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Author
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Topic: Anybody night hunt in hard woods?
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
Member # 3530
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posted December 13, 2009 07:39 AM
I started night hunting this year. I usually hunt by myself, and most of the time I hunt in hardwoods. I use a shotgun, a headlamp, and a 100 yard Optronics light (red lens only works to about 50 yards) to identify my potential targets.
I have been reading through the night hunting forum here and have picked up on some good information. Does anyone here hunt at night in the thick stuff? Any input or information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
49
[ December 13, 2009, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted December 13, 2009 09:59 AM
The heavier the cover, the less illumination you want. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted December 13, 2009 01:55 PM
Ya got me? I have never used a headlamp, in my life? LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted December 13, 2009 02:13 PM
Okay no problemo. I hunt often by myself and I need to keep my hands free.
[ December 13, 2009, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
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Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
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posted January 28, 2010 06:01 PM
The topic name had me avoiding this thread, in a been there done that kind of way, but couriousity got the better of me just now.
I don't know if one could classify our woods as "hardwoods", and I can't say anymore than Leonard already has, on the subject.
But I have tried it. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
I do have, however, vast experience with headlamps, especially products made by Petzl (a major supplier of rock climbing gear)...
49,
The LED headlamps aren't very bright, compared to most lights used by hunters, and I would suspect that you'll want to use the brightest setting, even in the tightest of woods (especially with the red filter).
'Coon hunters have gone the headlamp route, for years and years, but they tend to shoot at stationary targets (treed 'coons), and have a little more time to adjust where the lamp sits on their head and therefore where it "aims", for a shot.
You are going to either have to scan with your head cockeyed, and your eyes in the same orientation as they are when mounted to take a shot, or have your headlamp looking at your rifle when you do (since it was in an "eyes forward" postion, before you mounted up).
Dave Kaprocki (sic?) has written quite a bit on the subjct of headlamps, and their use for red fox hunting, and might be a good source of useful information, for you, in your situation.
Otherwise it might do you some good, to look at the various gun mounted lights?
By doing so you'll find more light, in a hands free application that'll coincide with your point of aim with much more reliability.
Aand adding a dimmer switch (potentiometer), between the battery pack and the gun mouted light itself, might make it more useful in the timber.
But... stationary light doesn't cast moving shadows through the woods, and might be your best option.
Just use it in a way that you don't light yourself up in the process (eh Leonard ![[Wink]](wink.gif) ).
...I can't say any more than that on that particular subject, because I have been sworn to secrecy, and may have already said more than I should have. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Krusty 
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Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | 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 January 30, 2010 12:37 PM
Two days later and I just noticed your post, Krusty.
I don't know if your familiar with the above particular Petzl lamp? It has three brightness settings. The lowest setting will light up my Doberman's eyes fairly decently out to about 30 yards. The brightest setting lights them up out to about 50 or so.
The woods where I hunt in PA and NJ are thick, with some openings for shooting and vision. I began hunting with a headlamp in my PA spot in October, and it was dark in there....real dark. I couldn't seem to see much around me at all. I was using the Energizer headlamp then, which had two LED's. The Energizer crapped out on me so I bought the Petzl.
Everything I read about hunting in the thick says use as little light as possible (as Leonard did). There has been snow on the ground as of late, so I have been trying it with the headlamp off. I have an Optronics light mounted to the mag tube of my Mossberg for shooting purposes.
I was wondering about which brightness setting to use the Petzl on. After hearing the additional information I have given, would you still recommend the brightest?
As an aside, I haven't called anything into view yet at night except for a bear. Go figure...it wasn't bear season and we can't hunt them at night anyway. I have called some dogs into hearing distance, but so far nothing in view and no shots in the dark. Was that a pun?
I realize that hunting out west is a lot different than hunting here in the northeast. I do appreciate the response, Krusty.
Edit:spelling
[ January 30, 2010, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
Posts: 2274 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Dec 2009
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted January 30, 2010 01:42 PM
The reason for the cautionary on excessive brightness is because of how it attenuates, (is that the right word?) the shadows while blinding you due to reflections off of the near obstructions.
The less you light up the nearest branches and tree trunks, the more able to see those eyes in the shadows that are beyond the nearest objects.
It's difficult to say exactly what is enough and what is too much. It's also difficult to tell somebody what isn't enough, and there will be those times, as well.
What will help is a red lens, in such a situation, as the level of brightness is a lot better tolerated. Red Dykem.
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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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
Member # 3530
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posted January 30, 2010 05:24 PM
Thanks Leonard that's a very pertinent post and helps a lot.
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Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
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posted January 30, 2010 11:36 PM
49,
I am very familiar with that Petzl model, only without the red filter.
So the one I know of, and have used, is a little brighter, and I wouldn't change my feelings on the choice of settings, on it.
Seeing eyes, and identifying a target, are two different things.
Out west, way way west, is a very different thing than many people believe it is.
I can hunt woods every bit as thick as anyone anywhere in the world...
John Ford's the west, is a ways east of me (but not so far I can't get to it in a few hours).
So, I rarely hunt the woods, for coyotes, anymore, especially at night.
Krusty
Edit for proper paragraph placement
[ January 30, 2010, 11:39 PM: Message edited by: Krustyklimber ]
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Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted January 31, 2010 01:00 AM
Understood KK, the west of Seattle and Bozeman are two different animals.
Is there any particular reason you don't night hunt the woods any more? Other than the fact that it's a royal PIA?
Posts: 2274 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Dec 2009
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Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
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posted January 31, 2010 01:28 PM
"Is there any particular reason you don't night hunt the woods any more? Other than the fact that it's a royal PIA?
"
49,
The short answer, would be, nope.
But, in general, I'm not a short answer kinda guy.
So, I can and will add, that night hunting is a whole new ball game, as compared to hunting in the daylight, and one I never really got a handle on.
I don't really night hunt in the "open" either.
And while many do it, solo, and find a way to overcome the fact that night hunting is best done as a team (Dave Kaprocki for instance), most come up with way over-thought ideas that probably prove to be way less than realistically functional, than a well oiled two man team, even in the best cover and terrain (like tripod or shooting stick mounted spotlights, stationary light sources, night vision systems, and the like).
*In my opinion.
Also, I get scared, hunting alone in woods where the coyote is a ways down on the list of predators that are around here, as far as how "dangerous" they can be to the hunter, even in the daylight.
I'm not too proud to admit that fear plays a huge role in my choice.
A couple of the mountain lions I've called, really put a scare on me, one in particular got so much closer to me than I'm even remotely comfortable with.
And like you, shooting a bear or cougar at night, would be against the law, unless it truly was a case of self defense (and I don't want it to come down to THAT).
The biggest thing, though I already eluded to, I can and do shoot over the mountain range that divides this state into two very distinctly different areas, to spend my time chasing coyotes in a much more effective and efficient way.
I beat my head against the brick wall, that hunting in the rain forest jungle is, for too many unproductive years.
*I was, and still am, somewhat famous for my incredibly long history of failures.
I understand that you guys "back east" and in other places where open country isn't as easily accessable, can't do that.
And perhaps your life makes it easier to get out at night... but I'd probaly find something else to do with my time, in a situation like that .
*For instance I took up beaver trapping, and duck hunting, close to home, and haven't sat on but a few predator hunting stands in this area in years (and was doing so targetting bears or cougars, as back-up for a partner who was the one who wanted to do so).
**I have no desire to shoot a bear, and don't know if I want to shoot a mt lion.
The fact is, the whole subject of night hunting, is a very sore one with me, and I usually avoid this whole section of the board.
At one point some years ago, a very heated discussion on the subject, my ignorance of it, and a huge mistake of miscommunication, ended in my being banned from this site for a time.
(*And one of the few times Leonard ever deleted anything, let alone enough holes in a thread to make it look like swiss cheese).
**And, yes, I'm still sorry about that, Leonard. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Krusty
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Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | 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 January 31, 2010 02:22 PM
It was not my intention to open up old wounds, KK. As a newcomer, you can be sure I had no knowledge of you being banned or of any events that may have lead up to same. As I have said, I do appreciate your input and willingness to give a novice hight hunter some sound advice.
As far as the light goes, I will take under advisement what both you and Leonard have said on this thread. When I hunt especially tight or foliated areas I will try the low setting. When I hunt the more open wooded areas I will go with the high setting. It pays to use all your assets.
As far as hunting at night here in the NE...well I can tell you the dogs have gotten smarter since I began calling in 2000. I was forced to change my tactics and go to night hunting. Predator hunting is pretty much all I do outside of a day or three of deer hunting. So this is it for me. The addition of a NJ night season and some good property in PA have helped me.
As far as hunting alone, well predator calling isn't all too popular in NJ. Any would be partners are few and far in between. When I do meet up with a caller, they seem reluctant to join up for a hunt. I think they don't wish to bring me to their "spots." But to be honest, I am somewhat of a loner by nature. Hunting alone suits me just fine. When I first met my wife she couldn't understand why I would drive an hour and sit in the woods by myself all day, but I guess it's my nature. I did bring a non hunting friend on a night hunt last week. It's funny though, he is a big pit bull of a guy, but put him in an unfamiliar environment in the woods in the dark and every sound he heard was, "Did you hear that? What was that?" ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) He is a great guy though and I will try to get him out again with me.
I understand what you mean about the dangers. I called the bear in the fall. I can say that I don't feel comfortable bringing my boys out at night during that time of year. I do bring them in winter though, as the black bear activity has dropped significantly.
Again, I appreciate the input. I am glad Leonard saw fit to reinstate you here.
Take care and stay safe.
Edited because I can't type.
[ January 31, 2010, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
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Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
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posted January 31, 2010 05:35 PM
49,
It's definitely not what I would call a wound, and I was just throwing it out there to illustrate my point about not hunting at night anymore.
And I was laying down some history, mainly to enlighten you, since you are new around here, and in case Leonard came back in to tell me I don't know jack squat (joke).
Me, I gave up deer hunting, after having found much greater success at it than I did with predator hunting.
Finding partners can be extremely difficult, I know that, even in places where it's popular.
That Petzl light, even at it's brightest setting, fully qualifies as "less light" as compared to the spotlights used elsewhere in the country, but you'll be best off to use it in a way that feels right for you.
Yeah, thanks, I'm pretty glad I got to make a "comeback" here, too.
It's one of the best groups of people I have ever been associated with, and for along time, I didn't act like I deserved to be counted among them.
Any of us who have half a brain, probably feel like the longer we do this, the harder it gets... it's not just the coyotes getting smarter, it's also us realizing we don't know it all.
Krusty
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Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
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knockemdown
Our staff photo editing Guru, par excellence
Member # 3588
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posted March 19, 2010 05:36 AM
Hey 49,
Just catching up & reading through all the past posts here. I feel that maybe I could add something of relevance, given our similar AOs...
Regarding the woods at night, I just don't do it. This is precisely where you will get a response in the daylight, so I save the "woods" stands for when I can use all of my senses to pick up their approach...
Another reason to not hunt IN the woods at night is because that is precisely when our coyotes are bold enough to venture into the more open areas. Since that is where they are anyway,then that is where you should be hunting them. I've had coyotes respond both down and across rural highways en-route to my location at night, so they are MUCH more bold under a blanket of darkness. Should add: that open area doesn't have to be a huge agrcultural field, it can be an old clear cut, swampy area or even a frozen body of water...
The majority of the time, I'm also hunting alone and can relate to the troubles of running both a light and gun when solo. I've found it advantageous to carry a Streamlight Ultrastinger flashlight. Then is really all I need to confirm a coyote's approach, and will concede that a blanket of snow to hunt over makes that determination all the more easy...
The one luxury we are afforded here in the NE is the snow! Stealthy as they are, coyotes gotta leave a track! So scout around & find some tracks in the more open areas. Dollars to donuts, these were made at night, so that's where you should be swingin' that light!
Good huntin'
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 19, 2010 08:01 AM
Fred,
As you have read, this was my first year hunting at night. I must agree with you, not being able to see them coming in the woods at night has been a big disadvantage. I know I have had them almost in shotgun range, but was not able to seal the deal due to my inexperience, bad luck, or both.
That having been said, the dogs in PA and Jersey have been much more active during the night as opposed to the day, at least where I hunt.
I am in the process of rethinking my strategy for next year. I will take into consideration what you have said. I do have some fields, power line cuts and lakes/ponds to hunt at night.
Thanks for the tip.
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