Why Winter Is the Best Time to Hunt Coyotes
Cold weather concentrates prey, exposes tracks, and increases daytime movement.
Key Winter Advantages
-
Breeding season vocalization (January–February)
-
Greater hunger, making coyotes more responsive to calls
-
Snow for tracking and visibility
-
Long, clear-sight shooting conditions
-
Sharper movement patterns near food sources
Coyotes burn calories fast in winter, so they’re more willing to take risks and travel farther to investigate distress sounds.
Understanding Winter Coyote Behavior
Daily Movement
-
Early Morning: Prime activity window as coyotes transition from nighttime hunting zones.
-
Midday: Coyotes may cruise during warm spells or when responding to territorial calls.
-
Afternoon/Evening: Strong secondary movement as temperatures drop.
Seasonal Influences
-
Breeding Season (Jan–Feb): Coyotes respond aggressively to howls, challenge calls, and pair vocals.
-
Late Winter: Food scarcity increases responsiveness to distress sounds.
-
Cold Snaps & Snowstorms: Movement spikes right before and after weather changes.
Habitat Coyotes Use in Winter
-
South-facing slopes
-
Brushy draws and coulees
-
Cattail marsh edges
-
River-bottom corridors
-
Pasture edges and ranch country
-
Timbered ridges with windbreaks
Coyotes frequently run cover seams—edges where habitat transitions from open to thick.
Effective Winter Coyote Hunting Strategies
1. Choose the Right Stand Locations
Coyotes approach calls using wind, cover, and terrain to their advantage.
Set up:
-
With the wind crossing or in your face
-
On elevated ground for better visibility
-
Near likely approach routes such as draws and creek bottoms
-
With the sun at your back to blind approaching coyotes
Avoid placing your stand where coyotes can circle downwind without exposing themselves.
2. Use a Smart Calling Sequence
Winter coyotes are vocal but cautious.
Early Winter (Dec–Jan)
-
Start with rabbit distress, rodent squeaks, or bird distress
-
Mix in soft howls once you know coyotes are nearby
Breeding Season (Jan–Feb)
Switch emphasis to coyote vocals:
-
Lone howls
-
Pair howls
-
Challenge howls
-
Pup distress (excellent finisher)
Late Winter
Food is scarce—distress sequences become deadly:
-
Jackrabbit distress
-
Fawn distress
-
Coyote pup distress
Tip: Start soft, then gradually increase volume.
3. Use the Snow to Your Advantage
Snow reveals exactly what coyotes are doing.
Snow Tactics
-
Follow fresh tracks to locate travel corridors
-
Hunt near clusters of mouse holes or pheasant roosts
-
Watch for packed-down coyote beds on hillsides
-
Set up where multiple sets of tracks converge
Fresh powder gives you a short-term blueprint of daily movement.
4. Hunt With a Partner When Possible
Two hunters increase success by:
-
Covering downwind circles
-
Running two shooting lanes
-
Watching multiple approach paths
One hunter calls while the other covers the likely downwind flank.
5. Control Scent & Movement
Coyotes rely heavily on their nose.
-
Always play the wind
-
Sit still—coyotes spot movement instantly
-
Use natural cover or a low-profile layout seat
Small mistakes are magnified in barren winter landscape.
6. Master Long-Range Shot Opportunities
Winter terrain often means open-country shooting.
Shooting Tips
-
Use sticks or a bipod for stability
-
Zero your rifle for winter temps (cold air changes trajectory)
-
Practice quick target acquisition on moving coyotes
Don’t expect all shots to be close—winter coyotes often appear at 150–300 yards.
Recommended Gear for Winter Coyote Hunting
Rifles
-
.223 Rem
-
.22-250
-
.243 Win
-
6.5 Creedmoor
Choose a flat-shooting, low-recoil caliber with quality optics.
Optics
-
3–9x or 4–12x scope
-
Optional: thermal or night vision (where legal)
-
Binoculars for scanning long distances
Clothing
-
Insulated camo appropriate to snowy or sagebrush terrain
-
Windproof outer layers
-
Quiet, warm gloves
-
Face mask or gaiter
-
Handwarmers for long sits
Calling Gear
-
Electronic caller with remote
-
Mouth calls for backup
-
Decoy (feather spinner or fur decoy) to draw attention
Other Must-Haves
-
Shooting sticks
-
Rangefinder
-
Snowshoes in deep drifts
-
Headlamp
-
Extra batteries for cold-weather electronics
Specialized Tips for Tough Late-Season Coyotes
-
Use longer sits—20–30 minutes instead of 10–15
-
Reduce calling volume on windless days
-
Target bedding cover in mid-afternoon warm spells
-
Use coyote fight sounds to trigger territorial responses
-
Hunt freshly cut ranch fields or winter livestock areas (where legal)
Late-season coyotes are pressured and smart—subtlety wins.
Safety & Ethics
-
Know your backstop—long shots travel far in open snow
-
Identify coyotes clearly before shooting
-
Respect property boundaries
-
Stay warm and aware of winter hazards (storms, icy slopes, deep snow)
-
Dispatch wounded coyotes quickly and humanely
Why Book a Guided Winter Coyote Hunt
A professional predator guide offers:
-
Pre-scouted access to high-density areas
-
Expert calling and stand selection
-
Increased shot opportunities on pressured coyotes
-
Knowledge of wind patterns and winter travel corridors
-
Safe navigation in cold, remote terrain
Explore outfitter options and plan your winter predator hunt through Find A Hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hunt coyotes in winter?
Mornings and late afternoons, especially after fresh snow or before storms.
Do coyotes respond well to calls in winter?
Yes—winter hunger and breeding activity make them highly vocal and responsive.
How long should I sit at each stand?
20–30 minutes in winter, sometimes longer in thick cover.
What’s the best winter coyote load?
A .223 or .22-250 with light, fast bullets is ideal for fur-friendly shots.
Should I use decoys?
Yes—movement-focused decoys help hold a coyote’s attention away from the shooter.
Ready to hunt hard winter coyotes? Compare guides and book your next predator hunt through Find A Hunt.
