We hope you love the products we recommend and just so you know that as an Amazon Associate CoyoteHunting.org may earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, scanning the landscape for the elusive coyote.
One question that often comes up among my fellow hunters is, is coyote hunting at night with green light as effective as red, or even white light?
Today, I’m going to share my insights on this topic, based on years of experience and research.
Coyote Vision
Coyotes are top-notch predators with exceptional senses, including their vision. Contrary to popular belief, coyotes can see all types of lights, whether they’re red, green, or white.
Their eyes are designed to pick up even the faintest light in the darkest conditions, making them formidable opponents in the hunting game.
Using Lights in Night Hunting
When hunting at night, the use of lights is crucial. But it’s not just about turning on a light and hoping for the best. The movement, intensity, and reflection of the light play significant roles in successful hunting.
- Light Movement: A steady, consistent movement of the light is key. This helps in scanning the area effectively and prevents the coyote from spotting you.
- Light Intensity: The brightness of the light is also important. It needs to be bright enough to illuminate the coyote’s eyes but not so intense that it startles the animal and causes it to flee.
- Light Reflection: The reflection of light off the coyote’s eyes is a telltale sign of its presence. Different lights can provide different levels of reflection, which can affect your ability to spot the animal.
Coyote Hunting at Night with Green Light
Now, let’s talk about the use of green lights in coyote hunting. Green lights are often marketed as the go-to choice for night hunting. But are they really the best option?
Pros of Green Lights:
- They provide a decent level of brightness without being overly intense.
- They can help in spotting the animal from a distance.
Cons of Green Lights:
- They may not provide as good a reflection off the coyote’s eyes as other lights.
- They may not be as effective in certain terrains or hunting conditions.
Comparing Green, Red, and White Lights in Coyote Hunting
| Light Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Decent brightness, good for spotting from a distance | May not provide good reflection, may not be effective in all conditions |
| Red | Excellent for long-distance spotting, less likely to startle the animal | May not provide as much detail of the surroundings |
| White | Provides excellent detail, eyes don’t need to adjust to the color | Can be too bright and startle the animal, may not provide good reflection at long distances |
Adapting Light Use for Successful Coyote Hunting at Night
The secret to a successful night hunt lies in tailoring your light usage to the specific conditions of your hunting environment. Factors such as terrain, weather, and coyote behavior can all influence the effectiveness of your chosen light. Here’s a more detailed look at how to adapt your light use:
1. Consider the Terrain
The type of terrain you’re hunting in can greatly influence the type of light you should use.
- Wide-open fields: In these settings, a red light can be highly effective for long-distance spotting. The red light provides a good reflection off the eyes of the coyotes, making them easier to spot from a distance.
- Close quarters: If you’re hunting in a more enclosed area, such as a forest or a small clearing, a dimmer white light might be more effective. The white light can help you see details more clearly without causing too much glare.
| Terrain Type | Recommended Light |
|---|---|
| Wide-open fields | Red light |
| Close quarters (forests, small clearings) | Dimmer white light |
2. Account for Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also affect the visibility and effectiveness of your light.
- Clear nights: On clear nights, any light can be effective as visibility is generally good. However, a white light might give you the best detail.
- Overcast or foggy nights: On overcast or foggy nights, a red light might be more effective. The red light can cut through the fog better than a white light, making it easier to spot coyotes.
| Weather Condition | Recommended Light |
|---|---|
| Clear nights | White light |
| Overcast or foggy nights | Red light |
3. Observe Coyote Behavior
The behavior of the coyotes can also influence which light is the most effective.
- Cautious coyotes: If the coyotes in your area are known to be cautious or easily spooked, a red light might be less alarming to them.
- Aggressive or curious coyotes: If the coyotes in your area are known to be aggressive or curious, a white light might be more effective. The bright light can help you spot the coyotes quickly and take your shot.
| Coyote Behavior | Recommended Light |
|---|---|
| Cautious or easily spooked | Red light |
| Aggressive or curious | White light |
By considering these factors and adapting your light use accordingly, you can increase your chances of a successful coyote hunt at night.
Transitioning Between Lights in Hunting
A make-or-break element in night hunting is the seamless transition from your scanning light to your gun light. This process, if not executed correctly, can startle your target and disrupt your hunt.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique:
- Begin with your scanning light: Start your hunt using your scanning light. This light helps you survey the area and spot the coyote from a distance. Keep the light moving consistently to avoid alerting the coyote to your presence.
- Spot your target: Once you’ve located the coyote with your scanning light, keep the light focused on the animal. This is crucial to ensure the coyote doesn’t slip away in the darkness.
- Prepare your gun light: While keeping your scanning light on the coyote, get your gun light ready. This light should be mounted on your firearm and should be ready to illuminate your target at a moment’s notice.
- Switch the lights: Now comes the critical part. As you turn on your gun light, simultaneously turn off your scanning light. This swift transition ensures that the coyote remains illuminated without any sudden change in light intensity that could startle it.
- Keep your target in sight: With your gun light now on, keep the coyote within your sight. The light should be bright enough to clearly see the animal but not so bright as to scare it away.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition between lights, keeping you hidden and your target within sight.
In conclusion, while green lights can be effective for coyote hunting at night, they are not the only option. Red and white lights also have their advantages and can be more effective in certain conditions. The key is to understand the behavior and vision of coyotes, the role of lights in hunting, and how to adapt your light use to the specific hunting conditions.
Have some thoughts on this? Leave a comment below!