Coyote Hunting: Tips for Beginners

Coyote hunting is gaining more and more popularity in America. Some of the reasons behind the growing interest are strong populations and liberal regulations when it comes to this predator hunting sport.

Bear in mind that coyotes are smart predators and won’t let you get them easily. Since they are such a challenging game to hunt, it can lead to frustration, especially among newbies.

It is essential to remind yourself not to give up too soon – patience is your best weapon against this smart animal.

Let’s go through some basics to avoid common mistakes and ease your way to a successful experience.

1. Know the Rules

Before heading out on a hunt, make sure to look at your state’s rules and understand coyote hunting regulations.

To hunt in certain states, you must obtain licenses and permits. The type of permit usually depends on your age, resident status, and other factors.

Night hunting is allowed in some states, while others prohibit it.

2. Don’t Forget About Safety Measures

Stay careful at all times, and particularly at night. The visibility is reduced, and not everybody has a pair of advanced binoculars.

Make sure to put on gloves when handling coyotes since they are prone to illnesses.

Always inform at least one person where you are heading and when you plan to return in the case of an emergency.

3. Prepare for the Hunt Properly

Proper coyote hunting gear is vital, especially during the night when the predator’s senses are heightened. Silent riffles and a great scope will make your hunt easier and more successful.

Test and clean all of the weapons you plan to use. A first aid kit and a fire starter are a must-have. Prepare the stands in advance to let the scent disappear.

Arm yourself with nutritious, high-calorie foods like nuts and seeds.

4. Camouflage Head-to-Toe

Camouflage from head to toe to quickly mix with the environment. Proper concealment goes a long way. Ghillie suits will help you blend in with the surroundings and become indistinguishable.

When hunting coyotes, the scent is of great importance. Try scent eliminating products, and dress and undress in the field.

Hunting in the wintertime also comes with bad weather conditions and rough terrain. That’s why hunting in the snow requires proper footwear and additional preparations.

5. Coyote Scouting

To achieve the best results, you need to get in the wild and scout for potential hunting areas days before the hunt. Get to know the woods and fields around you.

If there are no fresh tracks or scat, move on to new areas.

You can talk to other hunters or politely ask the property owners and ranchers. Some of them might be interested in reducing the number of coyote inhabitants within the area.

Even if they don’t allow the hunting, ask the ranchers if they’ve heard coyotes nearby.

6. Choose Your Position Intelligently

A low spot surrounded by hills probably won’t get you anywhere. Always opt for a high place like a tree or a mountain. This will help you oversee the area around you and spot the coyotes without them noticing you.

Otherwise, you may find yourself in the situation that coyotes pass just a few yards away from you, but you miss observing them. It happens way too often.

Hunting on the same spot too frequently will wear your place out. Coyotes will become aware of your presence, so change your hunting area from time to time.

Also, don’t wait too long in the same spot. Linger for about 20-30 minutes before heading further.

7. Stay Downwind & Watch the Noises You Make

Coyotes avoid human scent, so try to remain downwind for them not to catch a whiff of your smell. It is also important to note that these animals have excellent hearing.

You may easily give up your location by loud sounds. Keep your presence low and park your vehicle a considerable distance from where you enter into the hunting area.

Rookies tend to forget about this and may slam the door of their truck. Sudden strange noises will surely scare the coyotes away.

The same thing goes when it comes to your spot. Talking or laughing loudly is a no-no if you don’t want to give out your position.

Before heading out on your first hunting trip, it is good to know that late fall and early winter are the best periods to hunt coyotes.

Also, if you want results, training is mandatory! Join a shooting center or visit the local firing range to keep your shooting skills polished.

Bio: Nemanja Marinkoff was born in Srpski Itebej in former Yugoslavia and has lived in many countries since then. He’s editor-in-chief at TheGearHunt and WalkJogRun. He’s a marketing expert, and he’s interested in all things related to basketball. He also loves marzipan, although his wife hates it. You can find him on Twitter.