Predator Management

Coyote hunting can be a rewarding challenge, requiring a mix of patience, skill, and the right techniques. Here's a general guide to help you get started.

Know the best time to hunt. Coyotes are active year-round, but hunting is typically best during their breeding season (late winter to early spring) or during the fall when they're actively looking for food. Coyotes are most active around dawn and dusk, but they can also be hunted at night in many areas (be sure to check local regulations).

Coyotes are opportunistic and smart animals. They often avoid humans and are weary of anything unusual. Understanding their habits (such as scavenging or hunting smaller animals) helps in setting up the right approach. They tend to stay in areas with dense cover like wooded patches or open fields with some cover. We love the challenge of bringing coyotes into shotgun range and we close the deal with the power and patterns of HEVI-Shot® "Dead Coyote!"®. The load is a 3-inch 12-gauge 00 buckshot. It is also 12 g/cc pressed tungsten pellets, are frangible, non-sparking and produce more downrange energy than any other predator shell for lethal performance out to 70 yards.

To ensure success we utilize electronic calls that play a variety of distress sounds or coyote vocalizations at the push of a button, allowing you to focus more on spotting and waiting. Our favorite combination of calling sequence is pup in distress and rabbit distress. To ensure you are using your calls effectively start with low, soft calls to mimic an injured or distressed animal. Wait about 10–15 minutes between calling sequences. If you don’t get any immediate response, try different sounds. Coyotes can be curious or cautious, so varying the pitch and tone of your calls can increase your chances. Keep the calls short and spaced out, especially if you're hunting in an area with a lot of coyotes. Another key factor for success is finding a spot with a good vantage point, like a hill or a ridge. Coyotes will often approach from downwind, so try and be mindful of wind direction when setting up. Be as still and quiet as possible and use camouflage to blend into your surroundings. Your next focus should be decoy placement. We typically set our decoy at 20-30 yards, as this can draw coyotes in, thinking there's an easy meal. Stay patient and ready! Coyotes can be very skittish, so staying still and quiet is crucial. It can take a while for them to come into the open. Be prepared to take a shot quickly, especially if you're calling. Coyotes often move quickly, and a good shot can be difficult if they’re at a distance or closing in fast. Coyote hunting laws vary by state, especially for hunting at night or using certain methods. Always ensure you're hunting legally. Always be aware of your surroundings and know what’s beyond your target before firing.