Night Hunting Coyotes with Night Vision Scopes

Pre-season Checks for Success

The time for coyote calling and predator hunting is getting near. As our summer transitions into fall, the predators will become a lot more active. Instead of bedding down and avoiding the heat of the day, they will be out doing a little hunting and foraging for food. The coyote pups will have grown quite a bit and the little bobcat kittens are learning the ropes from their momma. I have even heard some coyote pups sounding off in our neighborhood, much to the chagrin of my dog.

YOUR WHEELS
After Labor Day, when all of the summer activities slow down, I begin to devote my time to coyote hunting and predator hunting preparation. I usually start with my hunt rig, a 1981 Full sized 2-door Jeep Cherokee Chief. I do all of the usual preventative maintenance checking: Tires, hoses, belts, batteries, fluid levels, chassis lube, oil change, radiator flush, brakes, new plugs, clean the K&N air filter, check under the hood for any abnormalities like oil leaks, etc. I then run the rig down to my Jeep mechanic and have him look it over.

All of this preparation may sound obsessive to you but I hunt coyote way out in the barren Mojave Desert of California and Nevada. There is no cell phone coverage and if you get stuck, help is not forthcoming. It may be a long, hot walk out to a paved road and even after getting there, you may not see a soul for hours. I feel a lot more comfortable knowing that I have done everything possible to make sure my rig is reliable.

YOUR CALLS & HOWLERS
Next I check out all of my coyote calling gear. I begin with my mouth calls and coyote howlers. I check the reeds on all of my calls and make sure they all sound like they should. If they need attention, I change the reeds or address whatever other issues need attention. The same goes for my coyote howlers. I check each one out for sound quality, check lanyards and when I am sure they are good to go, I pack them at the ready.

MP3 & ELECTRONIC CALLERS
My electronic MP3 coyote caller is next. I happen to like the Minaska “Ultimate One” predator caller because of the volume potential when calling in open country. It features 2-speakers and they can be used independently or together. The sound quality is second to none and it even has a built-in, remote controlled decoy. I know there are a load of devoted Foxpro fans out there but sorry guys, in California lingo, I say Minaska “rules”. Just my opinion, use what you like. They will all call in animals.

At the beginning of each new season, I install a brand new 12-volt battery in the Minaska ($10.00) and I also purchase a spare battery and pack it in the caller’s backpack. I replace the battery in the remote, pack some 9-volt spares and then take the coyote caller out for a field check in a nearby park.

The screams of dying rabbits and other horrific sounds emanating from my Minaska coyote caller drive all of the park yuppies nuts (love it). One lady even threatened to call the police and report me because she claimed I was “harassing the squirrels”. I offered her my phone if she would let me listen in as she made the report. I would love to have heard her describe what she witnessed to the police. That would have been funny…

The Minaska Coyote caller is re-charged using a 110-volt plug-in charger. I have two ways to charge my electronic predator caller when in the field. I can plug the 110-volt charging unit into a small 100-watt inverter that I run off the Jeep’s auxiliary battery or, the Minaska caller can be charged from a solar panel that I adapted just for that purpose. Solar charging is quick, free and I sometimes leave the solar panel connected to the Minaska coyote caller when I am on long desert stands. I can chill, knowing that when I decide to start calling, my electronic coyote caller has a full charge and is ready for action. I will illustrate how you can make a solar charger for your Minaska or other 12-volt powered coyote caller in an upcoming blog.

PREDATOR & COYOTE HUNTING LIGHTS
Since night hunting for coyote and bobcats is legal here in California and Nevada, our predator hunting light is a key tool. Let’s face it, if you can’t see coyotes & bobcats, you can’t shoot coyotes and bobcats. After using a bunch of commercially available lights, homemade can lights and a bunch of other cobbled together Rube Goldberg contraptions, I decided that I would make my own light that incorporated all of the features a night coyote hunter would need. I knew what I didn’t like and I have heard all of the complaints from other night hunters. I knew exactly where I was going with this design. Rather than go into the details here, go to this link for all of the details on my innovative “lateral beam” coyote hunting light. http://www.shop.redhunterllc.com/REDHUNTER-ULTIMATE-PREDATOR-HUNTING-LIGHT-RH-CPHL-01.htm

OK, so I check the operation of my coyote hunting lights (primary & spare). I clean my light’s lenses, check all controls for operation, check the plugs, check the power cords and I make sure I have spare fuses. Back in their storage bag they go and they are ready.

Next are two other important lights. One is my coyote or bobcat “pick-up” light and the other is my powerful green “kill-finder” laser.

COYOTE PICK-UP LIGHTS
My coyote pick-up light is the flashlight I use to retrieve the animal once it has been dispatched. In the old days, I used to rely on a massive 4-cell police style flashlight. Those days are long gone however and now I pack a small (but super powerful) CREE LED flashlight that is about 10X more powerful than the old D-cell flashlight. RedHunterLLC sells these powerful pick-up lights at a very reasonable price. Go here for info http://www.shop.redhunterllc.com/CREE-DIODE-TACTICAL-FLASHLIGHTS-UF-CREE-TAC.htm These little lights will amaze you with their power and long-lasting beam. I will never go back to any type of conventional flashlight again. The LED technology is amazing and if you are looking for your kill, this type of light really does the job. I have even taken one and tinted the lens red for away from the rig lighting. I can pick up a coyotes eyes at 300-yards using the little tactical flashlight.

COYOTE KILL, LASER POINTER
Of course, finding a dead coyote or bobcat that you’ve dispatched in the dead of night can be a bit difficult. Once you leave your hunting rig or stand area and start walking out 200 or so yards, it’s easy to lose your bearings. That is when the laser is worth its weight in gold. I have my hunt rig laser mounted to a magnetic base. Once the shooter takes his shot, he keeps his scope on the general area where he fired at the coyote. The lighter (hunting partner) fires up the laser and the shooter directs the beam to the kill zone. Once it is zeroed, it is locked into position and the hunters can follow the green beam right to the kill. No searching, walking in circles or guesswork. The dead coyote should be right at the end of the beam. Inexpensive lasers can be found on-line and at some retailers. Most are way too under-powered. I just happened to order mine from an overseas supplier just before the feds put limits on the output power available to the general population. Check around though because it is a valuable tool. I am going to search for a good source too and when I find a good, reasonably priced unit, it will be tested by John and me and then sold in our store.

COYOTE & BOBCAT DECOYS
Next, I address my decoys. I sometimes use a Foxpro “Jack-in-the-box” coyote decoy. I also like my home-made, simple 1.5 volt coyote, fox and bobcat decoy made from an aluminum arrow shaft and half of a Decoy Heart (that throws a little stuffed critter around in circles). And lastly, for days with a slight breeze, a very simple low tech arrow shaft coyote decoy using a feather or two, tied to a light swivel with fine monofilament fishing line. I simply stick it in the ground and the breeze blows the feather around. It’s just enough action for a coyote or bobcat to fixate on. I check the batteries (and pack spares) and operation of the electric coyote decoys and look over the simple stuff to make sure everything functions as planned. I even go so far as to put all of the coyote decoy toppers into a plastic zip-lock bag and generously apply the scent or attractant that I want the Coyotes to smell. I don’t want my coyote decoys to smell like me or any other human.

FIREARMS
Next I get out to the range and make sure all of my predator hunting rifles are shooting as tight as possible. I also check and inventory my reloaded ammo for each rifle. In addition, I pattern my shotguns and make sure my handguns are zeroed for the ammo I will be using. Finally, I touch up any of the nicked or worn camo paint areas on my coyote hunting firearms and make certain there is no chance of reflected light spooking an inbound coyote.

OPTICS
Next, I clean all of my coyote hunting rifle scope lenses with an approved cleaner so as not to damage the delicate lens coatings (See the “Op Drops” sold by RedHunterLLC. http://www.shop.redhunterllc.com/Op-Drops-Optics-Cleaner-McN-40716.htm I also service my binoculars and make sure they are clean and ready.

Once I’ve checked all of my main coyote hunting equipment, I start checks on all of my general field gear like hunting license, bobcat tags, flashlights, knives, tools, gloves, head gear, camo, boots, sleeping bag, scents, etc. Lastly, I reassess my pre-hunting checklist and make sure it is updated and complete. Once I have completed my preparation, I should be good to go for the season opener.

By making periodic checks part of your hunting routine, you’ll always be ready for that last minute call from a buddy saying, “Let’s do a one-nighter and slam some coyotes”. Oh man, how can you resist that?

Play Their Instinct, Not Their Hunger

This is the time when of you should have your rifles sighted in, your rigs ready to roll and all of your other necessary gear fine-tuned and ready. The last remaining factor that spells success or failure is totally dependent upon you, the hunter. Ultimate success will be dictated by your skill and strategy.

All of us spend a great deal of time analyzing our prey. We scout for the most likely habitat and attempt to zero in on just exactly where and when the animals are most active. However, what worked just fine last month and produced several kills may not work at all this month. Coyotes seem to move around a lot and in the process; they can become more “educated” due to hunting pressure. These shifts in animal behavior necessitate a shift in our attitude and procedures too. Perhaps it is time for you to try something completely different.

Although the general animal habitat guidelines don’t change, perhaps our attitude and techniques for attracting them should. Chances are, the typical coyote and bobcat have heard the pleading jackrabbit call more than once or twice and it may not have the startling effect we would expect. Hey, even my dog is a perfect example of that. He hears me testing different pitched calls all the time. Now he is used to those sounds and he only reacts when I introduce something new into the mix. Therefore, new ideas and a fresh approach might make the difference between hunting success and failure.

On the last hunt, I tried sounds, sequences and techniques that were different than my usual bag of tricks. I changed more than the sounds however; I tried an entirely new coyote calling psychology.

In the past, my calling was not a part of a larger plan. There was no scripting of sounds or end game in mind. I simply played a CD or worked a mouth-call hoping that a hungry critter would respond. I was only appealing to one sense…..hunger. That would mean for me to be successful, the following factors would have to be in place:

• A hungry coyote would have to be within hearing distance of my call.
• That coyote would need to be hungry enough to respond.
• That coyote would be comfortable responding in the calls’ territory.
• The coyote would not be educated to the specific sound.
• The coyote’s hunger would overcome caution.

For my money, those are too many variables. By appealing to only one sense, you severely limit yourself. For the best success, appeal to as many of the animals senses and “instincts” as you can. The ultimate key word there is instinct.

Webster’s dictionary defines instinct as “a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason. b: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level.

That is our ultimate edge gentlemen, playing on their instinctive responses. If you plan your ambush to appeal to instinct rather than their thought process, your chances of success will be greatly enhanced. Their instinctive reactions will override their education and hopefully result in a bang-flop for you. My last hunt seemed to prove this theory out and if you give careful consideration to formulate more of an overall plan to your calling techniques, I’m sure you will agree.

Rifle Scope Info You Need to Know

By Paul Coburn

"I've answered questions about scope parallax about 300 times, and it's always a long drawn out thing, going several e-mails, and a few phone calls. It doesn't seem to make any difference how long the guy has been shooting, this one always keep screwing guys up.
OK... here goes (Whew, this is gonna be a long one).
There are several things that go on inside a scope, and in the eyes at the same time. Some of them workie against each other.
But some terminology first... and we'll leave out lenses that are there to correct some optical or color errors, but don't have anything to do with image forming.
We'll start at the front of it all, and work back.
1 - The "Object"... the thing that you are looking (shooting) at.
2 - The "Objective". The front lens is called the "Objective"... it forms the first image of the "object" we are looking at (that why they call it the Objective
It is the lens that "captures" all the light, that is solely responsible for the image quality of the scope... if it is poor, you can't fix the poor image later.
This lens is usually made of two different types of glasses (called "elements") sandwiched together, and is called an "Achromat".
The Achromat is fully color corrected for blue and green. The red wavelengths are partially corrected, but have what is called "residual color errors".
This is the normal type of objective used in shooting and spotting scopes. In quality, they can vary from badd, through sorta OK, to pretty damn good.
If one of the elements is made of an "ED" glass, or a "Fluorite" (CaF) glass, the two element lens can be very good to friggin' outstanding.
In some instances, objective lenses are made of three elements, and all three colors (blue, green, and red) are completely corrected. This type of lens is called an "Apochromat", and this is the finest lens that can be bought. The best of these can also have "ED" glass, or Fluorite as one of the elements.
3 - The "First image plane". The Objective focuses the light to make an image of the subject, just like a camera lens. This image is upside down, and right/left reversed. This is the first image plane, but NOT the "First image plane" that is talked about when shooters talk about reticles.
4 - The "Erector lens"... (if it is a group of lenses, it is called the "Erector cell"). Because the first image is upside down/wrong way around, we (as shooters) can't use it... so we flip it around with a simple optical group called the "erector cell". This cell gives us a new image that is right way around, called the second image plane. Moving this cell causes this second image plane to move... so micrometer spindles are put against the cell, to get elevation and windage adjustments.
5 - The "Second image plane". This is the second real image plane in the scope, and this is the image plane that shooters call the "First image plane" when talking about reticles. In a fixed power scope, or in a variable with a "First image plane reticle", the reticle would be placed in this image plane.
This is where Premier Reticle puts those magical "Gen II" reticles.
6 - The "Zoom group". In a variable scope with standard (non-magnifying) reticle, the zoom group of optics would follow #5. This group of lenses can change the size of the image plane in #5 and then form a new (third) image plane behind it.
7 - The "Third image plane" In variable power scopes, this is the plane that the reticle is placed in. By being here, it allows the image to change sizes, but the reticle to stay the same size. In the context of reticles, this is the image plane that is referred to as the "second image plane"
8 - The "Eyepiece". This optical group is like a jewelers loupe. Is is (or should be) a super fine magnifier. It's only job in the whole world, is to focus on the reticle.
Let me repeat that for those that live in Rio Linda...
THE ONLY JOB FOR THE EYEPIECE IS TO FOCUS YOUR EYE ON THE RETICLE!!!!
It CANNOT adjust, or compensate for, or do anything else when things look bad in the scope, or when you can't hit the target... and you CANNOT use the eyepiece to try to correct for parallax. That is sheer folly at best, and raw stupidity at worst.
If you expect it to do anything else, then stop wasting your time with long-range shooting, cuz you are never gonna make it past mediocre... and take up golf!!
OK... now that you know what the insides are like... lets move on. We'll use the zoom scope for our examples. cuz if you can understand the zoom scope, then the fixed scope is a walk in the park.
In the scope that is set for infinity range, the object forms an image behind the objective (the first image plane)... the erector cell "sees" that image, and flips it over and makes it right way around in a NEW image plane (the Second image plane). The zoom group adjusts the size of this image plane, and makes a NEW image plane (the Third image plane) that is the desired size. There is a reticle placed in this last image plane, and the eyepiece focuses on the reticle AND the image at the same time.
When things are good, that's how the scope workie!
---
But... now the booger falls into the soup... IF the third image plane and the reticle are not exactly, (and I mean EX-ACT-LY) in the same place, then your eye cannot see them LOCKED together as one picture.
It sees them as two separate pictures, and the eye will look at each separately, and the eye can also look AROUND one to see the other.
---
Lenses are measured in metrics (aka Millimeters). Not because the Europeans wanted the metric system 20 years ago, but because optical strings and chains of lenses (like scopes) are really a string of numbers.
There are constant ratios of "this divided by that's" that give image sizes, "F-ratios", and image locations. It's so damn easy to do the engineering using a 10 based system that the optical guys were using the metric system way back in the 1800's.
The objective has a "Focal length"... this is the distance behind the lens that the first image plane falls when making an image if a subject that is at infinity (or very damn far away).
If the objective has a focal length of 100mm, then the image of that 1000 yd target is 100mm behind the lense.
But the problem with geometric optics (which is what we are dealing with here), is that they follow the laws of geometry... and optics make triangles like rabbits make babies.
AND... in an optical chain, when you change one thing, one angle, one ANYTHING, everything else follows along and changes BASED on the ratios involved at THAT stage.
If we take that same target, and move it to 100 yds, the image in the scope moves BACKWARDS, going further into the scope. Not by much, but it doesn't take much, cuz we're dealing with very small distances inside the scope, and very high magnifications.
How far the image moves back, and what it's new position is, is predictable by the mathematical ratios of the angles formed by the subject and the first image... OR (for us dummies that lost our slip sticks) by the ratio of the distances to the Target and the focal length, multiplied by the focal length. then ADDED to the focal length.
The target is at 100 yds (91440mm), the focal length of the objective is 100, so the displacement is 1/914 x 100, which means that the first image is now at ~100.1mm. Hmmm only .1mm, that doesn't seem like much.
Read the following paragraph twice...
In a 1x scope, 0.1mm would mean nothing... but this displacement is repeated throughout the chain, AND if any of the optical groups change the image ratio (aka image size), then the displacement (aka ERROR) is changed in direct proportion to the increase in magnification. So in a 3x scope, it would be .3mm, and in a 10x scope, it would be 1mm, and in a 30 power scope, the image would be 3mm behind the reticle.
Now, you should have seen a pattern in this last paragraph.
READ THIS TWICE!!
With the same error in the objective (scope focused at 1000, and target at 100), the parallax INCREASES WITH MAGNIFICATION... got it?
If not, READ IT TWO MORE TIMES!!
OK... now, if we do the same math for closer distances, like 50 yds, and 25 yds we will see that the error gets really big, so that with a target at 50 yards, and the scope set at 35 or 65 yds, the parallax makes the combination un-usable.
---
Parallax is... when the image of the target, and the reticle, are NOT in exactly the same plane, and by moving the eye up and down... or side to side, either the target OR the reticle appears to move in relation to the other.
You might see the target move and the reticle stay still, or you might see the target stay still and the reticle move over it... both are exactly the same, and which you see, is only a matter of your OWN perception.
It is NOT possible to have parallax while moving up and down, but not have it when you are moving side to side.
If you think that is what you have, you have other problems... either you are moving the rifle, or you have eye problems.
---
HOW TO SET UP A SCOPE!
This is the only way to do it...
First, screw the eyepiece out (CCW) all the way, until it stops.
If you wear glasses, put them on.
Hold the scope up and look OVER the scope at the sky, and relax your eyes. Then move the scope in front of your eye.
The reticle should look fuzzy
Turn the eyepiece in 1/2 turn, and do the same thing again. You will have to do for a while before the reticle starts to look better. When you start getting close, then turn the eyepiece 1/4 turn each time.
Do this until the reticle is fully sharp and fully BLACK immediately when you look through the scope.
Than back off one turn and do it again to make sure you are in the same place.
Then LOCK the ring on the eyepiece, and leave it alone forever!
Second.
Set the scope down on something sold, where it can see something at a long distance... half a mile of longer is good.
It can be on the rifle, and rested in sand bags at the range... but pick something at least 1000 yds away... even further if possible.
If the scope has an "AO" Adjustable objective, then set it for infinity, and look at the distant object, and move your head from one side to the other, or up and down if you prefer.
If the reticle seems to move, there is parallax.
Change the distance setting and try again... if you are very careful, you can move your eye, and adjust the distance at the same time, seeing which direction gets better.
With front objective adjustments, you can turn them either way without worry... BUT with side adjustment scopes, like the MK4-M3, the M3-LR, or the other LR family of scopes, the adjustment must ALWAYS be made from the infinity end of the dial. Turn the adjustment all the way until it stops (past infinity), and then start turning it in a little at a time, until there is no parallax. If you "overshoot" the proper setting, you can't just turn back a little, you must go back to stop at the end of the dial, and start over again.
While "AO"s dials are locked in place, and if the indicated distance doesn't match the real distance, there's nothing you can do about it... the side focus dials are not locked in place.
Once you have found the setting for infinity on the side focus models, then (CAREFULLY) loosen the screws, and set the dial so that little sideways infinity symbol is lined up with the hash mark, so it is calibrated. You can also make little marks or put on a paper tape for other ranges instead of using the round dots that don't match any range.
Now you can set it to infinity, but remember that you MUST turn the dial all the way past infinity to the stop, EVERY TIME before going from a close range to a longer range.
If you are set for 500 yds, you can go directly to 100 yds, but if you are set for 100 and want to set it to 500, you MUST go all the way back to the stop, and then go to 500
This is because there is a fair amount of backlash (aka SLOP) in this wheel linkage to the focusing cell, so you can set it only from one direction to make sure the slop is always on one side. The other problem with it is, even if you decided that you wanted to calibrate from the other end... the recoil will push the cell back. SO you must ALWAYS set these dials from the infinity end of their scales.
To make it easy to not have to remember... I always start from the end stop, when I change range, no matter which direction I'm going in... it adds about 0.023 seconds!
---
Now... you gots a friend that says to set up a scope a different way???... he don't know doodly-squat about scopes.
The guy at the range said to do it a different way... he don't know either.
You know some guy who's in the Marines says to use your eyepiece to correct parallax... he doesn't know about optics either.
You got a friend that shoots benchrest and says something different... he don't know crapola!
This is the way, the only way, there is no other way.
... as Rushbo would say... this is from GOD-da .
You gots questions, just e-mail me.
You wanna "debate it", then go play golf, cuz you're wasting my time!
'lito (gettin' grumpy in my old age!)"

Why learning History is Important

When I was a kid, I sure could not appreciate the importance of learning History.  After all, it was old stuff that had already happened.  I was more interested in the "new" stuff.  The value of history is wasted on youth.  We never realized that life is a circle and although times, clothes, appliances, transportation and a vast array of other "things" change, the minds and hearts of men do not.  There is always the urge to suppress, rule, dictate and totally control the masses.

The NRA is to the 2nd Amendment as H & R Block is to the 16th.

KeepAndBearArms.com — A March 12, 2002 news item got me thinking. It was titled "Gun Violence Prevention Groups Claim Victory as H&R Block Severs Ties with National Rifle Association." It wasn't the article itself, or what the article was about that was significant. It was the title that used the names "NRA" and "H & R Block" in the same sentence. Seeing those two names together reminded me of something too many people in the pro 2nd Amendment movement either don't see or refuse to recognize, the effect of self-interest.

We live in a time characterized by far broader concerns over issues of liberty and unconstitutional encroachment upon liberty by government than just those centered on the Second Amendment. Over the last quarter century or so (a period concurrent with the gun control vs. 2nd Amendment battle) we have also seen the rise of an ever-growing anti-income tax movement. And, just as the gun control battle orbits a Constitutional amendment so too does the battle over the income tax. We've all seen serious and well-researched assertions that the 16th Amendment that created the income tax was never legally ratified. We're also seeing the government refusing to address the issue.

So, what's all this got to do with the NRA and H & R Block? Plenty! Why? Because of a fact of life far too many of us in the pro 2nd Amendment movement either fail to see or refuse to acknowledge. That fact of life centers on the economic self-interest of an organization and its leadership.

Expecting the NRA to support the position that "shall not be infringed" means just that -- no permits can be required if it's a "right" and not a "privilege" -- is a lot like expecting H & R Block to support the position that the 16th Amendment was never legally ratified.

If the 16th Amendment and the income tax are thrown out, H & R Block is out of business. That much is pretty obvious, but Block does not hold itself out to be opposed to the income tax. The situation is very different where the NRA is concerned, and this is what gives rise to the dichotomy of opinion about the NRA within the pro 2nd Amendment movement.

We all need to become more aware of what the NRA is and has been historically. We then need to take a really hard look at what the strongest supporters and members of the NRA do for a living. Looking at it this way reveals one likely reason why the NRA refuses to support the position that no permits or registrations should be required if firearms ownership is a "right" that "shall not be infringed."

The NRA is, and has historically been, the single strongest advocate (and provider) of firearms use and safety training. Think about this for a minute. How many firearm use and safety course instructors do you know of who are NOT NRA certified? According the the NRA's own website, there are currently some 38,000 NRA Certified Instructors throughout the United States. The NRA may not be the only organization that certifies gun use and safety instructors, but it is certainly the single biggest one. 38,000 NRA Certified Instructors averages 760 per state. The numbers alone prove the NRA virtually owns the firearms instruction certification market in this country. Now there's nothing wrong with this. The NRA does a wonderful job teaching gun safety and certifying instructors. It's what they're really good at and I fully approve of what they do in this regard. Personally, I think every gun owner should take at least one gun use and safety course from an NRA certified instructor. I don't think any governmental body should require it though.

Now take a look around the country. Most states have now become "shall issue" states and in every one of them (that I know of) the "issue" of the "permit" requires two things:

1.  A clean criminal record 2.  Attending and passing some form of firearms use and safety course

Where do you think the instructors for these courses come from? Wouldn't you have to assume that with 38,000 NRA certified firearm safety instructors in the U.S. that most (if not nearly all) of the people who teach the courses required for CCW permits are among those 38,000? I would. Now ask yourself this: How many of these NRA certified instructors, whose economic life depends upon a steady stream of course attendees, are likely to support the position that it is illegal and unconstitutional for any level of government to REQUIRE gun permits and gun safety courses? While you're at it, take a look at the NRA as a national organization. What do they sell and profit from? It is the sponsorship of gun training and gun safety courses and teaching materials. Furthermore, this is what the NRA has been doing for over a hundred years. It is their core business. Do you REALLY expect them to support the position that gun permits (and the training required by them) are unconstitutional? If you do, I've got a bridge between Manhattan and Brooklyn I'll sell you cheap.

Gun control isn't like being pregnant. Being pregnant is a binary state. Someone either IS or ISN'T pregnant. But gun control exists on a continuum. You can have total gun control, such as outright bans, or only a little gun control, such as permits.

The mistake too many in the pro 2nd Amendment movement make is the assumption that the NRA is opposed to gun control. This assumption is false. The NRA is, always has been, and will continue to be a PRO GUN CONTROL ORGANIZATION! They will always support requirements for permits and attendance at gun safety and training classes because teaching these classes is what the economic life of so many of the NRA's strongest supporters, depends upon. Any assertion that the NRA does not virtually "own" the firearms and gun safety instructor training and certification market in this country is like making the assertion that Microsoft does not virtually "own" the computer operating system market. Both are obvious on their face.

It is because of this that I do not belong to, nor support the NRA in any way. Supporting the NRA is supporting (a form of) gun control and I am opposed to ALL forms of gun control... unless you define "gun control" as being capable of putting a .30 round through an enemy of the Constitution's left eye at 300 yards.

Gary Clark is a writer, small business owner and staunch defender of the right of every individual to own, bear and use ANY type of weapon that can be carried on the person. He lives in Las Vegas and can be reached by e-mail at Liberty@wtw.org.

by Gary Clark

We Get letters.....

I recently got an order for one of our RedHunterLLC Custom Predator Hunting Lights. Since I fabricate these lights myself, one at a time, the lead time is usually 6 to 8 weeks. This customer was in a real hurry though because he wanted to use the light in a predator calling contest in Texas. Unfortunately, the contest date was about two weeks from his order date. Since my "lateral beam" concept is unique, I really wanted his team to have the benefit of using it in the contest. So, I worked hard to complete the light in time to get it in his hands in time for the contest. The contest started on a Friday and UPS delivered the light to his house on Thursday afternoon. It was close, but it got there just in the nick of time. Here is a quote from the note I received from him on Monday:

“The new light worked very well. Our hunting rig drew mega attention and we got a real good opportunity to show off the new light. It impressed lots of folks. No one had seen one like it. You should get some inquiries for lights. I gave out your email. Your light worked like a dream--better than I had hoped. I will send pictures soon. Thank you so much for getting our light out to us on time for the contest. I am attempting to set up a hunt with Gerald Stewart (Johnny Stewart Game Calls) to tap on his calling experience. I will keep you posted on how that goes.”   From:  Dennis Long, Woodway, TX

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I recently purchased both a Leupold and a Hawk scope for my hunting rifles. I placed the Leupold on my 30-06 and the Hawk on my 22-250, and then headed to the range. Both where zeroed at 100 yards with good results. One of the things I wanted to do was test my 100 yard zero, at a 200 yard range.

One big advantage I saw with the Hawk scope was it comes with a ballistics program that allowed me to calculate my rifle trajectory, and printed out a trajectory graph that I was able to place on the scopes flip up protective cover. This was a big plus for me since it took out all the guess work once I was one the 200 yard range. With the program I knew just where my aiming point should be to hit the 200 yard target.

The difference between the hawk and Leupold was the Hawk SR-12 reticles. I found the reticles extremely helpful once on the range. I’m not trying to say that the Leupold is not a top of the line scope but the Hawk had several features that made my old eyes work like they did 25 years ago. Also the day I went to the range there was a cross-wind of about 7 miles an hour blowing the SR-12 reticles also comes with Wind bars that proved helpful.
Again the Leupold is a top of the line scope but I had to use Kentucky windage to walk my 30-06 into the target. Since I had a good zero at 100 yards this wasn’t a hard task but it took three shoots to hit the center mass on the target as compared to the Hawk with the 22-250 first round was dead on but right, once I adjust for windage the second round was on target.  From: Robert Ison, Madison Alabama

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Jeff says, ""Hey Red...thanks for the new Hawke Sidewnder 30, 4x16x50 scope. I mounted it on a Remington AR15 VTR SS varmint. I took my first shot at this dog and sent it down his kisser/see his broken lower jaw."  - Jeff Young, NY State

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"I decided to try one of the RedHunter medium range cottontail mouth calls.  I bought the Mini Blaster III.  I am jazzed because no longer than 15-seconds into the stand, I called in and shot a nice gray fox.  On my next stand, I called in a nice bobcat and nailed him too.  I like this call because it’s small, easy to carry, durable and projects a nice sound.  The reed does not stick either."    From:  B. Keller, Irvine, CA

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Red, 

 

Your howler is awesome! It is the easiest to use cow horn howler I own (compared to a silver dog and a rude dog). It howls great makes a great bark. Ki-yis and yelps and whines are also very easy and very authentic sounding. I was using it last week and in conjunction with a rabbit distress call. I was using yelps and small barks and growls.
 

I was in a small clearing in a heavily wooded patch of land. I could hear some footsteps in the woods and a stick snapped under the foot of whatever it was out there. I could never get the critter to show itself. Where I hunt is much like hunting eastern coyotes, dense woods, thick underbrush. My weapon of choice is a Beretta 12-gauge with 3.5 magnum T-shot. They are out there because I have stirred up a pack at dusk several times but I cannot seem to get them to show themselves, I think the terrain lets them see me long before I can get a visual on them.
 

Back to the calls!! I could not be happier.  Yours is my go-to howler. Good call on the tactical camo finish, it's perfect for me and looks great. Thanks for touching base."  From:  Patrick Williams,Texarkana, TX

 

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"For various reasons, I have had more trouble with electronics than I care for.  I told Fred he had caught my "hex" of bad luck with electronic players.  Since I had wanted to use Red Barbarossa's RedHunterLLC calls (the Mini version) for quite some time, I figured this would be a good opportunity to employ his product.
 

A couple miles up the dirt road we turned off onto a side road and set up for a new try.  Fred caught eyes in the spotlight and I got the Savage pointed in the lights direction.  The way the animal moved made me think it was a bobcat.  I followed it in my scope until I could get a good view of him.   When the Savage fired, I heard the slap of the bullet and knew the earlier target practice had paid off.  We called a little longer, and then I walked out to collect my trophy.  It was a nice bobcat.  On the scale it weighted over twenty two pounds.  We took some photos and inserted the cat into a burlap bag.  (I skinned him later at home, and put him on a stretcher).

 

Fred and I reversed roles; I took the spotlight and Fred toted the rifle.   The moon was down most of our calling time, which worked well for us, although the last two animals (coyotes), I called while the moon was up.  The last three stands of the night produced two coyotes.  Fred missed the first one.  The coyote may have moved just as he fired.  Although, it was my turn to shoot, I told Fred to continue as shooter as I had an animal and wanted him to bag something.  The very next stand I called in another coyote to close range. The coyote stopped, but Fred wasn't quite able to get on him.  Next the coyote moved in a semicircle around us, and Fred took a shot at the close moving target.  The shot was a miss, which was disappointing to Fred, but at least he was having a share of the action. 

The entire time (from 6PM to 1AM) I used only the Mini Blaster III, RedHunterLLC mouth call.  I liked the high pitch and was anxious to tell Red what good luck we had using his product.  In all, I called five Kit fox, a Grey fox, a bobcat, and two coyotes.  The action was spread out evenly the entire time and kept us keyed up for more fun.  I had collected my first trophy with the Savage, and called a bunch of critters with the new call."  From: Rick Macey, Lake Forest, CA

Dedicated customer service and products that do the job is what we are all about. Just the facts Jack.

Branded!

No, I’m not going to write about branding cattle or branding people, my topic today is merchandise branding.

When I was a kid, I was raised in a family that did not have a lot of money to spare. I am not complaining; my sister and I had plenty of love and everything we needed to be happy. My Dad was a hard working milkman and my Mom worked part time in different retail stores. Due to our financial situation, we simply did without extra goodies we didn’t need.

When it came to clothes, shoes and that kind of stuff, my folks couldn’t afford to buy us the big name “branded” products. You know; the stuff that was and is always being pushed down kid’s throats on TV and in every other form of media. All of the big brand names a lot of kids thought they “had to have” were way out of reach for us.

Actually, it was only an issue once and a while because I knew in my heart I was not going to get the stuff anyway. I wasn’t going to get those PF Flyer sneakers that would make me run faster, jump higher and stop quicker. I was going to get the no-name brand from the other store across the tracks. Somehow I managed to run and keep up with, and sometimes even beat the guys wearing the PF Flyers. To cut to the chase, I never had name brand anything and I never really missed it. My parents taught me to become “value conscious” and look for value in what I purchase.
It’s funny that to this day, I am not a big name labels guy. Now, I am not saying that I don’t buy good stuff because for some things, the famous brand might just be the best value. What I am saying is that I don’t buy stuff just because of the brand name that’s slapped on it. That brand name comes at a price and the price we pay includes a lot more than what is in the product.

Any major brand has gone through a great deal of growing pains. Every big company starts out small and grows bigger. At least, that is the plan. As the business grows, so do the associated expenses. Therefore, the business must constantly expand to survive. Outside forces and responsibilities begin to mount up such as rent, payroll, insurance, legal fees, trade show expenses, union issues, advertising, marketing, distribution, supply-chain issues, warranty claims, equipment purchasing, repairs, testing, and on and on.
Each and every one of the liabilities mentioned above must be paid for. How, you ask? Well, the costs are built into the sale price of their product. You, the consumer, pay a premium for that “brand name” and what you are paying for is the whole enchilada, not just the materials, design, construction and packaging of the product but everything it takes to bring the product to market and keep it in the forefront. And, as the operating pressures build, so does the pressure to streamline production, reduce manufacturing costs and maximize profits.
So why am I flapping my gums and writing all about this business 101 stuff on a hunting blog? Well, I’m glad you asked (even if you didn’t, I telling you the story anyway). It is a true story of human nature, peer pressure and the result of being pounded by professional marketing organizations for 63-years since the inception of television.

RedHunterLLC is in the information and merchandise business. However, I have the same attitude I have always had. When I purchase something for RedHunterLLC, it had better be a good value. The product has to offer my customers value and performance that will meet or exceed the comparable “name” brand products out there. This actually really gets me excited. When I find a product or a product line that kicks butt and will not cost my customers an arm and a leg, I get all juiced up. When I find such a product or a product line, I am thrilled to offer it to our customers. However, before putting our good name on the line, we test the products ourselves under actual hunting and range conditions. We don’t just sell the stuff, we use it. If it passes actual field testing to our satisfaction, then we offer it to our customer base. We want to grow a good reputation as well as a business.

The reason I started this topic is to comment on branding, human nature and peer pressure. A perfect example is the HAWKE line of optics we offer. HAWKE has been doing business in England for about 25-years but they have only been marketing in the U.S. for about 4-years; so they are not exactly a household word in hunting and shooting circles. They run ads in the shooting magazines but they don’t pump out the full page color ads like the big optical companies do. That also helps to keep the selling prices down.
In 2008, the giant wholesale Shot Show exhibition was in Orlando, Florida. John and I attended hoping to find some new and interesting products. We were also looking for an optics line that we liked. After running the gauntlet of a zillion exhibitor booths we came upon the Hawke booth. At this point, we had already looked over at least 15 or so other brands and we were getting a bit burned out. But, upon examining the Hawke optics and looking at their pricing structure, we got really excited. This was truly great stuff with terrific optical quality, feature packed and backed by a strong warranty. Hoo Rah! Eureka! Our hunt was successful.

We looked at many other brands at that show and I am sure many of you would recognize all of the names. Some we examined offered lots of profit margin but we thought they were either junk or way overpriced for the level of quality. The bottom line is that after all was said and done, we chose Hawke.

After the show we purchased an assortment of Hawke optics and began field testing. We were very pleased with the results and performance and I can honestly say that I have removed many of the existing scopes (Bushnell Elite 4200, Elite 3200, Millett Tactical, Mueller, Nikon) and replaced them with Hawke glass. I am quite satisfied. However, I digress…..again.

What inspired me to write this entry is the reaction of the average person that visits and perhaps joins internet hunting forums. Many are new to shooting and hunting, many have some experience and then you have the old timers that have been shooters and hunters all their lives.
I advertise RedHunterLLC on several Predator hunting forums but I frequent one more than the others because I find the members to be a bit more interactive. It’s just a personal preference thing and is no reflection on the other forums. I’m just more comfortable there.

Every so often, a new member or an existing member will ask a general question about what scope brand he should buy for his new rifle. As you can well imagine, the opinions are varied and the usual “branded” names are typically put forward. Then, I chime in and attempt to introduce the member to what I believe to be an excellent product and a killer value. Well, some respond positively and ask for additional info, some flat out ignore me and others simply want to follow the crowd and pay more for a product that may not be as good as what I am offering. At least I tried.

I have to admit that at times it is frustrating to operate an internet business. If I had a brick & mortar storefront and a customer walked into my store, I could put several “branded” scopes on the counter alongside my Hawke scope and simply say, “Compare them.” I can’t do that on the net though so I attempt to appeal to reason and use my company reputation to influence the customer.

The simple fact is that we, RedHunterLLC, are in business and selling products via the internet to the general public and to members of various interest forums. We know full well that our products had better perform or our reputation is toast. The success of our business is assured only by offering quality products at reasonable prices that out-perform the competition, responsive customer service and the ability to offer real value to our customers.

Another example of incredible value is the tactical flashlight we sell. They feature CREE Diodes and truly out-perform the major brand that is way overpriced. I’m telling you, these lights kick major butt. And, we sell our tactical flashlights for one-third the price of the big name “branded” ****Fire light.
I can honestly say that I have not had one customer that was not completely satisfied with a product we have sold. Perhaps because we hand pick each and every product we sell. We also test each and every product. And, we hand make many of our own calls and coyote howlers.

So, how can I get some guys to try something new? How can I convince a customer that I have an excellent product that will save them money, give them more features and provide them with a higher level of quality and value than the brand name scope he is about to spend 30% more for? It beats the hell out of me but if you have any suggestions drop me a note at red@redhunterllc.com
I'll see ya later.....I’m heading over to Old Navy now to buy some no-name jeans.

What to do if you are attacked by a coyote.

Every once and a while I come across something really stupid pertaining to predators.  In this particular case, it was a WIKI with advice from people that know nothing or next to nothing about coyotes.  My comments are in bold print.  Please see the statements below:

Being confronted with a coyote is a rare experience, and will probably never happen. But it's best to be prepared, especially if you live in the country.  (Or in a major city, or in a beachfront community, or just about anywhere today.  Coyotes are now in every state in the union, they're very smart and they know where the tasty pet dogs and cats live.)

Stay calm. Make an effort to take deep breaths, even in a few seconds.  (Sure, it's easy to stay calm when a coyote is sizing up your little dog for dinner or a mid-day snack.)

See if you can find any sharp stones or sticks to throw at the animal.  (Yeah, sure....I can see Grandma scrounging for stones and hurling the high speed missiles at the coyote with accuracy....not.)

If you have an umbrella, open it quickly on the coyote as soon as you see the whites of its eyes.  (By the time you see the whites of the coyote's eyes, your dog/cat is in his mouth and is about to be carried away for lunch.  I don't know about you but I don't often carry an umbrella with me.  Perhaps this pertains to a coyote encounter in London.)

If you can find a house, yell for help.  (Yup, but if they are inside the house watching Wheel of Fortune, The People's Court or any number of other TV shows, they won't hear your yells for help.  Even if they do, Mr. Coyote will not wait to attack your dinner on a leash.)

If a coyote attacks you:  (These are really silly.)

Try to fasten your hands around its muzzle.  (This is my personal favorite.  This is incredibly stupid.  You will be bitten for sure.  It is a wild P R E D A T O R and bites for a living.  You have a better chance of farting the Star Spangled Banner than getting your hands around an attacking coyote's muzzle.)

Try to stun it with a large stone.  (Good luck again.  I have seen coyotes take a bullet and still go for it.)

Throw dirt, gravel, anything you can find in its eyes.  (Sure, make the target smaller.  By the time he is that close, his jaws are around your leg, arm, neck, etc.)

Do not let it get near you if possible.  (WOW!  I never would have thought of that suggestion.)

Other sterling suggestions:

It's wise to carry a small knife if you are going to be hiking in the country alone.  (Wrong.....BIG knife.  A pistol is not a bad idea either.)

 
If you do receive a coyote bite, treat it quickly, otherwise it could infect.  (INFECT?  Not to mention RABIES...genius.)

 
Stay calm at all times. It's much easier to think that way.  (Sure.  Mrs. Brown will be very calm if one or more snarling coyotes decide to come and visit her and Poochie Woochie.)

Don't engage a coyote in a fight if it hasn't noticed you.  (Now there is some good advice....huh?)

Keep very clear of its teeth. If you can, restrain it without coming in range of its teeth.  (Great idea.  Now can you tell the class just exactly what method we should use to restrain an attacking coyote without coming within range of its teeth?)

 
Don't forget: Its claws can do damage as well.  (Get out of here.....really?  I never would have guessed.)

This is all Walt Disney's fault (tongue-in-cheek).  His cute stories and movies portraying wild animals as cute, cuddly creatures has totally misrepresented wild creatures.  As a result of that, old and young ladies (and most girlie men) are leaving food dishes out in their yards for the wild animals that come to visit.

Eventually, the predators lose their fear of man (and women) and that is when the trouble starts.  Predators start seeing kids, pets and people as prey.  California has a nasty mountain lion problem for that very reason.  The state halted lion hunting (thanks to the bed-wetting tree-huggers) and now innocent mountain bikers and hikers get attacked and killed.  The last person that was "taken" by a lion in California did not receive as much in public donation money as the lion did.  I kid you not.

For crying out loud....if you are hiking in the wilderness, carry an effective weapon and know how to use it.  You or your loved ones may be attacked by an animal or some freaked-out, deranged human type.  Protect yourself and plan for the unexpected.  Remember....when seconds count, the police are usually many minutes away.  If they show up at all.