I thought I was turkey hunting but......

vermonster13 · May 23, 2008, 01:16:00 PM

SO I had a chance to hit the woods for a couple of hours this morning and took it. The birds have been hit and miss on the gobbling in the patch I went to today but at least they've been talking there some. So I work my way down in doing a little calling as I go to see if I can get some response but all is quiet.

I make my way to a spot I like to set-up at and sit down to do some serious calling. I plan to spend the time I have here and hope for the best. About 100 yards to my left is a good sized field with beef and horses in it that the boys like to parade in. I see a lot of deer along this edge also.

So after about 45 minutes of pretty much just watching the squirrels play I see some movement to my left just inside the fenceline. At first I thought it was a small doe. But it is heading my way with a purpose and radar lock on my decoy.

COYOTE

I love shooting coyotes and the farmer who owns the land I hunt on really loves it when I get one and this is a good one. Do a couple of light scratches and observe a master stalker at work. At about 50 yards I am getting a little tuned up.

Here I thought I was turkey hunting and it was turning into something even more fun. But the fates can be fickle as can the wind. As soon as I felt the breeze across the back of my neck I knew it was over.

The coyote never missed a beat either it just turned tail and headed straight into the beef field and across to the woodlot on the north end without looking back or slowing down.

No birds this morning but plenty of fun none-the-less.

kennym · May 23, 2008, 01:18:00 PM

Coyote with a bow is as hard as it gets IMO. Makes a fun hunt tho!!

Orion · May 23, 2008, 01:30:00 PM

I'm still working on my first coyote with a bow. They are wary critters. Sounds like you had a good time.

frassettor · May 23, 2008, 01:33:00 PM

Wow, I heard their eyesite is second to none. How many have you shot? Thats an acomplishment for sure

Gatekeeper · May 23, 2008, 01:48:00 PM

Cool story thanks for sharing. They are fun to watch.

I saw one last year about a ¼ mile away so I rabbit squealed at him. He stopped and looked in my direction for a few seconds. Then he continued trotting into the wind. I squealed a couple more times and he would look but kept on moving in to the wind and behind a rise which put him out of my sight. I thought to myself "dang why didn't he come over and investigate?" Then I thought "Well he's not going to come over here now because he will be coming from the up wind side". Ha ha. Wrong!

He caught me flat footed. The coyote came trotting in about 10 minutes later from my right with his nose to the ground and passed in front of me. Then he crossed the path that I had walked and Bang! I could see it in his face. His eye got wide and he turned on a dime and double timed it out of there. He glanced over his shoulder a couple of times to try and see me but he sure wasn't going to stick around and try to figure anything out. My stink told him enough.

I should have been prepared. :rolleyes:

Mike Gerardi · May 23, 2008, 02:57:00 PM

Man the wind has done that to me a couple dozen times. Nice story.
Mike

vermonster13 · May 23, 2008, 03:28:00 PM

frassettor I've shot a half dozen with the bow but I was always hunting something else when it happened. I use other means when doing a serious calf protection program.

The beef field had a fresh calf in it I saw when leaving but that fellow posts his land. If I had got that yote I would have hand delivered it to him and see if I might have gotten a hunting easement.

Paul Collins · May 23, 2008, 04:06:00 PM

I've called them in with turkey calls but haven't gotten one. Every time I start turkey calling, the voice in my head is saying (to the coyotes), "Hot turkey dinner. Come get your hot turkey dinner."

Deadsmple · May 23, 2008, 04:47:00 PM

Sounds like you had fun. Thanks for sharing.

vermonster13 · May 23, 2008, 11:11:00 PM

Maybe I can get one to come in a bit closer tomorrow.
I won't bet on it though. lol

Osagetree · May 24, 2008, 08:32:00 AM

Dave, a diaphram call made to sound like an injured pup can bring in a wary sundog from a 1/2 mile away. Ever try that?
Good luck!
Using this method, I got one on 4/24/08 and just finished the skull mount. Wanna see a pic of it?

bentpole · May 24, 2008, 08:38:00 AM

Dave , sounds like a great day in the woods to me.Thanks for sharing your "journey". Joe, I'd like to see that skull mount for sure Bud!

centaur · May 24, 2008, 02:00:00 PM

Got one several years ago while hunting elk. Heard a few coyotes yipping, so did the old 'back of the hand' squeak, and here comes a dog, hell bent for election. She got to within a couple of yards from me before she figured out her fatal mistake.