If you want to hunt coyotes, this list highlights some of the best predator hunting gear.
January 30, 2026
By Barb Melloni
When it comes to coyote hunting , especially when targeting coyotes, your success hinges on the power of deception. Similar to conversing with a large tom via a box call during turkey season, luring in a coyote is quite the interactive experience. Your hunting tactics will differ from deer season, when you may be posted 20 feet up in a tree by dawn, attempting to make little to no noise. Going after coyote s often means using quite different gear, hunting in the dark of night, and using game calls to imitate a wounded rabbit or even a coyote pup in distress. Read on as we look at some essentials that will go a long way in ensuring a successful coyote hunt.
FoxPro: X360 Digital Game Call Photo courtesy of FoxPro The X360 Digital Game Call from FoxPro is quite possibly the mother of all electronic game calls. This device is controlled via the included remote from up to 300 yards away and comes equipped with 350 sounds, allowing you to mimic not only the predator you seek, but also other critters it usually hunts for its next meal. Designed with FoxPro’s new Advanced 360 sound feature, the unit can randomly play selected audio through its speakers, eliminating detectable rhythms and patterns and further enhancing the realism of the call. Depending on the predator you’re after, you may wish to utilize the call’s built-in decoys, which mimic a bird attacking a rodent. The decoy's movement is controlled remotely, with five independent speed settings and lighting for night use.
Sightmark: Waith Mini 2-16x35 Thermal Riflescope Photo courtesy of Sightmark Thermal optics have become a hunter’s best friend when venturing out into the woods at night. As technology advanced and demand rose, the cost of a thermal optic has steadily decreased over the years, making this an attainable tool for even more hunters. The Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35 thermal riflescope is packed full of features, including 10 reticle options and nine colors, five thermal color palettes and the ability to link up to an external battery pack for long sits. Users can store five different gun profiles, meaning it can be swapped from gun to gun based on the animal you’re targeting. Lastly, the Wraith Mini has a built-in video recorder so you can relive your most memorable nights afield.
Predator Tactics: Coyote Reaper XXL Rifle Kit Photo courtesy of Predator Tactics Adding a specialized hunting light to your kit can give you the edge if used properly. The Coyote Reaper XXL Rifle Kit will help locate coyotes up to 700 yards away and is available in a variety of kit options, including up to four of the following LED color options: red, green, white and amber. Many a friendly debate has been had over which color is best. Red lights are favored amongst hunters, as coyotes perceive them as more of a dull illumination as opposed to the harshness of a white light, making them less likely to be alerted to their presence.
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On the other hand, some hunters prefer using green lighting, which is said to be slightly more visible than red but provides improved clarity and easier animal identification. Regardless of which color you choose, you’ll be able to utilize its adjustable focus and intensity, allowing you to peer through the darkness without unnecessarily alerting an unsuspecting coyote. Lastly, the unit comes with the necessary mounts to attach to either your rifle's scope or Picatinny rail.
Primos Edge Tripod Shooting Stick Photo courtesy of Primos When it comes to coyote hunting, you'll want your hands free to work your game calls, lights and other essentials. The Edge Aluminum Tripod Shooting Stick from Primos keeps your gun at the ready with the included clamp attachment, so you don't have to fumble to reach it when it's time to take the shot. Adjustable from 8 to 67 inches, this tripod is easily used while standing, kneeling behind cover or seated in a blind. Primos designed this unit to be compatible with its MagnaSwitch mounting system, which means hassle-free attachment of your spotting scope or a pair of binoculars when not being used to secure your rifle.
Hornady 53-Grain Superformance Varmint .223 Ammunition Photo courtesy of Hornady Regardless of your caliber choice or preferred brand of ammo, you must choose one that is not only accurate and performs well out of your rifle but also capable of providing a quick, ethical harvest. For those heading out for their hunt with their favorite rifle chambered in .223 Rem, Hornady’s 53-grain Superformance Varmint is a favorite amongst coyote hunters. The round’s increased velocity and the polymer-tipped V-MAX bullet fly farther with a flatter trajectory and quick, devastating fragmentation upon impact.
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Dead Down Wind Hunt Ready Kit Photo courtesy of Dead Down Wind Coyotes have an extremely powerful sense of smell and can detect human scent from more than a mile away. Similar to how you may prepare for a deer hunt, you are going to want to eliminate any presence of your scent prior to heading afield. Dead Down Wind makes the process easy with its line of scent-elimination products.
One of their most popular items is their kits, which combine a selection of their must-have products in one handy, wallet-friendly package. Their Hunt Ready 10-Piece Kit includes their 12-ounce Field spray with three Pac-It refills, a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo and conditioner, a 12-ounce container of liquid laundry detergent, 15 dryer sheets, 1 bar of soap with a handy travel case, and one stick of deodorant. All of the aforementioned products utilize the brand’s unscented Enzyme ScentPrevent odor elimination technology and are sensitive-skin-friendly.
Blocker Outdoors: ScentBlocker Headcover Photo courtesy of Blocker Outdoors While a coyote's sense of smell is its number one defense when it comes to evading hunters, eyesight is undoubtedly a close second. When out at night, many people will throw on a ballcap or winter hat and call it a day. In the dark of night, exposed skin will serve as a beacon to coyotes, reflecting ambient light and alerting them to your location. To solve this, you can slap on some face paint and call it a day, or, for an easier, mess-free option, throw on a simple facemask or head cover. The ScentBlocker Headcover from Blocker Outdoors will help you blend into the night. This moisture-wicking headcover absorbs any moisture, while its specialized Cold Fusion carbon technology mitigates potential odors that may arise.
When planning your next hunt, be sure to remember that the animals you are targeting have learned to live amongst humans for quite some time, thus evolving into the elusive, cunning creatures we know today. Coyote hunting is ultimately a contest of wits, where preparation and adaptability often matter as much, if not more, than the gear you carry. Scouting ahead of time, learning to read tracks, and educating yourself on the typical behavior and calling patterns of these animals will all play a critical role in your success.
