In my NY county(chautuaqua)you can not hunt predators with a center fire rifle during any open deer season. My buddy and I went out a little after dark. We were just getting ready to leave our 1st setup when he decided to try a fawn in distress for a minute. 30 seconds later we saw two set of eyes coming in. It was like a freakin video. They got to about 60 yards and split up to flank us and get down wind. I picked one out and could just barely make out his body in my scope with the red light. When he stopped I put it right on his chest and squeezed. I heard the hit and heard him yelp...and then he ran like hell. That would have and shoud have been my 1st. It was still awesome and was by far the most exciting hunt I have ever had. I am hooked!

what can I use to replace the red lens on my light? It seems too thick and doesn't let enough light through. Is there a different material I can use to make it brighter?

Steve

Just take the lens off you don't need to have a red lens to hunt at night. I've hunted for many many years with just a plain white light. You just use the halo of the light to find the eyes. Then you can burn them in with the main beam to correctly identify and take your shot.

I would get a .22 WMR before I replaced the lens on the light. A 40gr. bullet from the .22 WMR at 60 yards probably would have left a dead coyote on the ground. Much better penetration with the heavier bullet.

i dont see the big fuss in shooting yotes with a 17 HMR i shoot a NEF with 20Gr and it kills thim just the same as a 22MAG..

I'd think you'd be asking how to anchor the coyote, not what filter to use. I second the notion of getting a 22WMR.~AMMOe

I put my answer because you have to see what you're shooting at to hit it. And I don't even like using a rimfire for coyotes.

I understand not being allowed to hunt with the centerfire. Does that include a shotgun? Personally, I prefer a shotgun at night simply because I don't want to take longer shots anyway due to limited vision and increased chances for a misplaced shot in the darkness, especially with an already borderline rimfire cartridge.

I also think the 22M would be a better choice with a little more energy over the 17HMR.

I am new to this stuff. I asked the lens question because I found it to be a problem that was completely seperate from being able to anchor the coyote(except maybe for precise shot placement). The light just seemed to be too dim with the thick red lens. I just grabbed some #4 buck shot and hopefully will be able to do a little better in the anchor department with a shotgun until deer seasons are done and I can use a centerfire rifle. I realize that much of this is trial and error and I am cool with that. Just trying for a little less error.

17 rim fire is not an optimal choice for Coyotes
Need a little more lead to close the deal
22mag ,223 ,204 ,22-250 seem more appropriate [ or shot gun ]
Yes a 17 rim will kill but not anchor
Losing a wounded coyote is too great with a 17 rim fire

My 22 cents

What bullet were you using in your HMR? I would opt for the 20gr'ers personally. They are a little heavier & have a HP design. If you were using the V-Max type there may have been a surface splash. I DO like the HMR & would not be afraid to carry it for coyotes if I had to use a RF only.

Yes, what everyone else said. I'd go with, hmm, bow?

Here is my plan for Saturday...I just found that my light clips perfectly to the bottom of the barrel on my Mossberg 835. I tossed my Bushnell red dot on the gun and I am planning to use a hand held light with a rigged up red lens for spotting eyes. If I get one in shotgun range I will burn it with white light from my gun and let em have it with #4 buck. I just tried it in the back yard and it will be perfect for anything within 50 yards or so. With the white light I think I could easily shoot a lot farther than that. Just limited by the shotgun. I need to pattern my gun with the buck and if it is good I will be set.

Glen, I was using 17gr in it. I am going to go with the shotgun until deer season is over and then I can use anything I want.

Sounds like you have it worked out. Let us know how it goes.

good advice on running the light!

Hey Steve,

I doubt you will see a WOW differance on coyote from a 17hmr to a 22wmr but, I have only shot woodchucks,coons and a few fox for testing. IMO- they are six to one one half dozen the other and shot placement is key with either. At this point your not 100% sure it was hit let alone a hit to the vidal with it being night etc. If they bring out the 5mm in 2009 that may be the WOW differance in rim mag????

As Glen noted try the 20 gr hp, it will certainly penetrate. Or my favorite the TN'T if your gun likes them.

Sounds like your on the right track with the Mossy. For #4 buck patterning most including myself have found the Federal Premium patterns much better than the value stuff. You will have to order it as no shops around here carry it, or I can pick you up some when in Buffalo on business.
I would also look hard at Remington hevi shot in BB, both in 3" btw.

IMO- that "60 yards" is the tough choice mark/range. Its out of shotgun range and certainly with in kill power for rim mag. I think the advantage belongs to the rim mag if the set has open enough area for bullets and the shotgun if its brushy. With the shotgun try to use cover/coyote expected entrance area to your advantage with hopes it shows inside 30-40 yards. Though I know you will skin him.......you and I are not really what I would call "fur hunters".............so don't hesitate to cycle that pump and put another in him for good measure.

I am currently after Steelhead with the flyrod & spey rod as you know It should not be much longer and I will have got this out of my system and be ready to hunt again.
PS- If you whack a Coyote I will take the tail (if not mangy) to tie some Steelhead streamers out of..........unless you want it for the same.............it makes great hairwings and really swims well.

Glen,Red,AMMOe,Jerry,marine, others...............Hi Hope you and your families are well.

Take care buddy..........talk to you soon.

PS - I just remembered. I have a bunch of 20 gr hp and TN'T's in HMR still..........swing by and get them if you want them.

Bill, I am very sure that it was a hit...exactly where I am not so sure. You go stand in a river waiving your fairy wand. I am goin huntin

@ ^^^^!!

Hey Bill!! All is well on our end. Thanks!! Hope the same is true for you folks.

"fairy wand"..........

A nice big 12'7" two handed fly stick swinging a hand tied Finn Racoon / Arctic Fox Hairwing Tube fly down and across and having it get slamed by a fresh steelhead on the downstream swing..............is fairy?

Note the tube fly up the leader with the hook in the jaw.






Don't start !

Have a good day pal..............just kidding as you and I do.

"fairy wand" .............your funny.

BTW- This is one of several from yesterday..............yea.........I skip'ed work to play with the "fairy wand".

We have the same law here, no center fires canbe used dureing deer season for coyote hunting..
When it comes to killing coyotes the HMR is a piece of crap, works great on coon though..
We just wait till deer season is over and hunt them with the proper cal..