bummer.

ehunter · 03-09-2006, 10:15 AM

Well guys I may not win the 100 yard dash but I only have to win the first 15 feet and I can jump pretty darn fast. Skein your right I was thinking Rank was a crack shot and now Steve is using a shot gun I am worring about those guys. Now that Rank has the calling technique down I may have to take him to the range and I will see that throws down some money for a cannon...... or maybe a granade launcher. :grin:

Rank if you will take me into your honey elk hole where that cat is ( all I want to do is to protect your elk

) I will offer Steve up as bait and we can protect him

StevenB · 03-09-2006, 05:28 PM

ehunter I'd back you up with the drilling. Buckshot and the 7mm. If you don't get a good shot then we bring in the firearms option.

Now is the time to cruse the snowy forest for tracks. Probably would have to hike many miles to cut a fresh cougar track.

I'll be out of the Oregon hunting loop until I get a break to go home... Weathers been holding up the work so it may be April. I'm just day dreaming here.

SB