Simple tactics far a beginner...

[yotechoker]

I'm purchasing a 22 mag for some night calling(I know the limitations and I have houses around) I will be alone, so I was thinking of buying a scope mounted light. This is in the hardwoods in NY, so the shots are within 100 yds even in daylight. I have greys, reds, and yotes. Any calling tips , seasonal tactics, equipment suggestions would be welcome.

[onecoyote]

A scope mounted light limits your movement except for shooting, you need a hand held light moving all the time, then use the scope mounted light to finish the job. Night hunting is a different game then day hunting, lots of things to learn.

I'm assuming hardwoods are thick trees? If so I'd use a shotgun, got to be close shooting. Actually for that kind of hunting maybe you should look into a Savage over & under, a 12 gage 22 mag would do the trick.   I'm also assuming you are using a hand call? At night that's better then having a e-caller away from you, you need the animals coming at you so you can see eyes.

Cold weather is always best to hunt in and I know you have cold weather. You said you are hunting alone, that is not the best way to hunt at night nor is it safe. You need to be looking for a partner, with todays interest in predator hunting that should not be to hard to do. Best way to learn is go do it.

[yotechoker]

Unfortunately, I work strange shifts and days off are during the week, I will have to go it alone for now. I may try setting up a general area light and then once I pick up a set of eyes I can move the rifle lights . I want to learn more about calling times and tricks. The trees are 2-16" with a lot of room in between , some brush and swamp. 

[onecoyote]

I've never hunted that kind of country, I'm a western caller and hunt mostly sagebrush deserts, rolling hills etc. Way different then in the trees and swamps of the east. I have done a little bit of trees in the mountians that about it.
Something you need to know. Once you have picked up eyes, never turn the light off an animal or take the light off the animal. It well be a trick holding the light on the animal as you get the gun light on it, but it can be done.
Night time is always the best calling time for predators because they are more active at night. New moon, first and last quarters are also best when using a light.  You can call predators under any moon phase, but not always alot of action with the FM. Normally coyotes are more light shy under a full moon if that helps.
Yotechocker, I am no expert and I don't think there is such a thing in this sport. I do have alot of serious night and day hunting experience under my belt, just trying to pass it on to those interested. Good luck and let us know how you do. 

[oso45-70]

Yotechoker

You might find that a good head lamp would work for you, And if so you could eliminate one of your actions. As you swing from side to side slowly scoping the area out, And if you spot eyes you move very slowly to get into shooting position bringing your gun up for the shot. It takes very little light to shine a varmints eyes and at the distance you are talking about { 100yds } you will have no problems. You should be able to call one right in to shooting range by holding the light just above it's head. I use a open reed call and can hold it in my mouth while i watch whats going on. One thing is for certain. { you will get many reasons why it will and the same amount of why it won't work } So a feller just has to try all the options and see which one works for him. Glad to have you on board yotechoker and good luck to ya and hope you have good luck with your calling.......Joe.......

Onecoyote has some good advice also, Put it all togather and you have a winner......Joe.......

[yotechoker]

Good stuff! what type of calling and when (dusk, night, dawn) I've got a few yotes, greys around, and trapped one red this year. I own a rabbit squealer, and I think I've got the lip squeak down. Please keep it coming, I'm liking this...

[STexhunter]

I really like to call at night but, here in the S. Tx brush you only have roads or senderos that offer shots.  I have found that in hunting the thick brush my best luck is in the mornings or just before sundown until you can't see anymore.  I guess I'm lazy because I now use a tape to call with, putting it about 50 - 75yds from my stand.  I've had coyotes come in from 30 seconds to 17 minutes after I turned the call on.  I usually dont call any longer that 15 - 20 minutes then move to a new place.  I usually get a response to the call on an average of 10 stands and I've been doing it about 30 yrs.  Good luck with your calling and you will continue to learn from now on.

[oso45-70]

STexhunter

You are absolutely right about learning for the rest of your life, I started the fall of 1947 and have learned a lot and still learn each time i go out. You can not get the fine points out of a book but they do aim you in the right direction and it's up  to the individual to polish and hone his skills to the perfection he is satisfied with { which never happens. } I hope you all have a great time hunting the wily Coyote and all the rest of the meat hungry critters out there..........Joe...........