1st Coyote

[muddy]

This post is pretty bitter sweet. I've been pretty non existent for awhile due to the sudden and unexpected death of my father. This is the 3rd very close family member I've buried since last March, my only Grandma and Grandpa went last March and May, now my Dad is gone.

Anyway, Dad had a gun/archery shop so I've been working on getting his Federal Firearms License closed properly, which in itself is huge undertaking along with figuring out what to do with all the shop inventory. In the shuffle I found an electronic caller, I managed to find the charger and much to my surprise, it works great.

Now the story has to back up a bit, the day we buried Dad we got back from the cemetery and the delivery guy showed up and needed a signature. I really didn't want to deal with anything at the moment so signed for the package and went in the house. The next day I went out and uncovered a beautiful Remington 700 bolt gun in 22-250... The last gun Dad ever ordered, the order date was Thursday, he died the following Monday morning. We made some inquiries and in the end decided it would be easier to keep the gun rather than try to find someone to do the paperwork for us. I cut mom a check and took the gun home. A few weeks later I had it topped out with a very nice Nikon "Coyote Special" BDC reticle 4-12x40 scope. Just sighting in the gun was tough, anything to do with Dad/hunting/shooting just tears me up, but after 8 shots I had a 1 inch group at 100 yards.

Fast forward another week to last night. I managed to get a coyote hunt in, made special by the fact that my wife had a major shoulder surgery last week and needs constant attention. She felt good, the kids were at grandmas, and I hustled to make a couple set ups. The first set up was nice and quiet, something that I really need anymore. Sitting there thinking about Dad and the hunting trips we had shared started to choke me up again so after 40 minutes I elected to move. The next spot I knew there were dogs in the area. I did a challenge male howl on the caller and was IMMEDIATELY rewarded with a deep, husky, male answer. I started shaking really bad, this was a first for me. I hit the cottontail and after 5 minutes had 2 dogs eyeing me from quite a ways off. They eventually went into a brushy ditch so I sat tight. After 20 minutes it was getting dark and I needed to go so I figured I'd come back another time.

While walking out, about 100 yards from my set up, the chorus started up. First a male howl, then a female, then the pups serenading made the timber shake and the hair on my neck stand up. I ran back to my fence post and set the caller up again. I hit 2 male challenge howls followed by 3 female challenge howls and hit the mute button. 20 seconds later I had a string of 3 coyotes trotting towards me and as it was getting dark and I was terribly excited I took the first shot I had. At 175-200 yards I lined up the BDC circle and dumped the lead dog with a bullet placed in his ear.... and what a dog for my first one! It was the big male and it is evident from the gun/coyote comparison pic he was obviously in charge in the area. I"m about 6' 2" and the coyotes back feet in the 2nd picture are above my shoulders how I'm holding him and his nose was in the snow, he is huge.

It wasn't long after getting to the coyote that I got emotional again. Sitting there in a snow covered field, no wind, and a bright moon took my mind back to all those times Dad and I walked in and out from hunting to the sounds of coyotes howling and how scared I always was. He'd take my hand and say "Don't worry son, I won't let them get you" and I'd feel better. Standing there crying I knew he was still with me in a way. The last rife he ever ordered slung on my back I drug the big old coyote out to the truck. I'm getting it tanned in remembrance of my first called in coyote on pretty much my ever coyote hunt.

I'll never forget Dad, never.

[8OWHUNT247]

WOW.... That is a touching story.. Thanks for sharing.. Makes me want to go give my kids a great big hug and kiss..

 

In more than one way, Thanks.

[Non-Typical Solutions]

Sorry about your loss, my dad was my moral compass and barometer for everything in my life.......congrats on the sweet setup and first coyote....

[Mocha1545]

Sorry about the losses you have suffered recently. Getting out in the woods is a great way collect your thoughts. Nice first coyote. I am sure your Dad was looking down with proud smile.

[bonecollector]

Great story. That is a big ol dog.

[azphil]

Condolences on the loss of your Dad. Great story!

[trophyhnter]

Sorry for the recent loss of your family, especially your father! Got a little choked up reading your post! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your coyote! Long live your father's memory and all other great dads!