Hunting for Coyotes: Using Night Vision Gear

Why Night Vision Is a Game-Changer for Coyote Hunting

Coyotes rely on low-light conditions to travel, feed, and respond to distress calls. Night vision gear boosts your capabilities by providing:

• Early detection of coyotes approaching from hundreds of yards

• Stealth advantages—you remain concealed without bright lights

• Better identification for safe, ethical shots

• Improved accuracy in moonlight, starlight, or near-darkness

• Extended hunting hours during peak predator movement

When paired with electronic calls and strategic setups, night vision dramatically increases success rates.

Types of Night Vision Gear for Predator Hunters

1. Digital Night Vision Scopes

Affordable and effective for most hunting conditions.

Pros:

• Works in near total darkness

• Built-in IR illuminators

• Can record hunts

• Good for medium-range shooting

Best for: Budget-conscious hunters and mid-range setups (100–300 yards).

2. Gen 2 and Gen 3 Night Vision Optics

Traditional night vision with strong performance.

Pros:

• Excellent low-light clarity

• Long-lasting tubes

• Reliable for extended hunts

Best for: Hunters needing high clarity without thermal pricing.

3. Night Vision Binoculars & Monoculars

Ideal for scanning fields before calling.

Pros:

• Wide field of view

• Easy to hand-hold

• Great for spotting & identifying coyotes

Use: Scanning, tracking, and navigating.

4. Hybrid Night Vision + Thermal Setups

Some hunters pair night vision scopes with handheld thermal scanners.

Why:
Thermal finds coyotes fast; night vision allows better shot identification.

Best Locations for Night Vision Coyote Hunts

Coyotes are edge-oriented animals. Night vision excels in areas with open fields and good visibility.

Top habitat types:

• Agricultural fields (corn, wheat, beans)

• Pastureland and cattle country

• Desert flats and sagebrush basins

• Prairie edges

• Powerline corridors

• Timber-to-field transitions

Look for wide shooting lanes and minimal obstructions.

Setting Up for Night Vision Success

1. Stand Downwind—Always

Coyotes circle aggressively at night.
Position:

• You downwind of the caller

• Your shooting position crosswind or slightly upwind

• Your sound source 30–60 yards away

Wind discipline is everything after dark.

2. Elevate Your Position

Even small elevation helps you:

• Spot incoming coyotes sooner

• Shoot over grass or crops

• See movement silhouetted on the horizon

Use terraces, hay bales, small rises, or truck beds (where legal and safe).

3. Keep Movement Minimal

Night vision amplifies motion. Coyotes pick up unnatural silhouettes fast.

• Set up your tripod, rifle, and scope before calling

• Avoid sweeping your barrel too quickly

• Rotate your upper body instead of your entire torso

Smooth movements equal more shot opportunities.

Calling Coyotes at Night With Night Vision Gear

Electronic Calls

Night vision pairs perfectly with e-calls. Position the caller:

• 30–60 yards upwind of you

• Slightly off to one side

• Facing open ground

Recommended sounds:

• Distress (cottontail, jackrabbit, rodent)

• Pup distress (deadly mid and late season)

• Interrogation howls (early and mid-season)

• Fight sequences (late winter)

Hand Calls

Still effective, especially in calm, quiet conditions.

Best for:

• Thick cover

• Areas with minimal pressure

• Short stands with subtle coaxing

Calling Sequence Tips

• Start soft to avoid scaring close coyotes

• Increase volume gradually

• Run stands for 12–20 minutes

• Finish with quiet rodent squeaks—perfect for close-in dogs hanging up

Night vision lets you see coyotes approaching silently—stay patient and still.

Shooting Techniques With Night Vision

Use a Stable Platform

Night hunts demand a rock-solid setup:

• Tripods with saddle mounts

• Bipods for prone or seated positions

• Shooting sticks for mobility

Stability is the difference between clear hits and misses at night.

Know Your Effective Range

Digital night vision works best inside 200–300 yards.
Higher-end tubes stretch farther, but ethical shot placement matters most.

Identify Before You Shoot

Night vision allows you to confirm:

• Species

• Shot angle

• Backdrop safety

Never take a shot until you’re 100% sure.

Safety Tips for Night Vision Coyote Hunts

• Always confirm the target and beyond

• Avoid sweeping fields with IR lights if cattle are nearby

• Maintain communication if hunting with a partner

• Mark your truck visually to avoid accidental approach shots

• Know nighttime regulations—some states require special permits

Safety increases exponentially with clear identification.

Gear Checklist for Night Vision Predator Hunters

• Night vision rifle scope or clip-on device

• Handheld night vision or thermal scanner

• Tripod with shooting rest

• Electronic caller with remote

• Spare batteries (night gear drains fast)

• Red or green headlamp (for navigation only)

• Suppressor or muzzle brake (where legal)

• Wind checker

• Rangefinder capable of low-light readings

• Extra ammo for follow-up opportunities

Night kits are heavier—pack efficiently.

Why Many Hunters Book Guided Nighttime Coyote Hunts

Professional predator outfitters offer:

• Pre-scouted coyote hotspots

• Top-tier night vision and thermal gear

• Safe shooting lanes

• Expert calling sequences

• Clear shooting positions

• High-success opportunities in prime coyote country

If you want to maximize after-dark success without the gear expense, compare trusted outfitters through our hunt marketplace.

FAQs About Using Night Vision for Coyote Hunting

Do coyotes see infrared light?
They don’t see IR beams, but they can detect unnatural shadows or movement caused by IR glare on close objects.

What’s better—night vision or thermal?
Thermal is best for detection; night vision excels at identification and shooting. Many hunters use both.

How far can you shoot with night vision?
150–300 yards depending on quality, conditions, and IR use.

Do coyotes respond well at night?
Yes—nighttime is peak movement, especially around ag fields.

Can you call coyotes in windy nights?
Moderate wind is fine, but high wind limits sound travel and visibility.

Night vision gear gives coyote hunters an incredible advantage during peak after-dark movement. With the right optics, clear wind strategy, disciplined calling, and safe shooting setups, you can consistently bring coyotes into range under the cover of night. When you’re ready to plan a high-success predator hunt, explore vetted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.