Coyote: Buck Fever/Lucky/Bad Shot?

[N2 Shooter]

Agree wholeheartedly with @cmatera. I have long focused on bodyshots over headshots on game for this very reason. The majority of predator's heads are constantly moving, and if there head is not moving, they are in a heightened concentration state, ready to react in an instant. A bodyshot increases the kill zone from the 2" needed for a headshot to up to 5" for a heart/lung shot, giving you the option of taking the shot before the coyote is perfectly still.

Stepping up to the Bulldog and 110 gr or heavier slugs allows you the option of putting the shot straight through the scapula with energy left to spare for massive heart lung damage. No need for the perfect shot, just know the heart on coyote sits low, about two inches above the elbow.

 

[Max115]

@Hal4son. Good point with the lip squeaks. I have never thought of that. I am not sure if they were nervous because of the IR or if they actually see those lights. My thought is that they probably smelled my scent as I was so close by. But either way, they still couldn't resist the dead rats and I still have the upper hand. Just have to man up and make the shot, lol. 

 

[Max115]

@estarkey7. Yes a larger calibre would be beneficial but unfortunately I don't have any at the moment. Maybe one day if coyotes hunt becomes a more permanent thing. Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[cmatera]

Nothing scares me more than injuring a coyote. When I do, I have to hunt non-stop to kill him, as I know I have just created a calf/pet killer. It's the only way they can hunt to survive, being injured, that's why I try to err on the high caliber side when hunting them.

 

[Corvid_hunter]

Some people build feeders like this for deer.

 

[Max115]

@cmatera. I definitely do not want to injure them. Either a head shot for the kill or no shot at all.

@Corvid_hunter. Interesting. Luckily there are plenty of rats on the property for me to shoot and use as bait.

Thank you.