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Author
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Topic: Needed advice on night hunting
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Possumal
HONORARY CALLS FORUM MODERATOR edit: AND TOKEN LIBERAL
Member # 823
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posted April 30, 2006 07:24 AM
Since we are not allowed to hunt coyotes in Ky. at night with any form of artificial light, the only way to legally do so is for the farmer to get a special permit for him to allow a coyote hunter to relieve some of his livestock loss. I have a "Nightlite" setup like lots of coon hunters use, complete with the red and amber lens and battery pack, but I am unclear on whether or not you have to also have a scope mounted shooting light to complete the deed. Any advice from you experienced night hunters would be appreciated, as I have some farmers who really need help with coyotes who are nocturnal as hell, but calf killers supreme. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
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Al Prather
Foxpro Field Staff
Posts: 781 | From: Nicholasville, Ky. | Registered: Mar 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted April 30, 2006 08:17 AM
Yes, by far the best method is a light mounted on your rifle or shotgun, if you don't have a partner to handle the spotlight separately.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32385 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
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posted April 30, 2006 11:11 AM
If you are hunting by yourself, leave the rifle at home and use a shotgun.
Don't raise the barrel until you are ready to shoot, then make it a quick point and shoot.
I used one of those Nitelite setups myself for years, they are a great light, just be careful not to illuminate the barrel until it is too late for the coyote or fox to get gone.
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Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
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Possumal
HONORARY CALLS FORUM MODERATOR edit: AND TOKEN LIBERAL
Member # 823
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posted April 30, 2006 06:18 PM
Thanks for the info guys. I will opt for the scope mounted light, as I just don't like putting the shotgun into use for Wylie. I know it is a big advantage in the thick stuff and possibly some of the night hunting situations, but I am thinking more along the lines of something like a short 22 Hornet with a wide angle, low power scope. I have whacked a bunch of them picking a small opening through brush and doing the deed.
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Al Prather
Foxpro Field Staff
Posts: 781 | From: Nicholasville, Ky. | Registered: Mar 2006
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Nahuatl
Knows what it's all about
Member # 708
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posted May 05, 2006 08:34 PM
Al,
You're a hard-headed cuss, but you've earned that right. You're a daylight Kentucky rifleman that's been hunting that way a long time and killed plenty doing it. But you'd be smart to listen to Leonard and Tim, who probably have more experience together than you are old, if that's possible.
Leonard has been team hunting for 40+ years and he's telling you to get a partner to swing the light and work the call (or you do it) and work with a separate rifleman. Shooting in the dark takes two hands and full concentration. You cannot effectively light and shoot a rifle while calling. Teamwork.
Tim is right about the shotgun too. With a switch on the foregrip, you'll have just a second to light and swing once you think you hear something nearby. It's way too fast and close for anything but a shotgun. If you're going to hunt alone, leave the rifle at home.
Quit trying to reinvent night hunting. Take the best parts that these western guys have to offer and then try integrating it into your terrain and hunting opportunities.
Doing it the way you propose, sticking a light on a rifle and trying to find eyes, would not be my first choice. We've all tried it at one time or another and it just doesn't work very well.
Posts: 202 | From: Mount Gleason, Angeles NF | Registered: Sep 2005
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted May 05, 2006 09:10 PM
In reviewing my response, above, I can see that Gary is offering you very good advice, which I failed to do.
If you hunted as we do here, you would see the advantages. It is sometimes possible to kill three or four animals in a group, if you have a good partner handling the light, and marking the kills. The light man is also responsible for making sure you are aiming at a suitable target. As he (Nahuatl) said, shooting seems simple enough, but it carries ultimate responsibility. One guy on the light, and one guy on the gun. There is no better way.
BTW, there are a few in depth articles in this Forum, containing information not easily found, elsewhere.
Good hunting. LB
[ May 05, 2006, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32385 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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