Effective Predator Hunting Tips for 2024

Did you know the best time for coyote hunting is late January to mid-March?¹ There's a lot more to learn in this guide for the 2024 predator hunting season. Hunting predators is both challenging and rewarding. This article aims to help all kinds of hunters boost their success rates. Whether you're new or a pro, there's something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

Ideal time for coyote hunting is from late January to mid-March¹
Typical stand setups last 15-30 minutes, with around 7-8 setups per day¹
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity and Treestand are effective camouflage patterns¹
Scent control and wind direction are crucial for successful predator hunting¹
Mixing up calling sequences keeps predators engaged and intrigued¹

This guide covers everything from finding predator signs to controlling your scent. It also talks about how to call correctly and pick the best guns. By the time you're through with this, you'll be all set for the 2024 hunting season. Whether you're after coyotes, foxes, or bobcats, these tips are designed to up your game and elevate your hunting ethics.

Scouting for Success

Searching for the right spots is key in predator hunting.¹ When you scout, keep an eye out for signs animals leave behind. These include scat, tracks, and leftover animal parts. Look in game trails, along roads and fields. Ask for permission to hunt on large, open lands early on. This can lead you to the best spots for hunting.¹ Dog scat looks pretty similar but wild canids, like coyotes, might have bone bits, fur or berry seeds in theirs.

Identifying Signs of Predator Activity

Choose good spots where predators might hide, like woods next to fields or marshes.¹ They also like thick, dense areas near paths they use to find food.¹

Seeking Ideal Hunting Grounds

In predator hunting, we help keep the natural food chain in check.² Trail cameras are handy for seeing how many predators are around.² This type of hunting needs a lot of waiting since predators are most active at dawn and dusk. Wearing the right clothes, especially in winter, is a must.² When you set up, be quiet and careful not to scare off your prey.² Cameras that work with cell phones are useful too, making it easier to see animals and adjust your strategy.

Wind and Scent Control

Predators have an incredible sense of smell. So, it's critical to stay downwind when hunting.³ Being downwind means the wind is carrying your scent away from the predator. It's also smart to come to your hunting spot from a direction not often used by the animals.⁴ Hunters must use the wind wisely. Keeping the wind against your face or a crosswind is key to staying hidden from a prey like a coyote.⁵ A coyote can pick up on the smell of humans from up to 350 yards away.

Staying Downwind of Your Target

To reduce your scent, wear clothes that don't hold smells, take scent-free showers, and use odorless items.³ Predators notice you quickly if they smell you. Thus, using scent-free products is vital to avoid being detected.⁴ Tools like scent-eliminating sprays and clothes with S3 silver can be really helpful.

Using Scent-Free Practices

³ It's good to wash your hunting clothes with scent-fighting detergent and refresh carbon lining. Also, store clothes in scent-block bags, wear scent-control gear, and use spray on your boots.⁴ Practicing scent control is crucial for successful coyote hunting.⁵ On a hunt in Oklahoma, using special products helped the author and their friends attract 14 coyotes in just two and a half days.⁵ An effective new product for scent control is Scent-A-Way's Bio Strike. It stops bacterial and fungal smells, keeping you undetected for longer.

Baiting Strategies

Baiting is key in predator hunting. You can use many baits, like butcher scraps or meat from previous hunts. But, when you bait, stay downwind. This means the wind carries your scent away from the bait. Also, make sure the distance you are from the bait is just right for a good shot. It's about being close enough but not spooking the predator.

Choosing Effective Baits

Place the bait away from homes and common paths. This keeps pets safe. Predators like edges where fields meet woods. So, put the bait there. Also, use stakes to keep the bait in place. This stops predators from easily taking it and running.⁶⁷

Proper Bait Placement

Expert hunter Brian Downs found better ways to use bait. He made a baitsicle with scrap meat and water. This can last a long time, drawing coyotes to hunt.⁷ He also spread confidence strips near the main bait. This made the area feel safer to coyotes. As a result, he had more hunting success.

Staking Down Baits

Dragging a scent bag onto trails is a must. It pulls coyotes in with its smell.⁷ For satellite baiting, use big baits in open areas and small baits in thick cover. Connect them with scent trails. This makes hunting trickier but more rewarding.⁷ To time when coyotes come, reduce the available bait slowly. This makes them get to the bait earlier, a move Downs says is clever. And, the right sitting distance from the bait depends on the place. Hunters in dense areas can be as close as 20 yards, but in open areas, they might need to be 75 yards away for a good shot.

Predator Calling Techniques

To hunt predators effectively, mimicking an injured animal's sound is key. This lures in animals like coyotes and bobcats.⁸ Predators often show up quickly after hearing the call. Yet, if nothing happens after 15-20 minutes, moving may be wise.⁸ When using a mouth call, be cautious. It could attract different animals, not just predators. Ensure your target is what you intend to hunt before shooting.

Mimicking Distress Calls

Distress calls of various animals – from birds to little predators – draw in predators.⁹ Using several distress call types in a 12 to 15-minute session is a good strategy. It can include male coyote howls, female yodels, and calls for pups.⁹ Scouting different spots on a hunting area might improve your odds.

Electronic Calling Devices

Electronic calls mimic wildlife sounds and can be operated from a distance.⁸ To keep it hidden, cover the call with natural materials like branches.⁸ Also, position yourself 50 to 100 yards downwind from the call. This catches predators downwind, where they usually check to confirm the sound with their scent.

Mouth Calls for Different Species

Mouth calls come in styles like reed, exposed reed, and diaphragm.⁹ They are great for imitating different animals. This includes birds, small mammals, and young predators.⁹ It's important to know the calls and practice them well. This makes your mimicry effective.

Predator Hunting Tips

Good predator hunting needs a thorough understanding of these cautious animals. Knowing where to hunt, the best approach, and the ideal time is crucial. Effective calling strategies and proper firearm and shot placement are key too.¹ Using these tactics, hunters can up their catch and bring home more hides.

The prime mating season for coyotes is late January to mid-March.¹ In Ohio, there's no off-season for hunting coyotes.¹ Hunters use scent-blocking gear, take scent-free showers, and pay close attention to the wind.¹ They also deploy decoys, like life-size coyote models. Fawns, moving decoys, or turkey feathers on strings are common too.¹

About 70% of successful predator hunters focus on the wind direction.⁶ Sixty percent find bait crucial in their hunting strategy.⁶ They suggest placing bait at the field's edge to lure predators.⁶ Forty-five percent use electronic calls,⁶ while others prefer different call types. Knowing your tools and tactics is essential.

The writer shares insights from extensive predator hunting in South Dakota's winter, highlighting key points.¹⁰ Paying attention to wind and turning off the call when coyotes approach can improve shots.¹⁰ Hunting in frigid conditions is advised, as coyotes become more active.¹⁰ Camouflaging well in the snow and staying still are vital to avoid detection.¹⁰

By following these hunting tips and strategies, predator huntersThese methods increase the chances of a fulfilling and responsible catch, ensuring a prosperous hunt.

Hunting During Mating Season

Late January to mid-March is prime for hunting predators because it's mating season.¹¹¹² Use sounds like locating howls, female whining, and puppy yips to attract them.¹²¹³ Start with quiet howls then switch to other sounds to get them closer.¹²¹³ This tactic works well with coyotes, making hunting more successful.

Locating Howls and Whining Calls

It's helpful to know and mimic predators' sounds in mating season.¹¹¹² Female invitation howls attract male coyotes.¹¹ They often come in pairs to check on the sound.¹¹ Using a howler is a great tactic now.¹¹

Calling Sequences for Mating Season

Change your calling tactics during mating season to pull in predators.¹²¹³ Instead of prey sounds, use coyote calls to get their attention now.¹² They often respond more if they hear calls from multiple coyotes.¹² Male coyotes are drawn to female howls early in mating season.¹² Using coyote scent can also help make your hunt more successful.¹²

Camo Patterns and Terrain

The land you hunt on and the camo patterns you choose matter a lot in predator hunting. For places like the Midwest, where the land and weather change a lot, it's smart to pick different camo patterns. Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity and Mossy Oak Treestand are great for the flat fields and river areas there.¹ Pick the right one for the day, like Treestand for snowy days and Infinity for when it's clear.

Selecting Suitable Camouflage

Spring and summer need camo patterns with greens, like Mossy Oak Obsession.¹⁴ In the fall and winter, look for camo in browns and tans, as it matches the changing leaves well.¹⁴ The right camo depends on where you're hunting. In wooded areas, Break-Up Country works best, but you want lighter colors for open spaces out West.¹⁴

Terra is a pattern from Nomad and Mossy Oak made to fit many terrains, with just a touch of green.¹⁴ Besides camo, hunters use things like shadows and the land's natural shape to hide.¹⁴

In wide-open places, you can see further and have more time to aim.¹⁴ But in smaller spots, like woods or little fields, you must hide quickly. Good camouflage helps bring predators closer without them knowing, giving you better chances for a good shot.¹⁴

Coyotes in Ohio mate from late January to mid-March.¹ When hunting there, the author suggests Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity and Mossy Oak Treestand. These are great for the flat fields and river areas.¹

Stand Setup and Strategies

For successful predator hunting, where you set up is key. ^¹⁵ Find a high spot with clear views and the wind to your face. ^¹⁶ Stay out of low areas. Predators see you first in these spots. Using something to hide your shape helps. Also, choose a spot for your caller that's easy for predators to reach. They're great at finding sound sources. ^¹⁶

Positioning for Optimal Shots

If you set up to look mostly right, you can cover a big area. You'll be ready to shoot at predators as they come. ^¹⁶ Having the sun behind you adds extra cover. ^¹⁶ Carry something soft to sit on for making adjustments. They can help you hunt better. ^¹⁶

Using Decoys Effectively

Using decoys helps too. They can distract predators from spotting you. Try big decoys like coyotes or smaller ones like turkey feathers on a string. ^¹⁵ Good stand setups take advantage of high spots, sunlight coming from behind you, and wind helping your calls travel. ^¹⁵

Scouting for Predator Presence

Scouting is key to finding areas where predators hunt often. You look for their traces like tracks, scat, and leftover animal parts. These things are usually found on farms or places with lots of food for them.⁶ Such places attract predators, making them good spots to put up hunting stands.

Also, talking to the people who own the land is smart. They might know where predators are usually seen. This info can guide you to better spots in your search. Scouting this way can lead you to success.

Tracking Signs and Animal Remains

When you look for predator signs, watch for tracks, scat, and old animal parts. You might spot signs of coyotes, bobcats, or foxes.⁶ These clues tell you where predators are hunting for food.

Focusing on Prime Locations

Once you've found hints and talked to landowners, concentrate on key places. Signs and local tips can lead you to areas like dense woods or fields near livestock.⁶ These spots are great for putting up stands and attracting the big game.

predator hunting signs

Varying Calling Sequences

When calling predators, vary the sounds and sequences you use. This will grab their attention better.⁹ Use different sounds and rhythms because predators know the usual sounds. Try calls even for animals not found locally, as they might still be interested. Experimenting with various calling techniques is key to finding what works.⁹

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Adapt your calling to the weather and the moon. These factors can change how active predators are.⁹ A study in Oregon found coyotes use only a few sounds to talk. So, use many different calls to keep them curious.⁹

Successful hunters like Al Morris use various tools. He uses an electronic caller, a mouth call, and a howler.⁹ Al Morris changes between four or five calls in one spot. This includes sounds of wounded dogs.⁹ It takes him about 12 to 15 minutes in total. This time is for going through his sounds and attracting coyotes.⁹

By changing tactics and using different calls, hunters can do better. This is when hunting predators such as coyotes.⁹ Mixing up your approach and being open to new techniques can make you a successful hunter.⁹

Firearms and Shot Placement

Choosing the best gun and bullets, plus aiming right, are key to good predator hunting. A Ruger RPR with 6mm or .223 bullets from Hornady is the author's top pick.¹⁷ But, it's up to each hunter to pick what they like and can shoot well.

Choosing the Right Rifle and Ammunition

For predator hunting, the correct rifle and bullets matter a lot. The writer likes using a Ruger RPR in 6mm or .223, with Hornady bullets.¹⁸ This combo helps him hit targets like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. It's important for hunters to find their own best rifle and ammo setup.

Ethical Shot Placement

Aiming right is key for a humane kill when hunting predators. Target the chest's center or the shoulder's top. Predators are small targets. Aiming well is crucial for a quick and painless death.¹⁸ Regular practice and using real-sized targets at the range can sharpen your aim, making you a better shot.

Picking the perfect gun and ammo, and aiming carefully, leads to safe and kind predator hunting.¹⁷¹⁸

Nighttime Predator Hunting

Nighttime predator hunting can be a thrilling and fruitful experience. Basic daytime rules like finding high spots and using wind to your advantage still work.¹⁹ The power of a light after sunset is best in open, high areas.

Using Lights and Thermal Devices

Night hunting is different because you use lights or devices that see heat in the dark.¹⁸ Abner Druckenmiller thinks a soft red light is best. It's less likely to scare predators than white light.¹⁸ A light attached to your gun can quickly light up areas while you hunt. Keeping the light on helps you find targets effectively.¹⁸

night hunting

Constant Scanning and Target Identification

²⁰ Using a FOXPRO Gunfire light, the author looks for glowing predator eyes. It's crucial to keep the light on them until they're close enough.²⁰ Always looking for animals and not resting is key because they respond fast.¹⁹ It's hard to tell how far animals are at night. Using things you can see, like trees, can help you judge better.¹⁹

²⁰ Knowing exactly what you're aiming at is very important in the dark.¹⁸ For those new to hunting at night, Druckenmiller says it's vital to know what you can legally shoot. This means you must be sure what kind of animal it is.¹⁸

¹⁹ Not all places let you hunt coyotes at night with lights. Rules can vary from using a shotgun at night or not allowing it at all.¹⁹ Looking for hunting spots during the day is crucial for finding coyotes after sunset.¹⁹

¹⁸ To improve your chances at night, Druckenmiller suggests hiding well, using the wind wisely, and finding high places to see better.¹⁸ Having many places to hunt can make your chances of catching something go up. It's important to work well with landowners and use both public and private lands.¹⁸

¹⁸ Druckenmiller thinks a shotgun is good for close shots. He also suggests getting used to spotting your target in the dark using tools like Bright Eyes reflectors.¹⁸

²⁰ It's smart to learn different sounds to talk to coyotes, like howls, yips, and barks. Using these well can help you hunt better.²⁰ Mastering these sounds is very important for hunting at night.

Conclusion

This guide has lots of tips on how to hunt predators well in 2024. It talks about everything from where to look and how to hide your smell to what gear to use. This knowledge helps hunters have better hunts for animals like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Coyotes can smell hunters from over 400 yards away²¹. So, knowing the wind's direction and hiding your scent are key in coyote hunting.

The hunter always checks the wind when coyote hunting, showing how important wind is.²¹ Calling on windy days with big, loud calls works better than on calm days. This hints that how loud you call is linked to wind speed.²¹ Matching your call's volume to the weather can up your chances of catching a coyote.²¹

Overall, knowing how to use wind in hunting coyotes is very important.²¹ Follow the advice in this guide for a better 2024 hunting season.

FAQ

What are some key signs of predator activity to look for when scouting?

Signs of predators include scat, tracks, and remains on trails and fields. Tell apart domestic dog scat, which looks the same, from coyote and other wild canids. Their scat might have bones, fur, or berry seeds in it.

How can hunters control their scent when predator hunting?

Stay downwind of your target. Go to your location in a way that doesn't alert the animals. Wear scent-free clothes, and use scent-free products. Always take a scent-free shower before you start. Predators have good noses, so keeping your scent low is key.

What are some effective baiting strategies for predator hunting?

Using the right bait is crucial. Try butcher scraps, bones, hides, or leftover meat. Put the bait in a place hidden from the view and away from your scent. Be sure it's far enough for a safe shot but near enough for a good aim. Staking the bait down prevents it from being carried off.

How can hunters use calling techniques to attract predators?

To attract predators, use calls that mimic the sound of injured animals. This can be done with your mouth or with electronic calls. Change the sounds and volumes to keep their curiosity high. Coyotes, for example, often respond to sounds of mating, like howls and yips.

What are some tips for setting up effective hunting stands for predators?

Your stand should be high and with wind blowing towards you. Avoid valleys. Use natural cover to hide yourself. Place your caller where you can shoot easily, and decoys to distract the predator from finding you.

How can hunters effectively identify and track predator presence in an area?

Look for signs like tracks, scat, and remains, especially where there are livestock. Ask landowners about their predator sightings. Their information can help you know where to focus your hunting.

What considerations should hunters make when selecting firearms and ammunition for predator hunting?

Pick a rifle and bullets you are confident with and can aim well. Shoot for the chest or shoulder. Predators are small targets; aim carefully for a quick, humane kill.

What are some tips for successful nighttime predator hunting?

Night hunting follows the same rules as hunting during the day, but with extra steps. Choose a high spot with a good view and favorable wind. Use lights or night vision to see the predators. Always make sure you're aiming at the right target.