Between thermal optics, night vision and quality lights, predator hunters have never had more high-tech tools at their disposal. (Shutterstock photo)
March 10, 2025
By Heath Wood
Nighttime coyote hunting offers some advantages and challenges that make it both effective and thrilling. Although coyotes can move any time of day, they’re especially active at dawn and dusk and overnight. And during the breeding season—roughly late January through early March—they’re even more active at night. This makes night hunting an ideal method for those seeking higher success rates. Beyond the increased activity, nighttime hunting affords hunters the added cover of darkness—and coyotes that are less wary of potential ambushes than they might be in daylight.
To effectively hunt these elusive predators at night, hunters require the necessary equipment and an understanding of fundamental techniques. From thermal devices and night-vision scopes to effective calling strategies, the key to success lies in preparation and in grasping the nuances of night hunting.
BE PREPARED A few years ago, while hunting a small farm in southern Missouri, my wife and I learned firsthand the importance of quality equipment when pursuing coyotes after dark. Our first mistake was being unprepared to hunt on a brutally cold night. Our second was bringing along unreliable gear.
During the hunt, we used an inexpensive hand-held scan light and a red light mounted to my scope on our first setup of the evening. Five minutes into our first calling sequence, a coyote materialized on a fence row at roughly 100 yards. While my wife held the scan light on the song dog for what seemed like an eternity, the wily ’yote remained tucked back behind a fencepost and some tall grass, which prevented a shot. I held my rifle on the seated coyote the entire time, my hands freezing to the point of pain.
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Suddenly, my wife’s red scan light began flickering on and off due to the cold and, quite honestly, the poor quality of the light. Between my cold hands and the strobe light flashing across the coyote’s face, that sit ultimately proved unproductive. We left the area without getting a shot, and the next day we ordered warmer gloves and a higher-quality light.
SEE THE HEAT Thermal technology has revolutionized night hunting, making it easier to spot coyotes even in complete darkness. Unlike traditional night vision, which amplifies ambient light, thermal devices detect heat signatures emitted by animals. This lets hunters see coyotes through brush or other obstacles that would normally obscure them from night vision.
A sturdy, adjustable tripod offers a stable shooting platform, especially with a heavy thermal or night vision scope and a suppressor mounted to the rifle. (Shutterstock) Veteran coyote hunter, owner of Bustin Fur Audio and ICOtec Prostaff Director JD Piatt likes employing thermal scopes in his hunting. He says they allow hunters to sit in complete darkness, which helps keep approaching coyotes from seeing them as easily. Piatt’s preferred gear includes the N-Vision Optics Halo-XRF Thermal Scope, which he mounts to a 6mm Creedmoor Christensen Arms MPR, and an N-Vision Optics Nox35 Thermal Scope for scanning while calling.
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Because they’re not relying on ambient light or casting a narrow beam of light, and instead rely on detecting heat, thermal devices offer a much broader field of view than night-vision devices or lights. Piatt says this is especially helpful in scanning for movement across large areas, where coyotes may be moving unseen by the naked eye.
When using thermal devices at night, Piatt adds, hunters need not conceal themselves in head-to-toe camouflage or hide within a tree line as they might during the day. However, one should still utilize terrain features and natural cover to avoid becoming silhouetted, and remaining patient is just as important as during daytime sits. improve vision
While thermal imaging has become quite popular more recently, night vision devices remain effective tools. Night vision works by amplifying ambient light, whether from the moon or stars, to produce a visible image. The technology lets hunters spot coyotes at a distance without needing any artificial light. Although night vision has its advantages, such as clarity and detail in certain light conditions, its effectiveness is limited in total darkness or poor moonlight. Still, night vision offers a cost-effective option compared to high-end thermal scopes.
FoxPro Inc.’s Corey Groff loves using traditional night vision and has been relying on these devices for some time (his very first predator hunting rig consisted of an ATN night-vision scope and an infrared hunting light). He advises hunters using night vision to focus on stealth and strategic positioning. Because coyotes are more vocal and active at night, though, he notes that hunters can often get closer without being detected.
Whether using thermal or night vision devices, scout the hunting area thoroughly beforehand and choose spots where song dogs feel comfortable. Coyotes often hang out in areas with natural barriers, and using night vision or thermal optics in these spots can help hunters detect subtle movements and provide the advantage needed to make the perfect shot.
SHINE A LIGHT Thermal and night vision devices are great, but traditional hunting lights work just fine, too, especially for those just getting into night hunting or those seeking a more budget-friendly option. Colored lights—typically red or green—are popular for predator hunting, being less likely to spook coyotes than white light.
“I started with a FoxPro multi-colored hunting light,” Groff says. “Both green and white were effective on that trip, and we killed coyotes, coons, foxes and bobcats.”
While the beam of a light limits your field of view, hunters who take the time to master the use of colored lights can still have excellent success. Lights are frequently combined with other gear, like night vision or even thermal scopes, to provide added visibility when scanning. Though more affordable, hunting with lights does have a steep learning curve. Groff suggests that hunters new to night hunting spend plenty of time practicing with their equipment before heading into the field. A combination of well-placed lights, tripods for stability and practice with calls can make all the difference.
USE SOUNDS AND SIGHTS When hunting coyotes at night, calling techniques can be the deciding factor between success and failure. Both Groff and Piatt are big on vocalizations, especially during the breeding season or when coyotes are defending their territory, as they’re more vocal at these times. Groff likes using howls (lone or pairs) or pup distress calls to initiate contact, then switching to more aggressive social sounds or prey distress sounds if needed. Moving closer to coyotes that respond but don’t approach can also help hunters overcome natural barriers that might prevent them from getting into shooting range.
Basic howls may draw territorial coyotes at night. If not, add prey distress sounds or more aggressive vocals to seal the deal. (Shutterstockk photo) Piatt recommends mixing prey distress sounds—rabbit, bird and fawn—with coyote vocals, too. Like Groff, he often begins his stands with a lone howl, followed by prey distress sounds to mimic a new coyote intruding on others’ territory. His technique involves standing out in the open with a weapon secured to a tripod for stability and scanning 360 degrees with a handheld thermal for approaching coyotes. Both hunters agree that being versatile with your calls and decoys is crucial, as coyotes can be unpredictable, especially from one region to the next or at different phases of their life cycle.
When setting up decoys at night, position them within the illuminated area of your digital game call’s built-in lights (personally, I like FoxPro’s electronic callers). The light focuses attention on the decoy, drawing predators’ eyes and keeping their attention off your position. Keep the decoy movement subtle to mimic natural prey behavior, which can make predators more confident in approaching. This setup not only improves your visibility of the target but also helps maintain your stealth as you prepare for a shot.
STAY LEGAL AND SAFE As with all hunting endeavors, following all laws and regulations and keeping safety in mind are paramount when hunting coyotes at night. Each state has different regulations regarding thermal and night-vision equipment usage, the times of year that night hunting is permitted and restrictions on specific light types or calibers.
For example, several states only allow night hunting at certain times of the year (often winter through early spring), while others may require specific permits for using advanced optics. Some states also restrict night hunting to only particular types of lands. Always check with local wildlife agencies to understand the laws governing night hunting and legal night-hunting equipment in an area.
Safety is another critical aspect of night hunting. Because visibility is reduced, hunters must take extra care to know their surroundings, use proper identification techniques and communicate with hunting partners. Using tripods (and other stable platforms) and thoroughly practicing with night-hunting gear are essential to ensuring ethical and safe hunting practices.
Hunting coyotes at night is both a challenge and an art form that requires the right tools, tactics and knowledge. Whether you prefer the advanced capabilities of thermal and night vision devices or the simplicity of colored hunting lights, mastering your equipment and strategy is critical to a successful hunt. Combining cutting-edge technology with proven calling techniques, hunters can maximize their chances of success while staying legal and safe in the field.
NIGHTTIME NECESSITIES Gear that helps hunters bag more coyotes after dark. Nighttime coyote hunting requires the right gear to enhance vision in the dark and improve your chances of a successful hunt. While there are many great products to assist with this, I have six personal-favorite night-hunting essentials. Equipped with some of these items, nighttime coyote hunters can enhance their effectiveness and maximize their chances of success under the stars.
N-VISION OPTICS NOX35 THERMAL SCOPE Photo courtesy of N-Vision Optics This advanced thermal imaging scope ($6,795) provides superior clarity and range, allowing hunters to detect coyotes in total darkness. With its compact design and user-friendly interface, the Nox35 enables precise targeting and enhances your overall hunting experience.
COYOTE LIGHT PRO Photo courtesy of Coyote Light The Coyote Light Pro ($499) is a powerful predator hunting light with long-range visibility up to 1,000 yards. It features adjustable brightness and focus, and multiple color options (red, green and white) to reduce the odds of spooking animals. Built for durability in harsh environments, it’s weatherproof and recoil-resistant with excellent battery life—ideal for dedicated night hunters.
FOXPRO FOXLAMP Photo courtesy of FOXPRO Lighting is crucial for nighttime hunts, and the FoxPro FoxLamp ($175) delivers powerful illumination with adjustable brightness settings. Its compact design allows for easy transport, and with the purchase of an adapter, you can mount it on a firearm or tripod to ensure you can effectively light up your hunting area.
SIG SAUER ECHO 3 Photo courtesy of Sig Sauer The Echo 3 ($2,499) is a state-of-the-art thermal reflex sight designed for quick target acquisition. Its lightweight construction and dual-zoom capabilities make it ideal for fast-paced nighttime hunting, providing a clear view of your surroundings and the ability to identify targets quickly. While recently discontinued, you can still find it online (Amazon offers it, for example). Holosun also offers thermal or night vision reflex sights in its DRS (Digital Reflex Sight) line, and X-Vision and InfiRay have thermal reflex sights, too.
VORTEX SWITCHBACK CARBON FIBER TRIPOD Photo courtesy of Vortex Optics Stability is key when targeting elusive coyotes. The Vortex Switchback Carbon Fiber Tripod ($849) offers exceptional support and portability. Its adjustable legs and sturdy build allow for precise aiming, even in uneven terrain, making it an invaluable tool for serious hunters.
ICOTEC CALL/SPEAKER TRIPOD Photo courtesy of ICOtech Calling coyotes effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. The ICOTec Call/Speaker Tripod ($59) elevates your calling device for optimal sound projection. Its adjustable height and stable base make it easy to set up, ensuring that your calls reach farther into the night.
This article was featured in the February 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
