My first stand this morning, had also come up dry. We had some wildfires in this area two years ago and it is just starting to grow back. The temperature started off in the high 30's and ended up in the low 50's. A very pleasant day to be outside.
You cannot see it but the hills in the background are still about 30% covered in snow. I started off about 6:30 AM and was hoping to see a cat this morning.
It was not to be. That turned out to be not so bad this time. The end of Feb. also marks the last time out for coyotes as well to allow them to raise pups, un-harassed by me. Today I hit three spots before I struck pay dirt. I was using my Savage 93 in 17 HMR and the CCI 20gr Gamepoint ammo.
I had yet to take any animals with it and was a bit apprehensive about it's effectiveness.
I worked my way slowly and quietly several hundred yards away from the Jeep, where I found an area with a commanding view and good cover for me and my quarry. I was also trying out a new homemade call I made myself. It is made from a wooden clothes pin and electrical tape, and a rubber band.
Below is a comparison picture of the 17 caliber rimfire rounds. Mine is second from the right, the 17 HMR whose parent case is the 22 WMR.
I bought the 17 HMR primarily for the local bobcats, since they tend to average about 25lbs around here. I figured this would be about right for calling them in since most shots would be well under 100 yds, and from what I had read I felt comfortable to at least try it out on them myself.
I sat down and put the homemade call to my lips and blew a few distress calls. About six seconds worth before I saw movement about eight yards in front of me! It was a coyote, wow, that was not expected. As soon as I saw him move, I stopped calling but he knew where it came from. I had the rifle resting on my knee with my left hand on the safety, just in case. I sat there frozen for what seemed like several minutes, but was really only a few seconds, watching him through another bush just a few scant yards from where I sat. He was staring right where I was sitting, without seeing me (I think).
Finally, he tired of this game and started to move on. When he did he passed behind a thick bush between us and I raised the rifle, pushed the safety off and tried to follow him in the scope in case he stopped. He did! About 15 yards from me he turned and looked back as he stopped for one last look. I placed the crosshairs on his neck as that was the only exposed vital parts he showed.
When he stopped, I squeezed the trigger and he dropped instantly. I quickly shoved another round in the chamber, "just in case" and stood to get a better look. He had tumbled down hill after the shot. He never got up, but I did notice his feet making very small kicks. For insurance, I placed the crosshairs on the center of his back, which was facing me, just behind the shoulders, and squeezed off a second shot. This stopped him flat.
Carrying him back to the Jeep was a task, I'd guess he weighed between 35-40 lbs., and he got heavy on the walk back.
Later I skinned him out and came home one happy camper.
The 17 HMR may not be the coyote gun for everyone or every situation, but it was more than enough gun this morning. If shots are kept close and well placed it is a formidable weapon.
Now, about next season and the Bobcat....