Must-Have Coyote Hunting Gear for a Predator Hunt [A Top 10 List]

Start the year off with a winter coyote hunt! But before you go, check out our list of must-have coyote hunting gear to go after these predators.

1. Firearms and Ammunition

For longer-range shots in big open country where you (and coyotes) can see for miles, lightweight bolt action or AR-style rifles in popular calibers like .223, .22-250, or .243 are standard.

Bolt action rifles are dependable, deadly accurate, and cost significantly less than AR platforms. However, ARs offer the ability to quickly send follow-up shots as fast as you can pull the trigger and without having to lift your face from the gun to cycle the bolt for the next round. 

Shotguns with tight chokes and heavy loads are an excellent option for close-range encounters frequent in smaller open fields or wooded areas with thicker cover. Shells with T shot or #4 buckshot paired with a choke that gives you the best pattern for your anticipated shot distance and your shooting ability with a shorter barrel can offer maneuverability. This is ideal for quick-charging coyotes to ensure clean kills and minimal fur damage if you intend to preserve the pelts. 

2. The Right Optics

Scopes with adjustable magnifications of 3-9x or 4-12x offer versatility at varying distances, while some even offer ballistic coefficient-specific reticles that offer precise aiming at different distances.

A reliable rangefinder can also come in handy to pre-judge distances accurately in wide-open terrain. In recent years, night vision and thermal optics available to civilians have come a long way in both performance and price. These technologies remove many of the disadvantages we have as hunters taking coyotes at night.

3. Camouflage Gear

Coyotes have keen eyesight. So, camo patterns suited for your hunting environment (woodlands, prairies, snow, etc.) paired with a well-brushed hide can help keep you out of sight.

Wearing face masks and gloves is also important to hide exposed skin. A lightweight ghillie suit can also help break up the shape of your human form and can be useful for concealment during spot-and-stalk.

4. Electronic Calls and Coyote Decoys

Electronic calls preloaded with distress sounds like rabbit squeals or fawn bleats sound like ringing the dinner bell to a hungry song dog. Other sounds — like a location howl — may get a coyote to sound off his location while a male challenge can mimic a new rival in their territory.

Handheld diaphragm calls also offer versatility and more realistic tones.

Decoys can help attract coyotes visually while keeping the attention away from you. Motion decoys, such as a spinning fur tail, can imitate an injured prey animal and draw that coyote the last few yards into shooting range. 

5. Lighting and Visibility Aids

A good headlamp or handheld flashlight is a must-have coyote hunting gear for any hunter. Since coyotes are most active at night, you won't want to be left in the dark.

Options with adjustable beams aid in field navigation, and red or green lights help preserve your night vision when hunting during the night shift. 

6. Clothing and Comfort Essentials

Insulated and moisture-wicking layers help you feel comfortable for longer sits in all-weather hunts. Waterproof boots keep your feet dry on long treks through wet or muddy environments that may contain creek crossings.

Additionally, a sturdy but low-profile hunting chair or cushion can help keep you in the field for extended waits.

7. Shooting Accessories

Coyotes are smart and will rarely give you a close-up look. So, you'll need the right equipment to set up and stay still from a distance.

Bipods or shooting sticks help give you a solid rest to steady your aim during longer-range shots. However, that gun isn't going to tote itself into the field.

Sling attachments can make for easy firearm transport during longer hikes.

8. Scent Control

A coyote's nose knows when something is up. Like hunting deer, take measures to mask your scent to avoid giving yourself away.

Use unscented detergents, sprays, and wipes to help minimize human odor, but always play the wind. Wind direction indicator powders or milkweed seeds can help you make sure you are always downwind of your target. 

You can also use the WindCast feature in HuntWise to see the wind direction ahead of time and throughout the day to help you plan the best approach and spot to set up. WindCast helps you plan around the wind so coyotes don't smell you coming!

9. Navigation and Tracking Tools

Use a GPS hunting apps (like HuntWise) to map your next stand location and track your movement. You can also use HuntCast in the HuntWise app to see real-time coyote movement predictions so you know when and where to hunt throughout the day.

Also, trail cameras are a great tool to monitor coyote activity patterns before the hunt. Then, when you get out into the field, handheld radios are excellent for team hunting in areas with poor cellphone reception.

10. Safety Equipment

Hunting is inherently dangerous. While we hope nothing ever goes wrong during a hunt, it's always best to be prepared (just in case) and bring gear and strategies to help avoid accidents.

First aid kits always have a place in my kit and should be carried for emergencies in remote areas. Even the tweezers in the kit have saved several hunts by removing cactus thorns from gloves to fence post splinters out of my buddy's trigger finger. 

Use This Coyote Hunting Gear List and HuntWise for a Successful Predator Hunt

Use this coyote hunting gear list, gather the gear you need, and grab your HuntWise app, then head out for a winter coyote hunt! The new year is an excellent time to get after some predators and stay sharp before turkey season gets here.

HuntCast from HuntWise can show you when coyotes are most likely to be active, plus the up-to-date weather predictions and ScentDrift can show you which stand has the best wind direction for you to stay undetected. It's the best tool for hunting coyotes, whether it's your first time to hunt these predators or you're a pro at tracking these wily creatures.

Download HuntWise for free and use it to plan your next successful coyote hunt. We give first-time users a full week to explore the app!