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Post by nastygunz on Dec 18, 2010 23:45:12 GMT
Grrrrrrr...so today I get out in the afternoon in pursuit of the wild K9...go to a place that has always looked good to me but never seen a thing...a strip of very thick pine and undergrowth bordering a big cornfield which borders a river...I set up about 50 feet into the woods...using a M2000 semi shotgun with full choke and #4 buck shot...I hung my FX3 caller about 20 yards from me in a small tree about 4 feet off the ground...I started out real low with Johnny Stewart Baby Cottontail....let that play for a few minutes...no action...I crank it up real loud in case anything is out in the distance..then drop it back down low...about the 10 minute mark and nothing...I am thinking of switching sounds or packing up...I have my shotgun in my left hand balanced on my left knee..I am holding the FX3 remote in my right hand reading the call list trying to decide if I want to try another sound...I hear a slight rustle to my right and before I could even turn my head a red fox comes screaming by about 10 feet from me ..ears straight up heading right for the caller..Im like SOB!..I drop the remote....swing the shotgun over...pull up and try to shoot and the damn safety is on...I pop it off and let one go at the still running fox...30 feet away...missed...he cuts left...I fire...hard right turn...shot number 3....all I see is a red furry fox butt bouncing off through the brush about mach 10....CANT BELIEVE I MISSED !!... man that got the ole heart pounding though...my own fault I was not paying attention...should have swapped the full choke for a more open one in the thick stuff...nice sunny day....30 + degrees...dead calm not a lick of wind...Ill rest him awhile and give er another whirl at some point......he was a beauty too, heavy coat, bright red...oh well still beats the Versus channel !...
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Post by NHGriff on Dec 19, 2010 2:16:23 GMT
Wow! Around here we aren't seeing many reds. Word is the coyotes compete with them so much that they just can't keep up. We used to see a lot of reds.
Now that I'm back from Kansas I'm going to start trying to put the hurt on the yotes. I think like you I'll be using a shotgun only mine is an 835 pump gun with a Turkey choke and #4 buck or T shot.
I still have some of my deer stands out and I'm thinking of calling from them. I've heard that the advantage that you have for deer is just the same when calling from above. The only problem is you lose some mobility, but you can get away with movement just like on deer and your scent will carry away from your location. I'll post here when I try it.
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Post by nastygunz on Dec 19, 2010 11:14:49 GMT
My other shotfun is an 835...the deer stands sound like a great idea plus you can see em comng from a longer ways off...I saw mored reds this summer then I have in a long time...they seem to be sticking closer to urban life these days...probably to avoid the coyotes.
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Post by highwaystar on Dec 19, 2010 12:29:15 GMT
Thats some good stuff there, nastygunz. I to have been trying the shotgun. Had it out Saturday but no coyotes. I'm using #4 buck out of a 18" barrel and .630 inch choke. I've had good groups at 40 yds and even think I might get 50 out of it. Want to get a coyote this year with it. Will setup different this year as to make the shots close. Dan and Graham can shoot the long stuff. Here in Maine I have scouted all my stands for close work.
Fox: Well I did see 2 Males in a field chasing each other. Plus, some good sign, but none to the caller. On my setups I target Fox first and after use fox distress and coyote sounds to get the Coyotes to come in. Work the sounds to think the coyotes are killing a fox. The new Might Atom has been a dream. The new remote is so nice. As, I do not have to see the caller to make it work. Opens new ways to making stands.
Highwaystar
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Post by regnar on Dec 19, 2010 15:10:57 GMT
Hey guys, just a thought about the shot guns. You may want to open up a little. I Have never patterned #4 buck but I would think it is a little big to get a good pattern from a full choke. I would guess that it is being blown apart. If you are hunting think stuff (20-30 yard shots) I would try mod and probably even IC.
Highwaystar, you going to be hunting NH anymore or are you sticking to ME? Cant you guys hunt year round at night for coyotes up there?
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danf
Poult
Transplanted BOILERMAKER
Posts: 403
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Post by danf on Dec 19, 2010 15:13:27 GMT
I see plenty of reports of guys back home using the "Dead Coyote" loads and I think the same brand of choke? Supposedly good patterns out to and beyond 50 yards....
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Post by nastygunz on Dec 19, 2010 15:45:09 GMT
Regnar, that was def part of my problem..aside from not paying attention...I have patterned my shotgun with that choke and its tight...I had it in when I was out in more open country...I should have changed it before I went into the thick stuff but didnt...way to tight for that range...lazy me!...thats why I like the 835 and Polychoke..but the semi is light n quick and 5 shots like lightning...I am switchng the semi out to IC next time I am in the salad!
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Post by bushman on Dec 20, 2010 18:13:10 GMT
Check out the offer on Mojo for a free DVD on predator hunting - www.mojooutdoors.com/special-offers.htm. I got mine in 2 days and there's some great footage, especially with shotguns, although all out west. Guys carry both rifle and shotgun to cover all bases.
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Post by highwaystar on Dec 23, 2010 11:13:18 GMT
Trying to get my hands on this ammo from Hornady. www.hornady.com/store/12-Ga-VX-4-Buckshot/The video is a good one. regnar I'll be hunting NH. I'll PM you my cell #. Give me a call and when you are well we can hit the woods. Going to the farm Sunday to setup bait sites and get night permits signed. Highwaystar
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Post by regnar on Dec 23, 2010 15:05:49 GMT
I have a ground blind at the far back corner of the back field. You are welcome to use it along with any tree stands out there. I have seen several coyotes in the field during the season, both in the morning and evening. All shootable with a rifle. LOTS of pics and sightings in the pit behind it. I now have easy access to the pit so when I am ready I will let you know.
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Post by highwaystar on Dec 23, 2010 19:03:07 GMT
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Post by nastygunz on Dec 24, 2010 2:17:45 GMT
I shoot a M2000 also, my favorite shotgun now for about 3 years...never had a single issue with it...I just use the bead myself..I think in NH you could hunt predators with strictly a shotgun and do fine...but when I head north tomorrow to join the family for Xmas...the M2000 will be riding shotgun (pun intended) with the AR15.
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Post by hank77 on Dec 26, 2010 0:34:39 GMT
Santa brought the Foxpro Spitfire this year...also got my 12 yr. old daughter a 20 gauge semi auto...she cried when she opened it, priceless. Will be asking alot of questions about predators soon...12 gauge Winny with #4 buck will hopefully roll a few dogs soon. Merry Christmas! HANK
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