A Couple Coyote Questions

[Pony Express]

Hello everybody,
Around where I hunt, most of the squirrel resources have dried up so I'm throwing in the towel (for a few weeks at least). I've always been fascinated with predator hunting but I've never had the opportunity to go. I have a few questions:
1.) Is it possible to hunt coyotes in dense forests? Here in CT the longest shot I can imagine would be probably under 40 yards due to the thick vegetation. All the video's i have ever seen have been 100 or 200 yard shots with a centerfire rifle. Which brings me to my next question.
2.) Is it possible to hunt with a 12 gauge? State law says no centerfires in State forest. The heaviest shot allowed here is #2. Would some #4 buck out of a 26" bbl work? I have a turkey choke that i use for squirrel, would this be suitable to shoot buck out of or would it be destroyed?

Thanks, any help is appreciated.
DS

 

[11c2v]

Get Byron South's "Calling in the thick stuff." I have volume III. Great video.

 

[dakotasin]

1. yes.
2a. yes. 2b. yes. 2c. no - use improved or modified. 40-50 yards won't require that much choke.

 

[Sunray]

1) Yep, but the chances of you seeing a coyote in the bush are slim. Calling might work though. Be very quick shooting. Wiley is a very smart fellow.
"...Here in CT..." There is farmland in CT. Farm land is ideal coyote habitat. Lots of mice and rabbits.
2) "...a turkey choke that I use for squirrel..." Way too tight for tree rats. Blow 'em to wee bits. Think IC or modified, at most.
"...State law says no centerfires in State Forest..." All shotguns are centrefires. Look closer at the hunting regs. Likely says no centrefire rifles. I'm guessing though. If you can hunt birds in your State Forests, a 12 guage is fine.
"...The heaviest shot allowed here is #2..." #4 buck is far bigger than #2's. 6mm(.243") diameter pellets vs .150" (3.81 mm) diameter pellets. Read your local hunting regs again.

 

[Art Eatman]

I know from experience that high-brass Winchester (3-3/4 dram, 1-3/4 oz of shot) in 7-1/2 will make a bobcat DRT at 25 yards. A very-full choke old Model 12.

#2 oughta do just fine.

 

[Pony Express]

Thanks folks,
Sunray, I should have clarified. Centerfire rifles arent allowed on state land. I use a turkey choke because I have had some bad results with patterns-even with a full choke. Call it unorthodox, but whatever works right?
As for the shot, according to last seasons regulation handbook, #2 shot is the heaviest or largest shot you can use on state land. you were right, but I'll have to find some way around that
About the farmland: problem is, around where I hunt the only farmland is too close to other houses to hunt safely. The legal limit is 500 feet, but I like to play it safe. On the nearest farm you can throw a stone from the center of the property to another house. All the farms near my hunting grounds are riddled with "no trespassing" or "no hunting" signs. I'd rather stick to state forest.

 

[ctbritt]

delete

 

[wankerjake]

Is it possible to hunt coyotes in dense forests

I've called in plenty in the thick stuff. Lots of guys in az use shotguns, with modified to full chokes and #1 buck shot. At 40 yards #2 shot and bigger would be fine. Shoot 'em in the head/neck. I haven't seen Byron South's video but I bet it's helpful. Go for it, even if you don't get one it beats working!

 

[Pony Express]

Go for it, even if you don't get one it beats working!

Thats for darn sure!

Thanks for your help folks!