Ok Xbowking, you asked for it...
I was about to get down from my stand and go home because it was raining and I wasn't seeing any deer, when I heard what sounded like a dog drinking water from the nearby creek. A minute later this coyote came walking along the opposite side of the creek from me. He came within 30 yards, but there were branches in the way, so I watched him walk out of range and out of sight. I'd never shot a coyote before and I wasn't particularly interested in shooting one, but on the other hand the landowner did say he would appreciate it if I did some pest control.
To my surprise, a few minutes later I see the coyote again, but this time he's on my side of the creek and coming in my general direction. I said to myself that I'll only shoot him if he makes me an offer I can't refuse. Next thing I know, the coyote is walking directly at my tree
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)
, 30 yards... 25... 20... 15... he was still coming directly at me and must have been less than 10 yards out when I took the shot. The coyote spun around and ran off in the other direction. I found my bolt about 5 yards down the trail and I followed the blood trial another 15 or so yards to where he dropped in some tall grass.
My bolt entered between his shoulders, just missed the spine and exited his belly. Needless to say, he was pretty messed up inside when I field dressed him. Now, I've field dressed a lot of animals before, but I couldn't believe how smelly that coyote was, it nearly made me gag!!!!
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
Most of the coyotes that I'd seen in the past were mangy, so I was thrilled that this one had a flawless coat worthy of preserving
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)