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Author
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Topic: Arizona night hunting stratigies
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Aznative
FARTS ON CLUELESS LIBERALS
Member # 506
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posted February 05, 2012 01:31 PM
I don't know if I will even make it out this year to make an attempt at AZs newest and stupidest regs at night hunting coyotes. Just in case things turn around for me sooner than later, I would like to discuss strategies that one should use in the type of country allowed and limited to shotguns shooting shot. The terrain will have a lot of open grass lands, and stands of juniper, firs and pine mixed in.
After reading Leonard’s thread on shotguns, I’ve come up with some questions. What color is the reticule in a Burris speed bead? If it is orange or red, can you still see well enough if you are using a red light? I would believe orange or red reticules may just wash out under a red light.
While calling and scanning with a red light looking for eyes, how successful are you at getting coyotes within 50 yards max? I’m concerned that a moving light, including red, while doesn’t bother coyotes too much at rifle range may spook most within shotgun range.
Any strategies that some of you have developed for night hunting coyotes will be appreciated.
Thanks
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
United State of America: RIP
Born July 4th 1776 died November 6th 2012
Posts: 1937 | From: Phoenix Az | Registered: Jan 2005
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 05, 2012 02:38 PM
quote:
What color is the reticule in a Burris speed bead?
Red..
I use the Bushnell halo site or a true glow site on the shotgun.. The Halo site is also red and comes with a circle and dot in center. You can adjust the brightness you need for varis lite conditions.. The true glow comes with inserts of varis colors, red, amber, green and yellow..
I know Leonard uses a lite from a vehicle and it has its advantages verse a hunter sitting on the ground.. If teaming with a partner have him or yourself stay in a standing position rather than sitting, can get away with a little more when working the lite.. Sitting on a small knowl would also help your chances..
I have a few lites with the red filters and the filters are not equal as far as what you can see with them and how far.. The thinner filters seem to be a better choice...
Two of the lites I've been useing this year have multaple bulbs which I like alot over a single bulbed lite..
My handheld lite used for locateing also has a switch for max. power (spot lite) and also a soft flood beam that dose'nt seem to spook the coyotes here when they are close..
My shooting lite fits on either a rifle scope or to the barrel of a shotgun and hangs in front of forearm and below the barrel... This lite has a pretty strong beam so I only use it for shooting as it can spook a coyote in open areas..
I've only been calling steady at night for one season so others milage may vary...
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted February 05, 2012 02:52 PM
While I haven't spent much time calling w/lights, it's something that I want to learn more about. I have no interest in shooting a spring coyote with a firearm so I'll likely be carrying my bow (Recurve) and a handgun (.41 Mag) in the unlikely event that a lion does show up and in a position that makes for a poor bow shot. Plus a big handgun is welcome company since I'll be calling alone. Things are just `different` at night.
For light, I have a big MagLight with a red lens mounted on a tall camera tripod. I can stand just off to one side of it and swing the light with one hand. Time in the field has shown that I'm gonna need a bigger light. Maybe a flood and a spotlight. I also want to mount a laser on the tripod for marking location should I actually put a pointed stick in something.
As I locate night stands that I like, I intend to put out discrete reflective yardage markers, and light tacks in & out of the stands.
This is going to be an interesting learning curve, & I still got a lot to learn. I do believe that we will eventually get expanded night hunting if nobody screws it up for us by taking advantage of it and doing something stupid. When it happens that we can hunt coyotes at night during the fur season I want to be ready to hit the ground running.
My best advice??.......Just do it!!!
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8235 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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Aznative
FARTS ON CLUELESS LIBERALS
Member # 506
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posted February 05, 2012 03:35 PM
Koko, you are lucky in that you live in the only area of the state where you can hunt both cougar (year round) and coyotes(in season) at night. For me it is a long 180 mile drive just to get to Pima.
[ February 05, 2012, 03:36 PM: Message edited by: Aznative ]
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
United State of America: RIP
Born July 4th 1776 died November 6th 2012
Posts: 1937 | From: Phoenix Az | Registered: Jan 2005
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted February 05, 2012 06:02 PM
What are we talking about. Is there a friggin' season on coyotes? I KNEW the professor would cause problems with his misguided ideas. Please tell me I misunderstood you?
Good hunting. LB
PS, I don't know about the speed bead, but the EOtech has enough brighness settings that I am pretty sure that you could see the crosshairs under a red light. It's all a matter of intensity.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted February 05, 2012 06:15 PM
The understanding that I have is that our rules of engagement for coyotes at night are Mar.- April & May only. Fox & bobcat are strictly off limits at night.
If I'm wrong, somebody please know me up. ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8235 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted February 05, 2012 08:16 PM
There's also some nonsense about only certain units being open for night calling. Those being the ones with antelope in them. I live between two of those units, so don't pay it a lot of attention.
Eventually, Game & Fish will figure out that coyotes that I kill during fur season are still dead during the antelope fawning time. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
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jimanaz
2nd Place RICHARD FARNSWORTH LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST
Member # 3689
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posted February 05, 2012 09:25 PM
Koko is correct. Coyotes at night from March thru May only in GMUs where antelope fawn predation is a problem. Shotgun only in antelope country...silly huh?
I don't know squat about hunting at night, but it seems to me that the odds are pretty well stacked against being very successful at it. I predict that getting a good shot opportunity on a coyote at night under those rules of engagement are going to be few and far between. Actually recovering them is going to be even rarer. I think any success in those GMUs is going to be in or along the junipers/timber. Calling a coyote across the prairie into shotgun range while swinging a light sounds like a pretty tall order to me. Might work a little at first, but it won't take long for the coyotes to catch on. I guess if they will run up to a vehicle at night I could be mistaken, but I'm gonna have to see it for myself.
As for the Speed Bead...I've got a white Streamlight on my shotgun and the dot is easily visible. It's bright enough that I doubt any hand held red light would have much effect on it.
Posts: 940 | From: AZ | Registered: Oct 2010
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Aznative
FARTS ON CLUELESS LIBERALS
Member # 506
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posted February 06, 2012 08:10 AM
Az still has year round state wide hunting of coyotes during daylight hours. I cannot figure out how they think night hunting coyotes only in certain units for only three months per year using only shotguns using only the amount artificial light and battery power you can carry on your person with all the other necessary gear is really going to help. They need to take "only" out of the equation. Koko is right. A coyote killed in Nov,Dec,Jan, whenever is one less coyote that will be hunting fawns in the spring.
[ February 06, 2012, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: Aznative ]
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
United State of America: RIP
Born July 4th 1776 died November 6th 2012
Posts: 1937 | From: Phoenix Az | Registered: Jan 2005
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted February 06, 2012 10:26 AM
I'm telling you, those people entrusted to write game and fish codes should be taken out and shot!
They dream up important stuff and we must jump through the hoop. I would love to understand the thought process that goes into some of these stupid regulations!
Good hunting. LB
PS is this like chickenshit Nevada, and applies only to residents?
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
Member # 3530
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posted February 07, 2012 05:01 AM
quote:
As for the Speed Bead...I've got a white Streamlight on my shotgun and the dot is easily visible. It's bright enough that I doubt any hand held red light would have much effect on it
This is my setup as well. I use a Surefire 6P mounted to the barrel of my Mossberg. I use a Tacstar pressure switch. It works like a charm, even in single digit temperatures. It lights up the woods well for target identification.
AZ, I use a Petzl red headlamp. Even on medium setting, it lights up eyes easily to 80 yards, which gives plenty of notice prior to shotgun range. This type of setup may work for you, and you won't need a second hunter for scanning.
[ February 07, 2012, 05:06 AM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
Posts: 2274 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Dec 2009
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted February 07, 2012 05:37 AM
El Bee;
As far as I know, the rules are the same for residents & non-residents here in Az.
Nev., on the other hand has it's own goofy laws. You can shoot a coyote without a license if you leave it to rot. If you pick it up & skin it to sell, however, you need a furtakers license. ($$$) Fox & bobcat are reserved for the residents only. Non-residents cannot shoot fox & bobcat, even with the overpriced license.
I was once told by Nev. Game & Fish that night hunting was legal where I was at. (Near Winnamucca) I was also told by BLM that discharge of firearms after sunset was strictly prohibited and that I would be cited at the very least and possibly arrested. (Same area) I got the impression that there was bad blood between the Game Warden & the BLM guy.
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8235 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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Aznative
FARTS ON CLUELESS LIBERALS
Member # 506
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posted February 07, 2012 11:44 AM
For now I don't see the need for lots of battery power or a 250k cp burn light working at shotgun ranges. A small red headlamp mounted to my head for scanning and a 250 lumen mounted under the barrel of a shot gun should work just fine.
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
United State of America: RIP
Born July 4th 1776 died November 6th 2012
Posts: 1937 | From: Phoenix Az | Registered: Jan 2005
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Aznative
FARTS ON CLUELESS LIBERALS
Member # 506
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posted February 07, 2012 01:24 PM
I've been cheating on you Leonard. I went over and looked at the dark side just to get some ideas(e.g.,predatormasters), but I didn't inhale. Oops I mean I didn't post.
Several members over at PM had nothing but kudos for this light:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Bright-CREE-Head-Lamp-Lumen/dp/B004UBDFFM/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
What is so funny is how the guys are trying to figure out what film to put over the lens to get the the correct shade of red. I'm going to use your better idea that I won't mention here in case there are some of those types lurking around here.
[ February 07, 2012, 01:25 PM: Message edited by: Aznative ]
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
United State of America: RIP
Born July 4th 1776 died November 6th 2012
Posts: 1937 | From: Phoenix Az | Registered: Jan 2005
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 07, 2012 01:52 PM
quote:
For now I don't see the need for lots of battery power or a 250k cp burn light working at shotgun ranges. A small red headlamp mounted to my head for scanning and a 250 lumen mounted under the barrel of a shot gun should work just fine.
I agree, when calling on foot.. Just make sure you can pick-up the eyes with a red filter out to atleast 100 yds or little more on the darker nights.. Anything less and you will have them in your lap before you see them..
Here at night with a little bit of moon or even a full moon and depending on ground cover you can pick up a coyote thats in shot-gun range without the use of a lite, but its nice to use the lite to know one is on the way in from farther out so you can be better prepared for its arrival..
[ February 07, 2012, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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TundraWookie
Knows what it's all about
Member # 1044
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posted February 07, 2012 03:12 PM
AZnative,
I use that light and it's been great. I bought three of them figuring that I'd destroy them in the cold. Amazingly, the original one is still going strong. The adjustable beam is pretty impressive and battery life is good, even in the cold weather.
I haven't messed with trying to make a red filter for it, the critters don't seem to mind the LED color by itself. I had one coyote get weird on me, but he finally looped around trying to get the dying rabbit and paid the piper.
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted February 07, 2012 03:17 PM
The comments, on that link are about half non supportive?
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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TundraWookie
Knows what it's all about
Member # 1044
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posted February 07, 2012 03:51 PM
Almost all of those lights are some Hong Kong special it looks like. I bought mine on eBay and it's really been impressive to say the least. I was expecting them to be one season, toss em' specials. Their lumen ratings seem to be all over the place in different ads.
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 08, 2012 03:35 AM
For my night stands or any stand for that matter i don't like to carry anymore stuff than whats needed. So I look for equipement thats durable and also on the lite side and easy to manage..
For a spot light the Cyclops has been working well for locateing. It comes with 3 high beam bulbs and 3 sets of two smaller bulbs for useing as a flood light or kill lite, it has a nice wide soft beam which is not to bright to spook the coyotes and covers a wide area up close..
It comes with a red filter that you twist to take off or put back on and is hand held and rechargeable at home or in the truck, also comes rubber coated..
The charge lasts me most of a night of calling not sure on how many hrs. I get out of it.. I've had this light for two years and no issues with it yet..
The red beam is good to about 100 yds. or little more and the burn light is good out to 200 yds or better..
You can hang it from a belt or put it in a big coat pocket when walking out to a stand...
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted February 08, 2012 07:51 AM
Tim;
Question; Do you need to hold the trigger in to keep the light on or does it click on & off??
And
Where did you get it??
And
How many coins do they sell for??
Thanx.
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
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knockemdown
Our staff photo editing Guru, par excellence
Member # 3588
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posted February 08, 2012 10:56 AM
AZ, I have that LED headlamp you linked. It works great for coon hunting, but I'm not crazy about it for calling.
For one, swiveling your head around is one thing, but that sucker just don't want to sit right on my head when I get on the gun. Also, I prefer to have the light source as far out in front of me as possible. In the case of the headlamp at night on a calling stand, when I sit & call, it is lighting up my gun, my stix and my torso/legs. That might not matter under certain circumstances, but I much prefer having the light soure out past even my gun barrel so that any movement I make is masked behind the glow of the lamp...
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 08, 2012 10:59 AM
I got it through Cabela's;Thor/Cyclops Sirius 9-Watt LED Spotlight. They run in price from 45- $70.00.. I see now they have added a few more models..
Yes it comes with a locking button to hold the trigger on if needed and was given a 5 star rateing... Oh! and when chargeing it up it has a little red lite to tell you when the charge is full...
Do a Cabela's search under flash lites or spot lites, they have a pretty good selection to choose from...
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 08, 2012 11:13 AM
quote:
For one, swiveling your head around is one thing, but that sucker just don't want to sit right on my head when I get on the gun.
Head lamps are not ment to be used for shooting but just for locateing your target..
I also have a Nite-lite used for coon hunting which is mounted on a hardhat or soft cap with the proper mounting bracket. You use it to locate and then remove the lite-head to your hand and use it to shoot with or clip it to a barrel bracket that comes with it for shooting.
This lite comes with a big battery thats mounted to a belt and you clip the lite onto the battery or to your hat when walking, can be carried in the hand as well and the head is adjustable from flood to spot lite by just turning the end of the lite..You have a long wire cable comeing from the battery to the head which is very durable but can be a pain in the azz sometimes due to the cable catching on something..
I've had this lite for over 15 years and still on the same battery and the only thing I have to have done is change a bulb once in a while..
For this lite you can do a search at Nite/lite hunting products...
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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knockemdown
Our staff photo editing Guru, par excellence
Member # 3588
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posted February 08, 2012 11:52 AM
quote:
Head lamps are not ment to be used for shooting but just for locateing your target..
Exactly and that's another reason why I don't use a headlamp on stand. Why should I mess with two light sources when I get the job done with one? And I pick up eyes just as easily swiveling the light & keeping my noggin quiet, instead of rackin' my head back & forth like a friggin' lighthouse all night.
On snow, at night, hunting alone, I've found happiness in my little monopod/shootin' stick/light holder/pan,swiveler/video camera mount thingy.
Pan with a gloved left hand to keep it warm, and run the e-caller remote and make the shot with the right hand. The light source is out front of the gun and there is no muscle fatigue to pan/scan for hours on end. Just need fresh batteries and the will to keep trudging through the snow to make stands.
If you can legally shoot from a vehicle, trailer, or other fixed position with 12V at the ready, then this won't make much sense at all...
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted February 08, 2012 12:52 PM
I like your monopod set-up but the thing is you have to keep a hand on it to hold everything in place..
I like to sit in my chair useing Bi-pods to hold the rifle in place so I have two free hands and can put them in my pockets to keep warm on the colder nights or use them to work the lite and caller at the same time.. I carry a little key-chain lite in my pocket also for when I have to look at my sound list for a sound I don't normaly use (still trying to memerise the new sound list for the MA-21)
Also the nice thing about haveing two lights is you don't drain the battery as fast on either one and still have one for a back-up..
For hunting over snow only one is needed sometimes, I would rather go with out and use a pair of Bino'.s instead for locateing.. A coyote comes into shotgun range you can see with the naked eye...
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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