Full Moon Failure: Lessons Learned

6hr Hunt (6pm-Midnight)
Wind Conditions Supposed to be 5-7 NNE but was swirling and variable all night long.
Temperatures started in the mid 60's dropped into mid 40's
Moon FULL
6 Sets.

1st set
Trusting my app. I set up in a place where I've seen multiple coyotes/bobcats.
Soon as I got set. The wind started blowing on my neck.
LESSON 1: Don't trust app. Use puffer.

2nd set
The wind was literally swirling (which it always is on this ridge). 90% of the time it was in my favor.
Using Alpha Dog Caller used Expert Jack Rabbit call.
Used Primos Decoy and another rabbit Decoy about 80 yards apart.
Kicked on 630 (sunset). Got quick pair howling almost instantly.
Sat there for 30 minutes. No reply.
LESSON 2: If there's any chance with wind is wrong don't try it.

3rd set
Moved opposite end of property.
Narrow 400 yard lane.
Wind was more consistent. After moon roes.
Used Denning Calls.
Heard one response call about 10 minutes into the hunt.
Then every coyote in the zip code started howling.
I stayed here for about an hour using different calls.
Then I got into a calling competing. This guy wasn't moving.
LESSON 3: Calling competition is fun. But FRUSTRATING.

4th set
More of tricky hunt b/c the wind was swirling again.
Set up on a long 300 yard pasture. Much wider.
Used Territory Call.
Just like last time: 10 minutes into the hunt. Got multiple responses. No movement.
LESSON 4: Repeat lesson 2!

5th set
Large open hay field.
Hog hunted for about an hour.
Kicked on Rabbit in Distress call.
Nothing, Nodda, Nope.
Lesson 5: NOTHING (including hogs) will come out into an open field under a bright full moon

6th set.
Ranch house over looks a vast area all shots under 300 yards.
(I've shot more coyotes off this deck than anywhere else on the property).
Turned on Territorial Call.
Instantly got a coyote barking.
Waited 15 minutes.
Turned on rabbit in distress. Coyote barked again.
Lesson 6: Repeat Lesson 3

One thing to note: We've had near flood conditions on this property due to the last 3 weeks of rain. Water is literally flowing over our pond dam. I purposely hunted high terrain. I also stuck to distress calls figuring them yotes gotta be hungry. But nothing was going to get these guys to leave their beds!

Last note: I have several neighbors who also night hunt. I didn't hear a gun shot all night long. Which I usually hear one or 50 a night.

Similar issues tonight. Wind was good but could not get any coyotes to answer calls and never did hear any coyotes howling like I usually hear.

never had much luck hunting full moon, 12 noon different story

Coyotes are not turkeys. If they are talking to you that's usually not a good sign.

Actually. This time a year it is a good thing. I tells you where they are and that they are interested. Coyotes respond to vocals in different ways. One behavior they typically don’t do when responding to coyote vocals is try and wind you. For distress calls they will almost always circle down wind. With vocals they typically feel more confident to come straight in or step out in the open. Of course that all depends on the time of year and what vocals you are using.

Kind of like turkeys. All the perfect clucks, purrs and cackles don’t mean anything if the gobbler is not responding or even there. Throw out a couple PUT’s and you can guarantee he ain’t coming anywhere near you.

If they start barking once you start a prey in distress then that is not a good sign...to each their own

never say never

Yep your right

Not sure if all your lessons learned are correct conclusions. For example I see coyotes and hogs in wide open fields on full moons all the time. If you setup on an open field chances are they saw you move into position as they can see so well at night under those conditions. When I hunt on full moon it’s full camo and hide almost as well as you would in daylight so stay in the shadows and don’t make quick movents.

An agitated coyote may be vocal and still come in to coyote vocalizations but as Ronnie said if they are barking at your prey sounds that’s NOT what you want to hear.

I don’t like hunting on full moon at night but sometimes you have to.... like last night and it was a little slow but got 3 coyotes a fox and a bobcat and a half dozen raccoons and we missed a couple of coyotes that spotted us and buggered out.

Agreed.. Barks are no good. I was talking about other vocalizations.