After many years of never having coyotes in my area (Western NY) they are coming back in a big way...A good friend has just started "sheep ranching" and all of a sudden is hearing many coyotes near by...So, I'm thinking about hunting them this season (For whatever reason you can't get a "nuisance" permit for them, even though you can get one for deer). But season runs from Oct.1 throughout the winter. So, I have the great opportunity to hunt them.
Notes: I haven't hunted in years, but this year I will probably hunt deer (since they come right up in my back yard) as well as coyote. But we must use shotguns for deer. There's no restriction for coyote or varmint shooting.
I don't really own a suitable hunting rifle, and there's no way I can afford a new gun. MAYBE, I can afford a better scope for one I already have. I would also like to be able to sell the coyote pelts(seems they're worth a few dollars apiece), so I want minimal pelt damage.
So a couple questions:
What's the best way to hunt these critters: day, night- long range,short range- bait? calling? jack-lighting?
Here's the guns I have available:
2 different .22s, one with 3-9x scope
2 SKSs one with scope, one without (not real accurate, but 3" at 100 yards)
12 gauge(maybe #4 buck?--but very range limited)
8x57 Mauser w/ target stock and 6-24x scope (the only "long range gun" I have). Reasonably accurate(about 1 MOA), working on handloads to make it better. But makes BIG holes.
8mm-06 AI- iron sights(for now)-currently under construction, have all parts, also will make big holes.
And (Off the wall)-old model 8 Remington in .35 Remington
I'm actually leaning towards the "best" .22, simply because its a tack driver, and I suspect most shots will be short range. Also, fairly quiet, not likely to scare any others nearby into the next county. Easily capable of reliable head shots out to 100 yrds(IF the target is stationary) as I can hold 1" to 1 1/4" groups at 100 yrds. However, I suspect the scope would be useless at night, if that's how I end up hunting. Is a .22 enough, if I only take head shots?
How about .17 HMR...MIGHT be able to squeeze one outa the budget. But, again, is it enough with very careful shot placement?
Any/all responses greatly appreciated!
Notes: I haven't hunted in years, but this year I will probably hunt deer (since they come right up in my back yard) as well as coyote. But we must use shotguns for deer. There's no restriction for coyote or varmint shooting.
I don't really own a suitable hunting rifle, and there's no way I can afford a new gun. MAYBE, I can afford a better scope for one I already have. I would also like to be able to sell the coyote pelts(seems they're worth a few dollars apiece), so I want minimal pelt damage.
So a couple questions:
What's the best way to hunt these critters: day, night- long range,short range- bait? calling? jack-lighting?
Here's the guns I have available:
2 different .22s, one with 3-9x scope
2 SKSs one with scope, one without (not real accurate, but 3" at 100 yards)
12 gauge(maybe #4 buck?--but very range limited)
8x57 Mauser w/ target stock and 6-24x scope (the only "long range gun" I have). Reasonably accurate(about 1 MOA), working on handloads to make it better. But makes BIG holes.
8mm-06 AI- iron sights(for now)-currently under construction, have all parts, also will make big holes.
And (Off the wall)-old model 8 Remington in .35 Remington
I'm actually leaning towards the "best" .22, simply because its a tack driver, and I suspect most shots will be short range. Also, fairly quiet, not likely to scare any others nearby into the next county. Easily capable of reliable head shots out to 100 yrds(IF the target is stationary) as I can hold 1" to 1 1/4" groups at 100 yrds. However, I suspect the scope would be useless at night, if that's how I end up hunting. Is a .22 enough, if I only take head shots?
How about .17 HMR...MIGHT be able to squeeze one outa the budget. But, again, is it enough with very careful shot placement?
Any/all responses greatly appreciated!