Coyote Hunting With Night Vision — Best Time Of Night?

Understanding Coyote Behavior

Coyotes are opportunistic predators, but their behavior is influenced by the lunar cycle, temperature, and time of year. During the peak night vision hours, coyotes tend to move more frequently in search of food, increasing their visibility and vulnerability to hunters. It’s essential to understand that coyotes often follow established routes, making it easier to anticipate and intercept them.

Night Vision Techniques

When hunting coyotes with night vision, use a 3-6x magnification lens to scan the terrain and detect movement. Look for areas with high coyote activity, such as near water sources, roads, and agricultural fields. Employ a “spot and stalk” approach, where you observe a coyote’s movement pattern from a distance, then carefully close in for a shot. Consider using a night vision monocular or a compact night vision scope, which can be easily carried and operated in the field.

Maximizing Night Vision Effectiveness

To maximize the effectiveness of your night vision equipment, keep the device’s IR illuminator set to a low or medium level to avoid spooking coyotes. Also, use a rifle with a suppressor to reduce noise and avoid alerting other coyotes in the area. Finally, be prepared to adapt to changing conditions, such as wind direction and moon phase, to optimize your chances of a successful hunt.