Predator Hunting: Why It's Important

What Are Predators?

While the term "predators" applies to more than one species of the animal kingdom, the most common predator hunters deal with is the coyote. 

Predators actively hunt and eat other animals as a primary food source. Coyotes are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet that includes small mammals, such as fawns, small game (like squirrels and rabbits), and domestic animals, like cattle. 

Because of this diet, they are a threat to landowners with livestock and other types of wild game like whitetail and turkey. 

Coyotes are Skilled Hunters

Coyotes apply different hunting methods, making them extremely dangerous to wild game and livestock populations, specifically vulnerable fawns and calves. 

One of the key hunting strategies these predators use is stalking, followed by an ambush. They use their keen senses of sight, hearing, and smell to locate prey, then apply stealth and patience to approach undetected. When they are within striking distance, coyotes pounce on their prey with speed and precision, delivering a fatal bite to the neck or vital organs. 

Coyotes are also able to chase and overcome prey across short distances. This tactic is especially effective when hunting rabbits, turkeys, young fawns, and calves who aren't quick or coordinated enough to escape the coyote.

4 Reasons Why It's Important to Predator Hunt

Because of their skill as hunters and increasing populations that threaten to reduce deer and livestock populations, coyotes are dangerous predators that also need population control for a balanced ecosystem. 

Here are four reasons why it's important to hunt predators.  

1. They Spread Disease

First and foremost, one of the most crucial reasons predator hunting is essential is that these animals can spread disease to other game. 

Just like dogs, coyotes are subject to many diseases you may have heard of before, such as parvo, distemper, rabies, and even lice, fleas, and worms. These diseases are easily passed, not only to other game but also to dogs that may be outside frequently and people. 

Additionally, considering the coyote population has vastly grown throughout the years, starvation has become a rising problem amongst the animals. With less food to eat, they start looking for any available game, making the diseases they carry even more at risk of spreading and threatening the sustainable quantities of other animals.

2. They Eat Our Game

Secondly, when food is scarce, coyotes (as noted above) resort to eating game that hunters love to hunt. 

As predators in the animal kingdom, they are considered hunters just like we are. Therefore, deer, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits are all in a coyote's chief source of nutrients, creating a decline in game populations if coyote populations are not controlled.  

3. They're Invasive and Adapt Quickly to Different Environments

Coyotes are not shy, making them easily adaptable in unknown environments. They are an invasive species and will search as much as necessary to make ends meet for their needs, causing them to raid farms and homes to eat. 

No one wants to lose their family pet or livestock. So, their invasiveness and ability to adapt to almost any condition make it necessary to control the coyote population for the survival of other wild game and domestic animals in the area.

4. They Should be Managed (Like Other Animal Populations)

Finally, like any other species, coyotes must also be managed. Although coyotes are not considered native to all 50 states, they are making their way across the country and must be controlled as they invade new areas and the homes of other native species. 

Now that you understand more about why you should predator hunt, here are some tips to help you succeed and land a nice 'yote.

4 Tips for Successful Predator Hunting

Knowing why hunters should hunt coyotes is excellent context for understanding these animals and planning a hunt. You'll also want to follow the four tips below for success!  

1. Dress for the Weather

Many successful coyote hunts happen after the whitetail season ends on cold and snowy winter days. It's an excellent way to stay active during the off-season and hone your hunting skills. 

At this time of year, coyotes are vulnerable, as they seek food and run low on energy, causing them to search their area for their next snack constantly. So, hunting coyotes in these temps means you must dress for the weather. 

Although the snow can provide a significant advantage, as you can more easily identify tracks to see their travel routes, it can also leave you feeling cold and vulnerable. Layers are a must-wear in these conditions, and sweat-wicking clothes will provide you with the most comfort. 

Sitting still for 20 or more minutes can cause you to freeze up. However, you want to avoid building up perspiration once you move to the next area or next stand. Coyotes can smell your sweat. 

Additionally, sweating in cold temperatures can lead to rapidly chilling your body and making it difficult to regulate your body temperature. This leads to dangerous conditions for you to continue being outdoors.

2. Be Conscious of Where You Park

This tip goes for all types of game. 

You cannot kill a coyote (or any game) already aware of your presence in the area. Therefore, be mindful of where you park your vehicle to start your hunt and how loud you are on the way in. Remaining undetected is crucial for your success. 

Park as far away as you can from the area you plan to hunt and walk quietly into the area. We like to mark the location of our truck on the HuntWise map and create a walking path as we enter the area. Doing this helps us better access our truck after the hunt and then not worry whether we remember how to get back there.  

3. Be Patient

As with any hunting trip, you must be patient. 

Coyote hunting is very different from any other game, as they are quick, clever, and can tease and outsmart you. Stay alert, and respond quickly when one passes you in the blink of an eye. Stay calm and confident.  

4. Walk Into the Wind

Coyotes have a terrific sense of smell, and their noses work overtime if necessary. After all, they are canines! 

You won't be able to call a coyote in that already smells your presence. Therefore, when hunting these predators, walk into the wind to help your scent blow properly. Use the ScentDrift feature in the HuntWise app to make sure you walk into the wind to improve your chances of calling in a coyote.

Use HuntWise for Success When Predator Hunting

We want to see you succeed in the field! Whether you've been hunting for 20 years or this is your first season, we want everyone to feel prepared and ready to harvest the game of their dreams. 

With these tips and the HuntWise app, we are sure you will see success out in the woods when predator hunting. Download your HuntWise app, get ready to mark your stands, and be prepared to harvest your game. 

Good luck, hunters, and shoot straight. 

Content updated January 17, 2024.