Getting involved in coyote hunting shouldn’t stress you out. I know that most people getting into the sport of coyote hunting think it is going to cost them a lot of money. The truth is most hunters probably already own the bulk of the equipment needed. This post will give you an idea of the basic equipment you will need to hunt coyotes.
Shotguns
Coyotes can be taken at close distances with a shotgun. I would recommend a 12 gauge if you have one. We use semi-automatic shotguns from Benelli for fast follow up shots.
The Super Black Eagle II and the Vinci is the two shotguns we take to the field. You may have a shotgun already and this will help you get in the field.
Super Black Eagle II
Rifles
Coyotes can also be taken with various calibers of rifles. The most common would probably be the 223, 22-250, 25-06, and 243, but trust me the list goes on. You may already have a deer hunting rifle that will fit the bill.
Benelli MR1
Loads
Common Shotgun loads are 00 Buck, #4 Buck, and T-Shot. Steel Shot isn’t recommended for coyotes so we use Dead Coyote loads by Hevi-Shot. Rifle loads can be a complex subject due to your caliber of rifle, barrel twist and other factors. Ideally you want something that is going to make a small entrance wound and open fast so the coyote is taken out quickly.
Hevi-Shot Predator Loads
Camouflage
If you already own camouflage then use it until you can afford something different or more suitable for the area you are hunting. The major thing to consider is using a complementary pattern. If you are hunting an area like a dessert you will want to have lighter tones. If you are hunting timber you will want darker tones to help you blend in better. This article will explain camouflage in more detail. ARTICLE
Blending in
Optics
A good scope with clear optics is a huge plus in the world of coyote hunting. You will find that a lot of coyotes will hang up at a distance. It is very common to have to take shots out to 300 yards or farther depending on your shooting ability and caliber of rifle you are shooting. If you are hunting in open terrain binoculars are another plus. It is a definite advantage to spot a coyote coming in at a distance so you have the ability to adjust for the shot. Binoculars are not necessary to get in the sport of coyote hunting, but it will be an advantage to get a pair when you can afford them.
We use Nikon Optics. The Coyote Special rifle scope has some definite advantages. They have a filter on the end of the scope that keeps your lens from reflecting and spooking the coyote. They also have a reticule system that allows you to acquire your target faster. We also use the Nikon Monarch binoculars. They have a very clear image that helps when you are trying to locate a coyote in busy terrain.
Nikon Optics
Coyote Calls
The most affordable call on the market is a mouth call. You can pick them up at most sporting good stores. Closed reed coyote calls are the easiest to learn and sound great. As your calling skills progress you will definitely want to use an open reed call. The open reed coyote calls have an ability to produce a wider variety of sounds and are still very affordable. Once your wallet gets a little heavier you can step into an electronic call that has a huge variety of sounds at your fingertips. This article will explain COYOTE CALLS in more detail. ARTICLE
Open Reed Coyote Call
Coyote Decoys
Decoys aren’t necessary to get started with but you will find that they can be a great tool to improve your coyote hunts. Decoys are a great way to capture a coyotes attention when it is responding to a call. This is also a good way to take the coyote’s attention off of you. We use the Mojo Woodpecker, Mojo Woodpecker, and the Mojo Puppy. This article will explain DECOYS in more detail. ARTICLE
Mojo Critter Predator Hunting Decoy
Camera
Although a camera isn’t necessary to coyote hunt with, it is a lot of fun to record your memories. It is also a lot of fun to share the hunt with fellow hunters on our coyote hunting forum. I highly recommend taking a camera with you in the field.
As you get into coyote hunting and your passion for the sport grows like it has with the rest of us coyote hunters your coyote hunting equipment inventory will no doubt change and grow. This list is just the basic items you will need to give coyote hunting a try.
More How To Coyote Hunt Articles
Lance Benson, Pro Staff
Bucking The Odds
What choke tube do you use in your benelli when you shoot these yotes?
Choke tubes are by Hevi-Shot. You can get them on their website.
If i dont plan on selling the hides is my 30-06 savage alright to use, i plan on using 110 grain sabot rounds
Big gun isn’t good for them… It’ll kill them.
Amen…
What is the best call to use to call them in.
Most distress calls work. Getting into the stand undetected is the hard part.
i have the primos app on my ipod touch and they have coyote calls on there if i get some applified speakers do you think it would work along with a jackrabbit tail instead of buying an e-caller
The tough part is you need a remote control to start and stop it from a distance. It could get you busted if you start playing it when you have it in your hand. Usually you want to set the e-caller next to your decoy and then get some distance from it, then turn it on.
Hope this helps.
yeah it helped a ton i borrowed my cousins ecaller and shot a nice 25lb coyote with my 30-06 savage thanks a ton!
If you use a .22 could you kill a coyote from a 100 yards or less?
It can be done with good shot placement, but I would recommend stepping into something like a 223, 22-250, 243, 25-06… Well the list goes on. Coyotes are really hard to kill unless you can place your shot well, and odds are you could lose a dog. Best of luck!
Is a .270 to big for coyotes?
I have a .223 AR-15. It knocks everything on their butt. I would recomend this size caliber for anyone coyote hunting. Or any small game for that matter.
Yep! We use the Benelli MR1 in 223 and it gets er done!
Which is better a 22-250 or 223 or 243
I really believe it is personal preference.
which do you use
I have used both, but now use the Benelli MR1 in 223.
ok thanks. What do you guys do with your coyotes after you kill them.
Pelts aren’t worth anything up here…..I let the buzzrds eat ‘em, usually…I did shoot a nice male in Jan & my friend is doing the hide for me.
ive been using my AR lately…..why do u guys suggest 12 gauges sooo much?
Nothing wrong with the AR. Sometimes it is easier to pick up a close range fast mover with a shotgun. We all use what we are most comfortable with, but will say the Benelli shotgun has increased our percentages.
I use my AR and up until last year lugged a shotgun around too. I saw an article in one of the predator hunting magazines that talked about the use of red dot sights. Shortly after reading the article DevilDog and I were talking and he sent me a red dot to try on my AR. I mounted it up and took it out. I intentionally let a coyote get to less than 30 yards when I could have shot him at 200. I placed the dot on him and dropped him. The close range is not an issue nor is target acquisition speed. Needless to say i no longer lug my shotgun around on most coyote stands. I still use it for fox and bobcat or when calling coyotes in really thick cover.
We have had coyotes come in on blind spots through brush at fast rates of speed. Not all coyotes are the same though. We have had many that we can watch from long distances come in on a string. It is when you get in the busy terrain that they can be difficult to get in a scope when they appear and disappear.
That’s why having the red dot on the AR is nice. You have the ability to acquire a sight picture like you would with a shot gun. It’s fast, accurate, can be done with both eyes open, and is easy to do. I agree shotguns have their place on certain stands. I like the ability to have my AR up and ready and not have to reach down and grab a shotgun. I think it is something that is individual preference and what someone is comfortable with. I tried the red dot setup on my AR and it works well for me on the majority of situations.
I’m kinda thinking about putting a red dot on my hunting rifle. It already has a scope on it, but I’m not really sure if i like it. I was also wondering what brand you would suggest?
Just my opinion… I have a red dot on my AR, and I am going to change it back to a scope. The red dot is great for close range. I will be putting a Nikon Coyote Special on mine.
I kinda figured they would only be good up close. I bought a remington 770 and it came with a bushnell scope. I really like the rifle, and the scope is alright I just want a little more reach.
well i went out and got me a high-point 9mm carbine rifle that i put a red dot on and i use for my close range gun and still use my AR for long range i love the 9mm its great i love it great knock down power
I got an AR-15 got the adapter kit for shooting 22. Wanting to go coyote hunting at night. Whats the best lighting system to get?
Hay i live in Ohio i what call is bedder a cottintail or a jackrabbit call + Have u guys ever hunter here
Either call will get er done. Not been lucky enough to hunt in Ohio…
Have u hunted around here
What is generally more productive, night or day hunting, and what time?
Both can be very productive. Night hunting just presents different challenges. We like hunting during the day and morning and evenings typically produce the best results, but you can call a coyote in anytime. My personal favorite is in the morning, just when the sun is coming up.
How do you scout an area before hunting it? The night before? What kind of calls do you use when scouting an area?
Felipe Navarrete you in Montrose area? Were do you go? I need pointers.
I will scout an area sometimes after a stand.
I will always look at an aerial map before I make a trip to the property!
But most of the time I will make a special trip just to walk the area and look for trails and scat. If you can get an idea of where they are traveling you can get an idea of where you should set up to work the wind.
I will also take some fox urine and spray around areas that seem to be a high traffic area. I hope this over powers my scent and puts the coyote on high alert for intruders. Maybe they will remember this scent when I start playing the bunny blues in a week or two and think “I going to teach this fox a lesson”!!
Most of the time I will go call some other property at daybreak and after my day of calling I will stop by the new property to scout.
Would a .17 hmr be a good rifle for coyote hunting?
A 17 would work under ideal conditions out to 80 yds or so.HEAD SHOTS but you throw in a 10-20 mph dakota plains wind and you could be off easily enough to miss thats why most of the hunters i know use 22-250 to a 6mm. thank goodness for the 3 fs, FASTER , FLATTER AND FURTHER !!!!!!!
I use a 17, have made shots out to 150 with it. I really depends on wind and weather. That 17 gr bullet can get off track very easily. But it kills very well. I do carry my 06 for a long range gun. Good practice for big game hunting.
Hey can anyone tell me what the name of the tripod deal they use for there shotguns? I can’t find it on any searches, if anyone knows what the exact name is or who makes them that would be great!
Look at our list of equipment.
I watchedthe videos of your coyote hunting, it looks like you use the same bipod on all of your guns. What is the make and model?
BTO Equipment
What is the model of the video camera you are using?
i wanna start coyote hunting i have been out a few times but have not had any luck. the one thing i have not seen anywhere when i am reading about coyote hunting is how long do you play the call for?
I have had good luck playing the call continuously at a medium to low volume while on stand and using mouth calls
in 20-30 sec intervals
What bipod are you using in vid.#27?
This is a list of our equipment.
I have noticed in some of your videos, you wear a hat with a face mask attached to it. What is the brand?
thanks.
We sell them in our store. The hats are by Quikcamo.
Sweet.. Thank you.
signed up for free membership but didnt recieve an email to register. What do I do??
Most common problem is that your confirmation email is in your junk email or spam folder. If not you could of typed in your email incorrectly when you registered. If you can’t find the email then I can delete your account, so you can try again.
How about using crossbows? I inherited my mother’s 80 acre farm, INFESTED with Coyotes. in middle Tennessee that is a combination of 100 acre pasture/hay fields and Heavily wooded slopes. Would a crossbow work well?
Having a hard time getting them in close for a shot. How can I get them in closer?
Hey Tj!
Try using a decoy! A feather on a stick may be enough but most use the MOJO Critter.
If you are in thicker terrain and using hand calls you may also pause a bit longer in between your call sequences.
This way, hopefully the coyote is hunting the source of the sound instead of zeroing in on it with its keen hearing and busting you wailing away!
Of course there are all of the basic stuff as well; wind, movement, approach and cover.
Good luck brother!
i live in kentucky and down here its mostly wooded area with some open feilds about 60 by 80 yards, not very big. would a .22 do the trick? and down herewe are allowed to hunt over a carcase, what wuld you recomend for good bait?
Hey Coda!
Many coyotes have been shot and killed with a 22LR!
Shot placement is crucial though if you want the after pic with your prize without having to track a blood trail!
A heart shot with a 22LR will drop a coyote, eventually! I would practice until you could poke its eye out at 100 yards every time and then hope for a 80 yard shot or less.
Also take a look at the CCI Velocitor.
It is a very fast (1435 at muzzle) 40 grain HP designed after the Speer Gold Dots that CCI claims packs the most energy at 100 yards.
As for bait, any meat will do.
The only problem I have with bait is that the coyote can come eat it whenever it wants. If you happen to be there at the right time its awesome!
If not, you have coyotes with a full belly that don’t need to take a risk by responding to a distress call.
That is just my opinion. There have been many coyotes killed over bait piles with a 22 LR!!
Good luck!
Nice videos boys! Some great shootin too!
Where I live here in upstate New York, near Lake Ontario, the shotgun is king for coyotes. We can use rifles, but these are mostly wooded tracts and overgrown fields with thick brush on what were once farms. You gotta be ready and get your gun up quick. An honest 50 yards would be a long shot.
Anyway, thanks for the website and good luck to everyone. I’ll post my hunts this fall and love to hear and see yours.
Good hunting!
Thanks Scott!
Can you tell me more about your Benelli rifle? How accurate is it? .5moa? 1moa? Do you reload for it? Where did you get the camo wrap? Love the show. You need to come down and hunt with my brother and I in NM sometime.
The Benelli MR1 is similar to shooting an AR in accuracy. It is very durable and very comfortable when throwing it up to your shoulder. I don’t think I have ever had a malfunction. You will not get the accuracy that you would get with a bolt gun, because it is a semi-automatic. This is why I compare it to an AR but it’s performance is top notch and follow up shots are a lot of fun.
hey guys, I have a 17, a old 22 WRF pump and a marlin 30-30, IT SOUNDS LIKE MAYBE THE 30-30 MIGHT BE BEST FOR A KILL
Hey Guy’s.Glad to be a new member! I have a question about shotgun loads for coyotes. I live in NE Oklahoma and OK Regs allow no larger than BB shot. I have been using 3 1/2″ 12ga BlackCloud and BlindSide loads out of a Mossberg 935 with a Flambeau Dogg Pounder choke with good results out to 60+ yds. The problem is that when I have to fire multiple rounds quickly, I get clobbered half as bad as the coyotes do. Any suggestion on a good 3″ load that will still have good killing power with the BB shot at the same range. Besides the recoil (Something I can live with), I wouldn’t mind a couple extra rounds in my extended tube.
After testing a couple different loads, I settled on Federal Premium Wing-Shok Magnum copper-plated lead BB’s. I have not been able to do any field testing yet. I will give an update on the results. I expect this to be my new “go to” predator shotgun load.
Hello Clint,
You have chose well! I started shotgunning coyotes more than 30 years ago. I went through the buckshot stage as many have, but always came back to the good old copper plated lead BB’s. BY FAR the best all around load for ‘yotes I have shot.(Unless you are rich enough to shoot Dead Coyote loads from Hevi-Shot Inc.) I have shot many factory loads over the years, but primarily shoot my own reloads. I will soon be posting on the forum on the subject of load selection for shotguns, and will cover this thoroughly. Stay tunned. It will stir up some “Conversation!”
P.S.
Also the perfect load on fox and bobcats!
Hello Van, I appreciate the input on the topic. I have been struggling to find a good load for shotgunning coyote’s and your insight has given me a little more faith in the BB loads. I was using heavy loads of steel because of a lack of available legal shotgun loads, and have been criticized repeatedly for it. Using the previously mentioned loads were great out to 40 yds, but beyond those ranges I had to fire 2 or more rounds to neutralize the target. Both the flitestopper pellets and the hex shot increased trauma greatly over conventional round steel, yet still lacked the energy on target required for the rather large local dogs I hunt. My next option was to pray for the Wildlife Department to ammend the shot restriction with and exception for predator hunting. Not likely to happen anytime soon!!!!! I had a skunk come in to Baybee Cottontail Dist during a first light set last week, I decided it would make for a good range test. One shot at 65-70 yds and the striped bandit didn’t spray a drop. Later cleaning revealed 3 pellet strike’s. Can’t wait for Ol’ Wiley to come bounding through the brush again, I’ve got his number with the new loads.
Well, I love the new loads. Got to put them to the test this morning. Young female came around the pond bank at 20 yds. The rest is history. Another calf killer meets its maker!!!!
Would a 20 g do good
A 20 ga. would be fine if thats all you have. people forget that a .410 shoots just as fast as a 12 ga. its just that a 12 ga. is putting out more shot thus covering more area and giving a little more elbow room when it comes to shot placment. If your on target then a 20 ga. kills the same as a 12 or a 10 ga. If your on target!
I sure hate burning shells on “patterning”, but I got around to it today. Found out why I missed one (at least part of the reason) last time I went out = pattern was high. Surprisingly high.
It’s like eating vegetables: we all know it’s good for us but we don’t get around to it very often.
Love the shotguns for coyotes though. Love em.
Just started in western with with Daniels defence a4v7 with 16″ 1×7 twist 2×8 Nikon 223 scope. Fox pro call with decoy. Need shells and white camp and some luck.
Hello! Im new to coyote hunting and I am looking for a scope…Have heard the Nikon Buckmaster is a good one, what are your thoughts on this? Thanks for the help! (Looking to spend $500 or less)
You should consider the Bushnell Ultra HD, they are a tremendous value. Also, Redfield is hard to beat bang for buck. Either can be had for around $250
@ Trista Wolfe I have a very slightly used Leupold VX III 4.5-14×40 mm with Boone & Crockett reticleI may be able to give you I still have the box too, I offered it to my hunting buddy and haven’t got an answer yet. If my buddy takes this one I also have a Burris 3x9x40 that I will be glad to send to you. You just can’t beat FREE.
If you want one let me know on here, and if I haven’t given them away just post a commercial address that you can pick it up from. That way you don’t have to worry about any potential stalkers.
Best of luck too you.
AZRatz/ Andrew
Very nice Andrew, its refreshing in these days of not shareing prime hunting and fishing property, let alone giveing away quality hunting equipment to someone who is asking for alittle guideance, my hat is off to you! Now to my opinion, for what its worth on scopes, I feel most hunters believe if they have a 10 power scope that a 20 power would be twice as good IN THEORY IT WOULD BE, but you better have it turned down to a lower power at first because when that dog comes ripping by you at 30 yards you wont have time then, but if seen at a distance you normaly have time to turn it up. I hunt the Dakotas and typicaly hunt the rolling prarie where when you see them they are to close to get away with fumbling with your scope and it only gets you caught with your pants down. thats where the shotgun comes into play, mine, a Rem 870, fiber optic sights, no plug, ex full choke, shooting 3 inch 4 buck, DEADLY!!!!!. Before I started to carry this tool I missed almost as many as I shot because thanks to the Mojo Critter they were just to darn close and the next time you saw them they would be 300+ yards. my opinion SHOT GUN, NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!! Happy New Year everyone and hunt safe!!!!!
Andrew,
I would be interested in your Leupold if you want to let it go. Just getting into coyote hunting and just got a Savage Axis 223. Just need a good scope to put on it.
Pete
I sure could use that luepold trying to get into coyote hunting bought a 223 barrel for an encore my dad gave me need a scope email sandlin.jeff@yahoo.com
Thank you very much for your offer(there still are good people out there!), but by the time I got a chance to read this we already purchased one. I really appreciate it though
Thank you to everyone else also for your advice!
Hey, no problem Trista. I have been hunting these critters for over 15 years, and when I can I love to give back to the sport. If you, or anyone else need help in the future please just drop me a line.
@ Trista I think you you should have taken me up on that Leupold VX III it in my limited opinion is a great scope especially with the Boone, and Crockett reticle.
My hunting buddy bought a scope already too.
@Trista what type of gun, and what type of scope did you buy??
I wish everyone out there well this week with the full moon, or close to it makes for full happy coyotes. I only killed 5 ‘yotes all week, and only called in 8 over about 30 stands. I think these dogs are getting smarter. Lol
I wish everyone out there the most happy New Year ever.
AZRATZ/ Andrew
When is a good time to use a female coyote decoy?
I can never seem to call in a coyote in the same place more than once. Ive successfully called in coyotes at almost all my hunting locations the first time i try, but cant seem to do it again even years later.
REALLY LOT OF INFO FIND IT ALL VERY HELPFUL AND DEFINITE FOOD FOR THOUGHT THANKS
Hey, I am new to the site but was wondering how a .22 magnum would handle a coyote and what would be the effective range for it?
for close shots, instead of a shotgun could i use an AR-22 long rifle with mushroom 38 grain bullets. quite accurate for approx 70 yards and in and if needed there are 25 rounds in the mag. I was just wondering why everyone uses a shotgun. thanks mark
I just bought the primos turbo dog.I was wondering does anyone else use this call? how well has it worked for you?
what is a good scope for my weatherby predator
i already have a leupold rifleman 3-9×50 but i want something bigger and with adjustible turrets for long range shooting
I have a pack of about 15 that’s by my house and they killed my dog. I live in northern Ohio and I’m going to start hunting them i have a 22 mag. what is the best time to call them in.
Hey guys, I have a few questions
•Will a 30-30 work well?
•Will ground beef draw in coyotes?
•How much will coyote fur go for in Kentucky?
•Have you ever hunted it Eastern Kentucky?
hey guys i was wondering if a red dot scope would be the best choice for coyote hunting with a shotgun in michigan
my coyote shotgun also doubles as my turkey gun if that helps