Coyote hunting has grown increasingly popular among hunters looking for a challenge, and for good reason. Coyotes are cunning, elusive creatures, and hunting them requires skill, patience, and the right gear. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting, coyote hunting presents an exciting and rewarding adventure. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of coyote hunting, offering tips, techniques, and gear recommendations to help you succeed.
Why Hunt Coyotes?
Coyotes are abundant across North America, especially in rural, suburban, and even urban environments. They are opportunistic predators, which means they prey on small game, livestock, and sometimes even pets. In many areas, coyote populations are growing, and they are considered a nuisance by farmers and ranchers. Because of this, coyote hunting is not only a sport but can also serve as a way to protect livestock and reduce the coyote population in specific regions.
Hunting coyotes is an exciting challenge because these animals are smart, fast, and possess incredible survival instincts. Their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing make them difficult to track and hunt, so it’s important to be well-prepared.
Understanding the Coyote’s Behavior
Before you head out, it’s essential to understand coyote behavior. Coyotes are nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning or late evening hours. They are territorial and often travel alone or in pairs, although they may form small packs in the winter.
Coyotes are also opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll scavenge for food wherever possible. They tend to hunt small mammals like rabbits, rodents, and birds, but they’ll also scavenge carrion when available. Understanding their feeding habits and behaviors can help you plan your hunt more effectively.
Best Time to Hunt Coyotes
The best time to hunt coyotes is during the dawn and dusk hours, as these are the times when they are most active. Early morning hunts often yield the best results because coyotes tend to be more confident in the low light of dawn.
In addition to morning and evening hunts, night hunting is also popular in some areas. However, you’ll need to check your local laws regarding nighttime hunting, as it may be restricted in certain regions.
Choosing the Right Gear for Coyote Hunting
Like any form of hunting, having the right gear is crucial for success. Here are the key pieces of equipment every beginner coyote hunter should consider:
1. Rifle or Shotgun
While you can use a variety of firearms to hunt coyotes, the .223 Remington or .22-250 Remington are two of the most popular calibers for coyote hunting. These rifles offer flat trajectories and are perfect for longer-range shots. Shotguns can also be used, especially in areas with dense brush, but rifles generally offer greater accuracy at longer distances.
- Popular Choices: Ruger American Predator .223, Savage Model 11/111, or a semi-automatic AR-15.
2. Calls and Decoys
Coyotes are curious by nature and are often drawn to sounds that mimic their prey or other coyotes. Electronic callers are highly effective, as they can broadcast a variety of sounds that attract coyotes, such as distress calls from rabbits or fawns. Manual calls (mouth calls) are also commonly used but may require more skill and practice.
- Popular Calls: Primos Coyote Craze, FoxPro Inferno, or a simple hand-held distress call.
In addition to calls, decoys can help lure coyotes closer. Motion decoys that mimic the movement of prey animals can be especially effective.
3. Binoculars and Optics
Coyote hunting often involves spotting your prey at long distances. High-quality binoculars or a spotting scope will help you identify coyotes and track their movements. Look for optics that offer high magnification and clear, sharp images in low-light conditions.
4. Camouflage Clothing
Coyotes have excellent eyesight, so blending into your environment is crucial. Use camouflage clothing that matches the terrain, such as leafy or woodland patterns for forested areas or tan and brown colors for open fields.
Also, wear gloves and a face mask to conceal your scent and prevent detection. Coyotes have an exceptional sense of smell, so scent control is vital.
5. Hunting Boots
You’ll likely be walking long distances across rough terrain, so investing in comfortable, durable boots is essential. Look for boots that are waterproof and insulated if you plan on hunting in wet or cold conditions.
- Recommendation: Trudave Hunting Boots are a great choice for coyote hunters, offering comfort, durability, and waterproof protection.
6. Predator Vest or Gear Bag
While not a must-have, a vest or gear bag to carry your equipment (calls, ammo, snacks, etc.) is a smart idea. A vest with pockets designed for hunting can help you stay organized during your hunt.
Coyote Hunting Techniques for Beginners
1. Stand Hunting
One of the most effective techniques for beginners is stand hunting. This involves setting up in a concealed location, such as a tree stand, brush pile, or a low point in the landscape, and calling for coyotes to come into range. The idea is to be as still as possible while using calls to lure coyotes in close.
When setting up, always pay attention to the wind direction. Coyotes have an incredible sense of smell, and if the wind is not in your favor, they are likely to catch your scent and run.
2. Spot and Stalk
Spot and stalk hunting involves actively searching for coyotes by scanning the landscape with binoculars, then stalking your prey once you spot it. This method is more challenging and requires stealth and patience. You’ll need to move slowly, taking advantage of terrain features like hills or trees to stay hidden.
3. Calling
The most common method for hunting coyotes is calling. When using a call, mimic the sounds of a distressed animal (such as a rabbit) or a lone coyote. Coyotes are territorial and curious, so the sound of an injured animal can entice them to investigate.
- Start by calling for 15-20 minutes, then wait for a few minutes to see if anything responds. You can use a combination of distress calls and coyote howls to increase your chances of attracting a coyote.
4. Hunting in Pairs
Coyote hunting can be more successful when hunting in pairs. One person can focus on calling and drawing the coyote in, while the other remains hidden and ready to take the shot. This technique allows for better coverage and may increase the likelihood of success.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
While coyote hunting is a thrilling experience, safety and ethical hunting practices should always be a top priority.
- Know your target: Always ensure that you have a clear, ethical shot. Avoid shooting at moving targets unless you are sure you can make a clean shot. Remember, headshots are best for a humane kill.
- Wear safety gear: Always wear hearing protection and eye protection while hunting. In some areas, hunters may also wear orange safety vests to avoid being mistaken for wildlife.
- Be mindful of regulations: Always follow local laws and regulations regarding hunting seasons, bag limits, and specific hunting zones for coyotes. Many states allow coyote hunting year-round, but some areas may have restrictions or designated hunting seasons.
Conclusion
Coyote hunting is an exciting and rewarding experience that offers challenges and opportunities for hunters of all skill levels. With the right gear, techniques, and patience, you can successfully hunt these clever predators. Remember to always respect local laws, hunt ethically, and prioritize safety. Whether you’re hunting to protect livestock, reduce a coyote population, or simply enjoy the sport, the thrill of the hunt is sure to provide a memorable experience. Happy hunting!
