Wanna start varmint hunting

[Dr_2_B]

This should be fun for you guys. I am by NO means new to firearms or hunting. I have probably 30 pistols and rifles and I shoot often. I also have one 8 point buck mounted on my wall. However, I'm ready to do some varmint hunting and I'm telling you I am brand new to this. I'd love for you guys to help me get started. Below is a list of some questions I have. Any answers would be very helpful to me.

1. I have an AR 15 16 inch bbl (no scope). Should I just use this? Is this long enough, or do I need a longer one to do varmint hunting? And what about a scope?
2. Should I buy a .17 HMR (probably a CZ) and put a scope on it?
3. What is proper etiquette for finding a place and disposing of the kill, etc? (By the way, I'm a very responsible-looking guy and could probably receive permission easily - unless I'm missing something)
4. I have a .22 rifle with a scope; any ideas about this?
5. Most of my pistols are defense-type [plus a 44 mag 8 3/8bbl and some NAA mini revolvers]. Anything I should consider using these for?
6. I have a pretty nice spot light - could I somehow make use of this?
7. What question am I going to be sorry I didn't have answered?


Thanks for any ideas you have for a newbie to this sport. Oh I live in Indianapolis - there's flat farm land all around me

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I don't consider myself a good varmint hunter, but I've killed my share of coyotes. forget the .17 or the .22, use your ar...it's plenty for out to 300 yards or so. A scope on your ar would be nice, but open sights are fine if you're hunting in timber or small fields. Since you're in the midwest you probably have some wide open ground, so a scope would be ideal.

I bring my coyote carcasses to the Department of Environmental Protection because they study them for age, weight, all that stuff....law requires you to skin and pelt tag them if you aren't going to do that....check local laws for disposal and/or tagging procedures. Not sure if spotlighting is legal where you are, check local laws.....coyotes can be hunted at dawn and dusk fairly easily so don't get discouraged if you can't hunt at night. Those moving rabbit decoys and/or predator calls work well from what i've heard, but the bulk of my coyotes have been shot while deer hunting so I don't normally use them.

I'd say your pistols should be left at home, but if you really want to try calling in a coyote to 50 yards or so and shooting it with your .44 go ahead (as long as it's legal, it's not in my state so I have no experience hunting coyotes with a handgun).

 

[koja48]

1. I have an AR 15 16 inch bbl (no scope). Should I just use this? Is this long enough, or do I need a longer one to do varmint hunting? And what about a scope?

223 is a fine fox/coyote round. I'd recommend a scope, since you need to be accurate out to 250 yards or so. I prefer a longer barrel on my varmint hunting AR, but have used a shorter version when range is limited or conditions warrant (in brush or when "jump shooting"/walking them up.).

2. Should I buy a .17 HMR (probably a CZ) and put a scope on it?

The 17 is a great choice for smaller vermin (gophers, skunks, coons, etc), but is not sufficiently robust for larger varmints. Now if you just "want one," they are fun & accurate. I have a couple, but only use them for gophers. Marlin is a good choice, particularly if you add an aftermarket trigger. I'd definitely scope it. The BSA Sweet 17 scopes seem to work well & are relatively inexpensive.

3. What is proper etiquette for finding a place and disposing of the kill, etc? (By the way, I'm a very responsible-looking guy and could probably receive permission easily - unless I'm missing something)

I knock on doors early, avoiding the busy seasons in a landowner's schedule. I also offer my services & provide a "business card" containing my personal information; I DON"T show up in camo! Seeking permission & hunting are separate trips. Dropping-off a nice salmon fillet/brace of pheasants (cleaned & bagged), or package of deer/elk goes a long way toward propagating long-term land access. I make sure carcasses are not left where they fell . . . dispose of them in an unobtrusive location; they won't last long, but decorating fields with them is not a good idea.

4. I have a .22 rifle with a scope; any ideas about this?

See 17 HMR comments above; IMHO, there is nothing more enjoyable to shoot than a 22.

5. Most of my pistols are defense-type [plus a 44 mag 8 3/8bbl and some NAA mini revolvers]. Anything I should consider using these for?

I carry a handgun all the time & have bagged close coyotes with both my 1911 & revolvers.

6. I have a pretty nice spot light - could I somehow make use of this?

Depends on the legality of hunting predators at night; check the laws in your area. Night hunting can be very productive. I don't do it anymore, since my preference is long-range daylight shooting.

7. What question am I going to be sorry I didn't have answered?

"How To" tips, calling, camo, blind/hide selection . . .

BE RESPONSIBLE! Enjoy . . . it's addicting.

 

[wolfe28]

Just a few thoughs

In Indiana, coyote season is from October 15 2007 to March 15 2008 this year. So you have some time to get ready. Also, I believe that you will need a license, even though there is no limit on coyotes.

As for the handgun, I am finding out that you may need a handgun permit to use one for hunting or target shooting in the state of Indiana. So, that might be something to consider as well. They don't appear to be very expensive, but I am finding that they are necessary (not positive on that one yet, but it's looking that way).

The DNR web site is:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/

Now for the important question, would you like some company? I just moved to the area, and would like to go varmit hunting as well.

D

 

[bensdad]

Check local laws, as well as state, about firearms you can use. I've been told that here in MN some counties prohibit rifles (never read this, but I've heard it from others).

Find a mentor/buddy to do it with. Another set of eyes and ears (and ideas) makes a big difference.

 

[Dr_2_B]

thanks for the thoughtful reponses

 

[easy]

http://www.varmintal.com/ahunt.htm

http://www.coyotegods.com/pagepart2.html