Dad was toting the big rifle, and I was riding shotgun, so to speak, since I was manning the 870 loaded with Hevi-Shot's Dead Coyote loads. Whether they came in near or far, we'd be prepared for both contingencies. Over our shoulders to the east, a full moon was rising.

Some say full moons are the perfect time to chase coyotes, as the increased light allows predators to hunt all night. Combine that with the refracted light from the snow and cold temperatures that make them hungry and coyotes will remain active all night searching for a meal.

The first howl from the Hunter's Specialties Mac-Daddy Howler pierced the eerie silence of the white moonscape. After my second series of howls, yips, and barks, I thought I heard a response over west where the coyotes had been cajoling a few nights before. Tonight we'd see if I could coax them over this way.

Doing my best to sound like a dying rabbit, I blew some ear-piercing screams through my PC-1 predator call, mixing them in with the occasional howl, to simulate a pack of coyotes moving in for the kill. Hopefully, we'd peak the interest of a hungry song dog willing to accept our invitation to supper.

Coyotes are widespread throughout the state, although localized populations occasionally get temporarily trapped or hunted out, much to the delight of most farmers and ranchers. Usually, there are plenty more dogs to fill in the void, and numbers quickly rebound.

In Nebraska, coyotes are so prolific and such a nuisance they are considered non-game. A hunting license isn't required for residents to hunt them, and there is no season on them, meaning they can be hunted year-round.

However, most experts agree that late fall into early winter is the best time to hunt them. When there's snow on the ground, they become easier to call, since their caloric needs go up in the winter forcing them to be constantly on the move in search for food.

However, although the moon was bright, the planets obviously weren't aligned in our favor, for tonight only a hungry hawk responded to our calls.

It flew off when we got up to leave after an hour or so of hunting. Both of us were freezing, and our own suppers awaiting us back at home were calling. In the distance, the call of the wild could still be heard - possibly a little closer. We crunched our way back to the car under the light of the coyote moon.