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So you’re keen to go hunting coyotes, thats great! But WHEN? What is the best time of day to hunt coyotes?
Here’s some basic information to get you on your way:
Long seasons, generous bag limits, and an ever expanding range have increased the popularity of coyote hunting among hunters. Many of whom want to extend their seasons while also helping conservation efforts by removing these predators from the landscape. For the uninitiated, one of the big questions is what is the best time of day to hunt coyotes?
So What is the Best Time of Day to Hunt Coyotes?
Coyotes are primarily nocturnal hunters so dawn and dusk are the ideal times to hunt these dogs as they hunt for their own food. In areas where it is legal to do so night hunting is also effective so the hunter can catch the Coyotes when they are most active.
You should set up well before dawn in an area of good cover and visibility to start calling them in. Coyotes are wary predators and incredibly intelligent so a great deal of care must be exercised in selection of your spot.
Sneaking in under cover of darkness or in the case of a evening hunt well before dusk is best practice and as with all hunts make sure that the wind is in your favor.
To call in these canines you can use any of a variety of calls but above all remember what these animals are smart so do not over call. Coyotes may scope the area out before committing to coming into your kill zone.
Remember that these are predators just like you are so if these clever canines are in the area they are probably using cover to sneak around and check out the camouflaged human that is slinking through the bush.
How to Hunt Coyotes During the Day
In the early morning, try using a howl or siren to call them in and don’t pack up too early because the late morning can be just as productive.
These dogs are finishing up their nighttime activities so they may be looking to link up with fellow Coyotes or searching for a quick snack so keep your strategies fluid and don’t rely on one set of calls to get the job done.
Many hunters believe that the Coyote hunting drops off during the mid day hours. However during the winter months when it is colder out these dogs like to move more during the daylight hours.
This is a good time to try spot and stalk hunting tactics while moving from your morning spot to your evening one. Coyotes are opportunistic predators so if they think they’ve got a chance at a quick free meal ticket they will often take it. So keep your eyes open!
How to Hunt Coyotes During the Night
The evening is when coyotes will traditionally head out for their evening hunt and are probably hungry. So make sure you have your setup and calling strategies indicate that there is food in your kill zone.
It’s a good idea to set up early (late afternoon) and sit as long as is legally allowed as this is the prime time for finding and killing these animals. Also when packing up for the night be stealthy and try to disturb the area as little as possible as to not blow a perfectly good spot by bumbling around the brush.
The Verdict
Coyotes can be killed anytime of day but like most hunts, dawn and dusk really are your prime times for some great hunting opportunists. So what are you waiting for?
Get out there, and get hunting!