Yup, it happens to everyone. You think you have the hunt in the bag, and to your surprise! YOU MISS. Holy smokes! How in the world did I do that? Well to be honest, it just happens. Weather your a seasoned hunter, a new hunter, or a professional shooter.

You can have 100 trips into the field with great success on every stand, but at some point you will miss. I beat myself up every time it happens. I play the situation over and over in my head and think what I could have done different. It some cases yes, there could be a solution to a problem. Running shots don’t count on coyotes. These guys can turn the afterburners on and make some of the best predator hunters in the country look like a first timer. I am talking about blatantly missing at say 50 yards! Yes, I have done this.

One solution to the problem for me have been the use of a shotgun. Face it, we all like seeing that coyote of bobcat come in close to the call! But these up and close personal shots need to be from a shotgun rather then a rifle with a scope! Well, at least in my world it does. Its very difficult to take a scope made for shooting distances 100 yards and well beyond, to be effective at 50 yards and under. It can be done, but I feel your percentage of kills at close range will be greater.

I carry a 12 gauge shotgun with a full choke. There is a wide range of ammo that can be used for shooting predators. They have specialty ammo that is just for coyotes, but I like to use either turkey loads or buckshot. On the turkey loads I like using the #4 shot, 3” works great and I do like using 3 1/2”. On the buckshot, I have tried the 00 buck, but your very limited on pellets. I like using #4 buck, you can get 3 and 3 1/2” shells, some with as much as 40 pellets. I know hunters that like using other loads as well. I recommend that you pattern and practice with your ammo before going into the field.

Missing long range is mind over matter. One needs to stay calm and make the shot. Shot placement is key. Even though they are coyotes, bobcats and foxes, they deserve a ethical shot too.