Coyote hunting is growing in popularity—and for good reason. These intelligent predators are found across North America, adapt to nearly every landscape, and present a real challenge for hunters. Whether you’re managing wildlife, protecting livestock, or seeking a new hunting thrill, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the essentials of coyote hunting from start to finish.
Why Hunt Coyotes?
Hunting coyotes serves both recreational and conservation purposes. Here’s why people hunt them:
- Predator management: Coyotes prey on deer fawns, turkeys, and small game. They can unbalance local ecosystems if unchecked.
- Livestock protection: Coyotes often target sheep, goats, and poultry, leading to losses for farmers and ranchers.
- Skill-building: Coyotes are sharp, fast, and elusive. Hunting them hones your stealth, shooting, and calling skills.
- Year-round opportunity: In most states, there’s no closed season, so you can hunt coyotes anytime with the right license.
Step 1: Know the Laws in Your Area
Before heading out, research your state’s regulations. Each state has its own rules for hunting coyotes—including weapon restrictions, licensing, hunting hours, and whether night hunting is allowed.
Many states allow hunting year-round with no bag limits, but this isn’t true everywhere. Some places require special permits for night vision or thermal optics.
Step 2: Understand Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are opportunistic, intelligent, and adaptable. They travel alone or in small packs and often respond to food sources, distress sounds, or territorial calls.
Key behavior patterns:
- Most active at dawn, dusk, and during the night
- Vocal and territorial—especially in mating season (Jan–March)
- Drawn to easy meals—dead animals, small prey, and livestock
Understanding their patterns helps you choose the right location, time, and call to attract them.
Step 3: Get the Right Gear
You don’t need a truckload of expensive gear, but a few essential items make a big difference. Here’s what beginners should have:
| Gear | Description |
|---|---|
| Rifle (or shotgun) | .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win are popular; 12-gauge for close shots |
| Scope or Optics | Good magnification for long-range shooting |
| Calls | Electronic or mouth calls (distress, coyote howl, pup in distress) |
| Camouflage | Match local terrain; face mask and gloves are helpful |
| Shooting Sticks | Provide stability for long shots |
| Rangefinder | Helps with accurate shot placement |
| Decoy (optional) | Fur or motion decoys can distract and lure coyotes |
Step 4: Pick the Right Location
Good habitat makes or breaks your hunt. Look for open areas near woods, brush, or farmland. Coyotes use cover for stalking and open ground for feeding.
Best places to hunt coyotes:
- Field edges near timber or thickets
- Ranches or farms with livestock
- Abandoned buildings or fence lines
- Drainages, ridgelines, or dry creek beds
Scouting is key—look for tracks, scat, howling at night, or game camera footage.
Step 5: Learn the Art of Calling Coyotes
Calling is the heart of coyote hunting. Done right, it pulls them into shooting range fast. There are three main types of calls:
1. Distress Calls:
- Imitate wounded prey like rabbits, birds, or fawns
- Best for hungry coyotes or during winter
2. Coyote Vocalizations:
- Howls, yips, barks, and challenge calls
- Effective during mating or territorial disputes
3. Pup Distress:
- Triggers protective instincts
- Great year-round, especially in summer
Electronic calls offer volume and variety, while mouth calls give more control and portability. Try mixing both for better results.
Step 6: Use Proper Setup and Strategy
When calling, your setup matters as much as your sound. Here’s how to do it right:
- Stay downwind: Coyotes almost always circle downwind to check scent
- Use cover: Sit in brush, behind rocks, or in tall grass
- Stay still: Coyotes have great eyesight and can spot movement
- Keep the sun at your back: It helps conceal your movement
Start with low-volume calls and increase if nothing responds. Each calling session should last 15–30 minutes. If nothing shows, move to another spot and repeat.
Step 7: Shot Placement and Shooting Tips
Be quick but accurate. Coyotes don’t hang around once they sense something’s off. Know where to shoot for a humane kill:
- Rifle: Aim for the chest, just behind the front leg
- Shotgun: Aim for the head or chest at close range
Practice at the range, especially with your chosen call and shooting position.
Step 8: Post-Hunt Considerations
After harvesting a coyote, tag it if required and follow your state’s disposal or use rules. Some hunters keep the pelts for tanning or sale. Others leave carcasses for scavengers or remove them from livestock zones.
Safety and ethical tips:
- Identify your target clearly—never shoot at movement without confirming
- Respect private property and always ask permission
- Dispose of carcasses legally and respectfully
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcalling: Too much sound can spook coyotes
- Ignoring wind direction: Scent control is critical
- Sitting in open view: Use natural cover
- Moving too soon: Stay still and wait even after calling ends
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of day to hunt coyotes?
Dawn and dusk are prime times, but night hunting can be even better where legal. Coyotes move more under cover of darkness.
Do you need scent control?
Yes. Coyotes have an incredible sense of smell. Use scent-free clothing, sprays, and stay downwind at all times.
Can you eat coyote meat?
Technically yes, but it’s not common. Most people hunt coyotes for predator control, not food.
Are electronic calls better than mouth calls?
It depends. E-calls offer convenience and volume. Mouth calls provide realism and control. Many hunters use both.
Conclusion: Start Smart, Stay Ethical
Coyote hunting offers an exciting and challenging way to improve your skills while contributing to wildlife balance. With the right gear, tactics, and preparation, beginners can succeed in calling and taking these elusive predators.
Respect the laws, practice ethical hunting, and stay safe in the field. Every hunt is a chance to learn, improve, and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.