13 replies to this topic

[jhart242]

So I have never hunted in my life. Have been researching and gathering gear to head out. My buddy and I (his first time too) headed out friday night from Lakewood. Made a stop at Bass Pro and then ended up at the worlds BEST Del Taco in Barstow. Decided to hold at the Astro Budget motel until morning. Woke up 45 mins late and finally got on the road. We havent scouting any area so we were winging it. Ended up near Ludlow and took off into the desert. Upon arriving we noticed a few jacks running around. Walked a few miles into the desert and ran across a wash with a good amount of tracks. The scat we found was mostly white but still moist on the inside. We found a spot and set up the caller. I ordered a Foxpro Spitfire and it was suppose to be here friday but arrived after I left. We were just stuck with a Johnny Stewart caller my buddy picked up a few weeks ago. I didnt feel comfortable where we were, so we decided to just scout. Came across another wash and it looked like the 405 fwy for coyote traffic. It was about 8 by now and already 80 deg. We went and had breakfast and then scouted some other spots off Route 66. Went back that evening and called but no luck. I honestly felt like we were just spinning our wheels. We had no clue what we were doing but it was still a BLAST!!!! Just the thought of the possibility of seeing a coyote was exciting. I'm sure we did everything wrong. So in summary all we killed was some time and a few cheese burgers from Ludlows best and only diner. Can't wait to get out there again.

[OrneryOlMofo357]

Good for you for getting out. Keep doing what you are doing,scouting and calling. It will happen! Good luck.

[GSH]

Don't pass up a spot if you don't see scat, if it has cover for the coyote's food it may have coyotes close enough to come to your call. I usually look for cover and then sit and call.

[BCF]

Yup- good for you. I'd be very, very jealous (and pretty damn surprised) if you guys did get one on your first try. It took me at least a half dozen times before I ever called shot one in that I called myself. We got one mangy one yesterday morning, but that was after about 10 stands the day before with nothing. It was very dry and hot, making it tough-even if you see sign, if you can't find water, you won't find coyotes. They hang out within 5 mile radius of a water source. Definitely tough hunting this weekend for us, but the name of the game is persistence. I really never had a doubt we'd get one eventually, because I know that if you keep trying, no matter how much you want to quit, you'll succeed if you're doing everything right, and your ready when luck is about to strike. Go get em'.

[Frank]

Yep, sounds like you did a lot of things right. Perseverance, never quiting will be the key. It will happen as the others stated!

Ludlow... Ugh, what a gem, eh? LOL But it's at least SOMETHING out in the middle of nowhere anyhow. So not all bad! LOL

Keep us posted and Good Luck

[modoc squeek shooter]

Jhart, you are a head of me, I haven't gone out yet. Hell I can't shoulder my rifle yet lol. Hope I get over my little malfuction soon. Bought the e-caller, know where the coyotes are, lol it's tough being a cripple. Sounds like you are doing things right, hang in there, and keep us old guys posted. ED

[rustygun]

Good for you guy's. You got out, scouted, saw sign and food source. Keep trying and you will score sooner or later. It usually is later but thats why it is called Hunting. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[KNOCKED UP]

Good job Jhart,
It's about time that Grant and I do the same.
Tom

[Shoot-it]

If you find a spot that looks good set up and call no reason to leave then come back.Try to get out real early before light get a quick snack take some pre made food for later. sounds like you have a great spot to start with.
good luck

[jhart242]

Thanks guys for the encouragement!!!! I am hooked even without a kill. We also spotted a few good areas to bring the trailers out next time and camp the whole weekend. Im not a big fan of hotel rooms when I can camp and hang out with friends in front of a fire. Never knew that there was so much lava rock out by Ludlow. You can see all the great natural caves that critters can call home. My big problem was not feeling comfortable with my setup i.e. concealment, field of view etc.

@ Frank. Ludlow is a wonderful place............ We ate at every food place there (Diner and Dairy Queen), visited the Chevron/gift store and stayed at the motel.

[acewhite]

That made you the high roller in Ludlow for the weekend-
Theres some good spots by Ludlow for hunting desert critters.
Good luck n keep at it

[rustygun]

You have also discovered another aspect for your hunting adventures, if the Yote's are not responding pop a few of the Jacks. Do that and you will be in real trouble with an addiction. Yeh more toys.

[Bisley]

At least out there you had a 50/50 chance. You would have had a 0% chance had you stayed home and not tried it.

So you didn't get anything to respond, especially on your first trip, read the stories on here about guys that d it all the time (with success) still get blanked. Do not get discouraged, because then you will stay home and you will never call one in

[acewhite]

If you have a film crew it seems like the kill percentage is 99%