Originally Posted By: canislatrans54Originally Posted By: CZ527
I do agree with him about the 223 not being enough for coyotes though.... Although it's one of my favorite deer guns. The rationale (and believe me it's rational) lies with the fact that I'm not going to wait on a coyote to stop moving, not going to hesitate if they hold up at distance and frankly not worried at all about an "ethical" shot.... Just trying to get them down as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Deer, on the other hand, I would never take a chance on wounding. I wait for a great shot opportunity and don't shoot if I can't get it.
I've heard that old shot placement saying, and I couldn't agree more when it comes to game, but coyotes...? Absolutely not. Waiting on broadside standing shots is ridiculous. I do all I can to stop them, but when they get inside 150 yards they're gonna eat a bullet running or not.
Sir, as I do not know you personally, I will not get into a debate with you.
And, trust me...I'm neither trying to be disrepectful...nor stir any pot here.
But, I do find your comment fascinating.
Maybe it's just me, and the respect I have for any animal.
But, personally, I see no reason to take any less of an ethical shot on a coyote, than I would on a deer.
And I haven't (by any means) always waited for a broadside shot.
I have taken plenty of coyotes down in just about any angle possible.
But, yes, I do wait for what I feel is the most ethical shot opportunity.
For me, I hate "wounding" a coyote, just as much as I hate "wounding" a deer.
Shots at a 150 yd coyote...I've taken them, yes. But only if I had no other choice.
Since the majority of the coyotes I have called since 1995 (several hundred), have been taken at less than 75 yds, I always try my best to get them to commit to coming closer than 150 yds.
And, a coyote who's going faster than a slow lope...unless it's already been hit, and is bugging out...any that's going faster than that, get a pass normally. Simply because I don't need to kill one THAT bad...unless a landowner had been having trouble & asked me to take care of the issue.
IMHO, if that running coyote comes to my calling...and leaves without being shot at...there's a very good chance that I can come back and get him/her later....and maybe it won't only offer a running shot. Maybe it will stop next time.
But, like I say, that is just what I do.
Please have a nice day, sir. And good hunting to you!!!
Not upset by your comments at all sir.
I developed the "need" for something more powerful than 223 when I started aiming for a higher killed/called ratio. I've been shooting various 6mms for the last 7 seasons, and the 6 WOA for the last 5 or 6. It just flat kills them instantly. My partner refers to it as "220 swift dead, but without the hole." My other partner (dad) says it looks like lightning struck them.
All in all, the less than ideal shots I often take are ethically balanced due to the greater payload delivered. I'd feel bad about it, but they simply don't suffer. I have lost ONE coyote shot with the 6 WOA. I saw the bullet impact and called out immediately "we may not recover that one." He was the 5th coyote to get a bullet in that stand, during a contest a couple years back. Shot at great distance, on the move, and hit low in the flank. Judging from the amount of hair that flew and the lack of blood.... He's still out there killing cute furry stuff.
Anyway, we are all entitled to opinions, and I respect yours as much as I hope you respect mine.
Happy hunting buddy!