Secret Tips for Better Predator Hunting

When you want to step up from the minor leagues to the majors, use these five proven predator hunting tips to improve your success.

Secret Tips for Better Predator Hunting

When you're learning about predator hunting and want to take your game from the minor to major league level, trial and error is one of the best ways to learn.

Finding out what other hunters have done to experience success also helps. Learning from others, including what mistakes not to make, can help you become a better predator hunter.

These steps are a sure way to advance your predator game and make the jump from the minor league to the majors.

Zero Your Rifle

If you’re the average hunter you’ve likely been busy deer hunting with your trusty (add in your favorite deer caliber here.) That means your .223, .22-250 or new 6mm Creedmoor has been sitting idle for months, maybe a year or more.

Before you leave on your first predator hunt of the season hit the range and confirm your rifle’s zero. Shoot it off bags from a bench and then practice several rounds with shooting sticks, or off bipods. Now you are ready for the majors and confident of hitting your target.

Use your smartphone and app such as ScoutLook Weather to get the latest updates on temperature, wind, barometric pressure, sunrise and sunset, and other information to help you set up for predators (Photo: Mark Kayser)

Prepare Your Calls

Like your shooting iron, your electronic caller has also likely been gathering dust in a garage corner. Worse yet the batteries are probably dead or dying, and the battery compartment could be a fouled with battery corrosion. Check the unit thoroughly and have the Energizer Bunny re-energize the unit.

Now add a spare set of batteries to your hunting backpack in case of a power failure in the field. Lastly, toss in a selection of hand calls. They can save the day if your batteries go on strike and combination calling could be the spark to bring a coyote in for a casting-call ending. 

Forecast the Forecast

Unless you’re bouncing down Route 66 for a coyote safari you’ll probably be hunting near home. Check the forecast and hunt the best windows of opportunity. If you have a 2-day weekend there’s no reason beating yourself up on Saturday if the forecast is wind and rain. Hunt smart and hold off until the front passes on Sunday to take advantage of hungry coyotes able to hear further in the calming winds.

Hunting apps such as ScoutLook Weather can keep you abreast of the forecast for optimal hunting success. Hunting apps can also aid you with the next category.

Map an Entrance

Once you have a forecast in hand use it to map an invisible entrance. Utilizing wind forecasts and topography, map a route into your hunting area to veil your presence. If you’re hunting primarily flat country access the area under the cover of darkness and wait at your setup site for shooting light.

Don’t be a lemming if you’re hunting public ground. Avoid hiking in from main trailheads and instead look for backdoor entrances. Predators are fully aware of where most human traffic emanates and steer clear of it. Mimic their moves to put yourself in their core area.

Take Your Time

Patience is a virtue and a must when hunting today's high-pressured predators. Coyotes feel the burn throughout fall and winter from zinging bullets and poorly-executed call setups. Because of all of the above you need to wait it out for the magic to occur.

Waiting thirty minutes is a must and up to an hour is not foolish. Even moving toward distant howls after 45 minutes or more could spark a meeting. Cloak your advance and set up again to press the territorial button of a coyote trying to reassure itself that you could be the real deal.



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