FIVE TIPS FOR HUNTING PREDATORS

LESSONS FROM THE FIELD THAT’LL MAKE YOU A BETTER PREDATOR

Hunting coyotes can be one of the most addictive and rewarding pursuits out there—but it’s also humbling. You’ll learn a lot fast, usually by missing your first few dogs. And that’s okay. Get out there, enjoy the process, and give yourself some grace. You wouldn’t expect a brand-new shooter to hit every target their first time on the range—so don’t expect that of yourself in the field either. Apply that same mindset to hunting: mistakes are part of the game. With that said, here are five practical tips to help you gain more success and fewer “almost had him” stories.

EXPECT TO MISS AND LEARN FROM IT

The first few coyotes you call in? You’ll probably miss them—or spook them before you ever get a shot. That’s part of the process. If you know going in that the early days are about learning, not just killing, you’ll enjoy the journey a lot more. Pay attention to what went wrong, and make the adjustment. Every mistake brings you closer to your first clean kill.

INVEST IN A QUALITY ELECTRONIC CALLER

A good caller changes the game. My go-to is FoxPro—reliable, intuitive, and loaded with the right sounds. These calls do more than make noise—they tell a story that brings the coyotes in. Choose realistic calls, keep your remote handy, and know how to run your sounds with subtlety and patience.

THE SETUP IS EVERYTHING

This is where the hunt is won or lost—before you ever hit play on your call. Creep into your area and try not to disturb the environment. Coyotes will pick up on your scent and movement long before you ever see them. Once you’re set up, let the area settle before starting the call. Start with low volume, almost whisper quiet, and gradually increase after a minute or two. Too much volume, too fast, can spook a nearby dog.

The first seven minutes of the call are usually the most productive. Stay alert. If it’s going to happen, it’ll likely happen fast.

UNDERSTAND HOW COYOTES WORK THE WIND

Coyotes don’t just run straight at sounds. They’ll often come in from a distance, ears pulling them toward the noise, but before they commit, they’ll loop downwind to catch a scent. Younger coyotes might charge in carelessly, but the older, smarter ones? They’ll circle and check the wind before they make a move.

Plan your setup with this in mind. Place your caller upwind and leave a clear shooting lane where you think the dog might swing. Don’t be surprised if you catch them sneaking in from the side instead of head-on.

STAY STILL, STAY HIDDEN, BE READY

Coyotes have excellent eyesight. They’ll pick up movement and silhouette from a long way out. Always try to set up with a bush or some kind of backdrop behind you. If possible, get in the shade to break up your outline.

Once you spot a coyote, don’t move unless they move. Sudden movements kill opportunities. Use slow, deliberate motions, and only when their attention is elsewhere.

Expect shots anywhere from 40 to 300 yards, but most will land around the 80-yard mark. Be prepared to shoot from whatever position you’re in. Know your rifle, know your dope, and have your gear ready before you start calling.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Coyote hunting is a craft. It’s about reading the land, understanding animal behavior, and fine-tuning your gear and instincts over time. Each hunt teaches you something. Some teach you how to succeed, and some remind you why you missed. Either way, it’s time well spent. Get out there, enjoy the grind, and when that first dog comes running in, make it count.