Running a Spotlight, by George Ackley

Running a light for coyotes north of the Mason Dixon line & east of the Big Muddy

Three things determine the way I work my light:

• 1. The critter I am attempting to call
  
• 2. The darkness of the night
  
• 3. The cover I am calling in
  

These three things are what determines if I run the light constantly or if I turn the light off in between calling sequences.. These same three things will also determine what candle power my light will be. I try and never use more then 250,000 candle power on any critter and sometimes just a good old Minnie mag is all that's needed to get the job done. I also never use a large candle power light in heavy wood lots. I feel most of the time it casts too many shadows for me to sit comfortably for any length of time, so any good quality hand held flash light works for me in heavy timber conditions. Heavy or thick woods would be one case of me turning on and off my light. When I am in heavy timber conditions I make sure I am well hidden and have the wind in my face or a good cross wind but still able see the area I am calling. I make a call sequence with the light off, call for 30 to 40 seconds, let it get quiet, then turn my light on at which time I give the area a fast scan to pick up eyes on any approaching coyote. At this point if nothing shows I will repeat the calling sequence with the light off. Once we do acquire a target (Mr. Coyote) then I keep the light on and just to the side of the critter until the shot is taken.

The other scenario of turning my light on and off would be If the moon is bright or there is good snow cover on the ground and I find myself working a open area such as a field or a cut block with little cover to conceal myself. I feel that anything that is looking for the sound and looks in your direction when the light is pointing elsewhere will pick up your movement, so I turn my light off when calling is being done.

When I am targeting coyotes and bobcats with a second person as the shooter and me being the caller,  I will call the first time for 30 to 40 secants sometimes as long as 90 with the light off, then I will turn my light on and scan 360 degrees if I can, fast! my shooter know the deal on what to do before we get out of the truck, so he is now following the light with his eyes all the way around and if that's not possible then at least he will follow it 180 degrees ( and I move it fast) when I pick up a coyote or cats eye's then I will see if the shooter seen what I seen, if so I will start my calls again, but at little lower volume or just a lip squeak, the light is still on as I call and just to the side of the critter at this time if he didn't see the critters eyes I will direct him with my hand wile I am working the call in my mouth, when the shooter gives me the nod that he has seen the cats or coyotes eyes.we like taken the shots on coyotes as soon as a shot presents it self. but bobcat Sometimes will check up and just sit there looking into the light , If the cat dose this the shooter will shoot him right there as it sits. but if he cant be shot do to brush or a log or something I will turn the light off and work my call softer then scan the area again.. I will scan 360 degrees every time I turn the light back on , you never know what is hunting your sounds and I haven't found bobcat to get spooked from the moving ling or it going on and off as long as the sound of your call is keeping him interested.. Now in the worst case if the cat just sits there looking in amassment and we cant get the shot my shooter will close the distance on the cat by walking to him just in side the beam of light.

Cats are a funny critters to work with a light,,,,,,most coyote will not fall for this but to my surprise a couple coyotes have worked in real close over the years working my light on coyotes I never turn it off , they are the prize that I am looking for as soon as I pick him up in the light I keep the light just to one side of him and light him up till the shot is taken.