Last Updated on July 13, 2022 by Albert Smith
Coyote hunting is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of hunting game there is. With a big emphasis on controlling the numbers of coyotes, and the crazy amount of fun that can be had and a big increase in the price of coyote furs, many are looking to find out how to do this type of hunting. There are certain types of rifles and scopes combos that are made for hunting these elusive dogs. We are going to discuss some tips on how to hunt coyotes, and what guns and scopes work best for the job.
Coyote Hunting Games
Coyote hunting looks fun and easy but is actually quite technical and difficult. You can’t just go out and play a call like many people think. The biggest thing you need to watch for is the wind. If you do not have a good wind, then you will not call in coyotes. They have amazing noses and live and die by them. If you hope to call in a coyote make sure to get up wind of them first of all and have good shooting lanes to the down wind side, because they will circle to come in. Next you need to watch your entry routes. Don’t go over the top of ridges where you can be seen easily, sneak in quietly and try to get close. Once you are set up you have many different calls to choose from. If it is early fall go ahead and click on the prey in distress sounds and wait for the action to happen, or better yet use a mouth call and make it a little personal.
If you are hunting later in the winter, you may try mixing in some vocal howls and challenge howls to see if you can trigger a defensive response or call in a pack looking to protect their turf. One of my favorite scenarios to run in late January is to start off by sending out a few lone howls, and then wait 5 minutes to see if any come sneaking in. Then I will go straight into a cottontail distress for 5 minutes. After that I will howl again. If nothing is in by 15 minutes, I got straight into a pup distress. The key here is to try and hit all the senses of a coyote to get them interested in coming in. Another solid thing to know is that there are coyotes in the area. The best way to do this is scouting where they are and going around at night and howling for them. Find out where they are staying most often and sneak in there to kill them the next time you hunt. Using a siren sound, or a group yip howl, really seems to rip the howls right out of the coyotes and will help you locate them every time. Once you have them found, you are already one step ahead.
Best Coyote Hunting Rifle
So, now you have a coyote out in front of you. You better be sure to have the right rifle and scope to finish the job. The most popular cartridge for coyote hunting is something fast and flat shooting, most prefer the .22-250 rem cartridge. This is an extremely fast and accurate round. I like to pair that cartridge up with a savage axis rifle. This is Savage’s entry level rifle and is not very expensive at all, but it is super accurate out of the box and light. It also packs a very crisp trigger that is a lot better than most other entry level guns. This little gun outperforms its price point in every aspect and competes right up with some of the guns that are 3 times the price. The scope I like to pair it with is a Vortex Crossfire 4-16×50. This scope has the capability of being left on a low power and pick off the close ones but can also zoom way in to 16 power to grab them long range shots. With the 50mm objective you will always have more than enough light to see. This scope is also at a very nice price point and outperforms many other more expensive scopes. It is crystal clear and holds its zero shot after shot.
Best Coyote Hunting Scope
Why is this scope and rifle the best combo out there? Simple it is a cost-effective rifle and scope that most any hunter can afford, and it will get the job done and kill you hundreds of coyotes. This is my preferred setup, and it never fails me. The gun shoots better than I can shoot it. The scope has never failed me, always holds its zero, and is crystal clear. What more can you ask for? If there is a coyote at 300 yards, I hold dead on, and it drops. If it is at 50 yards, I hold on and it drops. Anywhere in between these two yardages, I hold dead on and the coyote drops. It is just all around the best gun I have found to take care of all the shots I may need to take on a coyote hunt. If you are looking to get into coyote hunting or are already experienced and want a better gun. Make sure to give these options a look! You can also buy night vision scope for coyote hunting.
If you have this gun in your hand, and have done the scouting that is needed, you are set to get out there and get to hunting. Find some good calling sequences, and really focus on not being seen, heard or smelled on the way in, and start calling these song dogs on in. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. I have had coyotes come in at the 15 second mark, clear up to 45 minutes on the stand. Sit back, get to calling, and be prepared at all times. You never know when one may come sneaking in or you may even call up an elusive bobcat. One thing for certain is that no matter what comes in, your rifle will be ready to take care of business.
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