Went out rabbit hunting with SurfNHunt and his friend Eric on Sunday. Started driving to the secret honey hole at 5am (gotta beat the heat in jack rabbit country).We are spread out and I'm in the center of the three of us. Lots of action with jacks running at 40yards in thick brush. A few shots taken but the jacks always beat us and get to their hiding spots.
Then I see the characteristic fast movement of a rabbit running, but instead of running away from me it is running toward me at 80 yards. There is a larger rabbit running behind it. So I take aim for the larger rabbit as they run into range of my 12 gauge (#3 steel, because it's almost waterfowl season).
With the Benelli aimed and clear visibility of the target, I see that it is a coyote in pursuit of the small jack. The yote is hopping after the rabbit jumping over all the scrub brush and almost toying with the Jack like it knows where the Jack is going.
They close the range to me very fast and I only have a second to decide what to fire on (Jack or coyote). I take one shot at the coyote. He turns and started to run the other way. The Jack keeps screaming past me and I had to lift my right foot for him to pass under. Then I take a second shot on the coyote who is already mortally wounded and he lays down for the last time.
At least 3 year old coyote with major canines and a tough attitude. I am fortunate to have experienced you in your prime, mister coyote, and I wish you a good sleep.
