Coyote Hunting: Best How To Hunt Coyote Guide

Hunting coyotes is a popular activity for many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. So if coyote hunting is on your list of things to master, you’re in the right place.

These wily predators can be found across North America and offer a challenging hunting experience for those looking to test their skills. There are different ways you can hunt coyote, from trap hunting to short and long range hunting.

Coyote hunting also helps keep populations of these animals in check. They can become a threat to livestock and other wildlife if the population becomes too large..

Whether you’re a beginner hunter or a seasoned pro, you can brush up on your techniques as we discuss how to hunt coyotes, including gear, tactics, and safety tips.

Coyote Hunting Guide: Gear Tips & More

Coyote hunting requires the proper equipment to be successful. You’ll need a weapon, some optics, and a few essentials before you get started.

Weapon

A rifle or shotgun are typically suggested by most hunters as they are dependable and hold the right accuracy and power required to bring down coyotes.

However, this generally comes down to personal preference and any weapons used must abide by local regulations. It is important that you choose a weapon you feel comfortable with in order to get the job done.

Binoculars

Quality optics such as binoculars are another piece of gear you should have on your hunt.

These are essential for gauging the age, size and distance of a coyote.

Look for a pair that is lightweight, durable and has at least 8x magnification for optimal clarity of view.

Essentials

Aside from binoculars, your weapon and ammo, pack your hunting backpack with all the essentials.

This includes snacks and water, and any other must-haves you’ll need along the way. A first aid kit is always a good choice to keep in your backpack.

Choose a lightweight, durable backpack with a suspension system that helps distribute weight evenly for maximum comfort during your hunt!

Coyote Hunting Equipment and Gear

• Coyote hunting rifle: A high-powered rifle in .223, .243, or .308 caliber is ideal for coyote hunting. (See Long Range Hunting for more options)
•  Ammunition: Choose ammunition appropriate for your rifle, such as V-Max bullets for fast expansion and accuracy.
• Predator call: An electronic predator call can help you lure in coyotes with various sounds like rabbit distress calls.
• Hunting knife: A sharp hunting knife is necessary for field dressing and processing your kill.
• Hunting boots: Comfortable, sturdy boots with good traction are essential for navigating uneven terrain and staying warm.
• Hunting clothes: Dress appropriately for the weather and in camouflage to blend into the surroundings.
• Hunting backpack: A backpack is useful for carrying your gear, food, and water.
• Binoculars: Binoculars can help you spot coyotes at a distance.
• Blinds: Blinds can be used to conceal yourself while waiting for coyotes to approach.
• Hunting dog: Though not necessary at all, a well-trained hunting dog, such as a hound or a retriever, can help locate and track coyotes.
• Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight is essential for navigating in low-light conditions.
• Maps and compass: A map and compass are helpful for navigating the hunting area.
• First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and emergencies.
• Water and snacks: Stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day. (Shop water bottles and bladders)
• Personal protective equipment: Wear eye and ear protection to prevent injury from your firearm.

The Best Gear to Make Coyote Hunting Easier

Easily hunt coyotes more confidently with the perfect gear! Find out what firearms, clothing and accessories are best for successful hunts in this helpful guide.

Hunting coyotes is a thrilling sport and a great way to spend time in nature. To make sure your hunt goes off without a hitch, it’s essential to have the right gear.

From firearms and clothing to accessories, this guide will help you pick the best gear for an unforgettable coyote hunt.

Invest in Quality Coyote Hunting Rifles

A quality coyote hunting rifle can make a world of difference when you’re out hunting these unpredictable predators.

It’s important to keep in mind that rifles built for deer and other large animals may not be suitable for coyotes because they tend to require more precise shots.

Look for rifles specifically designed for small game hunting that are designed for long range shooting and typically associated with coyote hunting.

Don’t Skimp on the Optics for Your Rifle

Having a good optic for your coyote hunting rifle is essential. A quality scope can help you spot coyotes from long distances, as well as identify them accurately in low light or dusk conditions.

Most scopes designed for coyote hunting have high magnifications that range from 6-20X. Look for one with a wide lens and adjustable reticles to get the most out of your setup.

Shop Rifle Scopes and Sights

Choose Camouflage Clothing to Blend In

Another important piece of gear for successful coyote hunting is camouflage clothing. While predators have great vision, they also rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing when hunting, making it essential to blend in with the environment.

You can find camo for coyote hunting, with patterns featuring neutral shades found in a range of habitats. Be sure to choose lightweight, breathable materials that will help you stay stealthy and comfortable during lengthy hunting trips.

Shop Camo

Opt for Camouflage Boots that Fit Right

Correctly fitting footwear is an important pattern for hunters to remember, and especially so when hunting coyotes. You need boots that fit correctly and will be comfortable for long distances if necessary.

Make sure your boots provide ample water resistance to keep your feet dry while you’re out on the hunt.

Coyote hunting involves traversing various terrain, whether it’s moist marshes, snowy tundra, hardwood forests or grasslands, so choose shoes that can handle a variety of conditions.

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Pack Along Essential Coyote Hunting Accessory Items

A coyote hunt can also be made easier when you remember to pack along essential accessory items.

These include things like a decoy, which can be used to call in weary coyotes.

A call, which is great for tempting out larger numbers of coyotes.

Binoculars, which can help you see further into the distance

And a quality rifle or shotgun that won’t let you down. All are important tools to carry onto the field!

Coyote Hunting: Safety First

Coyote Hunting can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience a thrilling adventure, but it is important to remember safety first.

Know The Area

Before you head out to hunt, make sure that everyone in your hunting party knows the rules and is aware of their surroundings at all times.

Keep a clear line of sight in all directions, and wear fluorescent orange clothing if possible for added visibility.

Local Regulations

It’s also important to follow safety regulations. Make sure to be familiar with the local regulations regarding hunting coyotes – there may be restrictions on when or how you can hunt.

Proper PPE

Use proper safety gear such as goggles and hearing protection and avoid hunting alone.

Ensure that your weapon is in working order before you venture out – check for any wear and tear or other potential issues that could make hunting safely more difficult.

Bright Clothing

This is a popular sport and its no wonder so many people want to learn how to hunt coyotes, but it can also be dangerous when too many hunters take to the same location.

Ensure your safety while on the hunt by always wear bright orange clothing.

This not only increases your visibility so that other hunters know where you are, but it can help prevent accidents by alerting them to your presence.

Be Sure Of Your Shot

Never shoot in the direction of homes and roads, and if you’re unsure of what you’re shooting at or what is behind your target, don’t fire.

Coyote Hunting Tactics

Coyote Calls

Just learning how to hunt coyotes? The best way to do it is to use callers.

Coyote calls emit various sounds that lure the animals in, such as imitations of prey like rabbits or squirrel. Calling for coyote is probably the best way to hunt them. It’s very effective and a hunting skill everyone should learn!

Once the coyotes come in for a closer look, you can take your shot.

Having the right gear and understanding the right tactic is key to successful coyote hunting!

Shop Calls

Decoys

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just coyote hunting beginner, it can be made successful with the help of decoys. Predator decoys help draw in coyote because they resemble prey, or prey in destress specifically.

These decoys can be crafted from either plastic or stuffed animals and can be used to entice coyotes by resembling the behavior of prey.

Areas with more cautious coyotes may require decoys as a way to draw them in, making them an important tactic for effective hunting.

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Wind Direction

An effective hunt requires careful consideration of the wind direction.

Coyotes have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and will be easily alerted to your presence if your scent is carried by the wind towards them.

For maximum success, it’s highly advised to approach the coyote from a downwind direction, such that the wind is blowing in your face.

Best Time To Hunt Coyotes

When is the best time to hunt coyotes? Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, so it’s ideal to hunt during dawn and dusk when they begin their search for food.

Can you hunt coyote at night? Yes, but check local regulations first! Night hunting can be more productive since coyotes tend to be more active then.

As temperatures drop even further, coyote activity during the day increases, making this another good opportunity for hunting.

Either way, it is usually easier to locate them when they are in search of prey.

Where To Shoot Coyote

When hunting coyotes, the most effective spot to shoot for a clean kill is right through the front shoulder.

This is because coyotes have their heart placed further forward in the chest cavity compared to other big game animals, such as deer.

So make sure your next shot at a coyote is right through the front shoulder! It’s best if the animal is standing still, this way you don’t need to shoot a moving target.

Avoid aiming behind the shoulder. Even though it will usually result in a kill shot, due to the anatomy of a coyote it will most likely become a liver shot.

This is effective but may require some time for the animal to die and is less humane than shooting it directly through the shoulder into the heart.

How To Hunt Coyotes: Final Thoughts

Hunting coyotes can be a rewarding activity, but it isn’t for the faint of heart.

To succeed, making sure you have the right gear, using effective tactics and following safety guidelines are essentials.

Whether you’re a hunting veteran or just beginning to learn how to hunt coyotes, understanding gear, safety regulations and guidelines, and pro tactics are key to contributing to their management and also make your time spent outdoors enjoyable.

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