The anticipation was high as we packed up our gear and hit the road for a three-night coyote hunt out of state during the coyote breeding season. It wasn’t just about the hunt itself but the adventure, the challenge, and the time spent with a good friend doing what we love. The long drive was filled with stories, laughter, and strategizing for the nights ahead. We had a plan—a deal, really. If we had two coyotes come in at once, we would count down, 3…2…1… and shoot together. Simple enough, right?
My rifle of choice for this trip was a Specialized Dynamics AR15 chambered in .22 Nosler, topped with a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro. Paired with a Pulsar Telos LRF XL50 and Merger XT50 handheld thermal scanners, we were ready for whatever the night had in store.
The first night, we set up in a promising spot where we had seen fresh tracks earlier in the day. The air was crisp, the night was still, and the anticipation was electric. We scanned the fields with the Pulsar Telos LRF XL50 and Merger XT50, and the clarity was almost surreal. Through the Telos, I could see every blade of grass swaying in the faint breeze, and the Merger XT50 picked up subtle heat signatures even at long distances. It wasn’t long before the eerie howls and yips echoed through the darkness. We ran our call, and like clockwork, two coyotes came trotting in, cautious but curious. This was it—our moment.
I steadied my AR15, the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro giving me an ultra-sharp, detailed image of the approaching pair. Every movement was crisp, and I could see their coats glinting against the backdrop. We lined up our shots, and I started the countdown. “Three…two…” BOOM! My buddy jumped the gun! His shot rang out just before I could squeeze the trigger. The first coyote dropped instantly, but the second bolted, never offering another chance. We sat in silence for a moment before bursting into laughter. “I got excited!” he admitted, shaking his head.
Night two was another great setup. This time, we were determined to get it right. The wind was in our favor, and the moon offered just enough light to make for a perfect setup. Again, we scanned the area with the Telos and Merger, noting a few distant heat signatures that were just curious deer. Eventually, the familiar chorus of yips and howls rang out. We waited, and sure enough, two coyotes came loping in. I quickly reacquired them with the Thermion 2, every detail sharp and vibrant even in the pitch-black night. We steadied our rifles, and I whispered the countdown once more. “Three…two…” BOOM! This time, I was the culprit. I had gotten caught up in the moment and fired a split second too soon. My buddy fired right after, but the second coyote was already sprinting into the night. The irony wasn’t lost on us. We just couldn’t seem to get the timing right. Once again, the laughter followed, echoing into the night air.
The final night was just as thrilling, though we never did get another double to test our coordination—or lack thereof. We scanned the landscape one last time with the Telos and Merger, marveling at how sharp the image quality remained even after hours of use. But that didn’t matter. The trip had already given us exactly what we came for: good times, great memories, and a few good laughs at our own expense. We packed up on the last morning, sore from the long nights and the miles hiked but grinning from ear to ear.
It’s funny how these hunting trips always end up being about more than just the harvest. Sure, we came to call in coyotes, and we got a couple, but the real trophy was the experience itself. The excitement, the mishaps, the stories we’ll tell for years to come—those are the things that matter. As we drove home, already talking about the next trip, one thing was clear: there’s nothing quite like a hunt with a good friend, a few missed countdowns, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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