New Hunter here doing my first coyote hunt with a fellow hunter at night in Deep East Texas. We will be hunting at night because that is when they seem most active. Houls and yelps are non stop. On two previous trips to this location I have heard them all around us, 360 degrees and very close. I am planning to spot them with a strong light and using a "rabbit in distress" squeal call to get them in closer. I am hoping this works. I will be using an old SKS and my friend either a .308 bolt rifle or an AR-15. I already notified the local game wardens out of courtesy and I have their blessing so long as we do not try and catch them or keep them alive for transport. Only rule was that they must be dead before we handle them.

Any tips for a new hunter on his first coyote trip? ALL FEEDBACK IS WELCOME!

Thanks,

New Hunter

What does the terrain look like? Pastures, Open Fields, Hay Meadows, Wooded?

Its fine to use a powerful spotlight to illuminate the Yote when its time to shoot, but I use a much less powerful light (Red LED) to 'scan' with. You aren't (or shouldn't be) looking for the whole animal when 'scanning', just the shine of their eyes...which can be seen from a long way.

Read all you can about calling/hunting Coyotes, there is a lot to know. You need to know how and where to set up. When to call and when to quit.

And most importantly....NEVER shoot until you can POSITIVELY identify your target and know what is beyond it.

If you have specific questions...we are happy to help with them, but we can't provide a Coyote Hunting Tutorial here...it is too complex.

The problem in east Texas is the woods, obviously. Any animal like coyotes can run ten feet and be in thick brush. It's very hard to see them unless you have a big field. The spotlight cuts both ways.......it illuminates well and is cheaper than night scopes, but it will make you not be able to see well for a few minutes as soon as the light is off. You might try going on a clear night with a full moon.....just use a regular scope and some binoculars. You will be surprised at what you can see if there is an open field.

all the above