Coyotes are opportunistic predators that can be hunted successfully at any time of the year. However, understanding their behavior, movement patterns, and feeding habits can significantly increase the chances of a successful coyote hunt.
In this article, we will explore the best times of the year and day to hunt coyotes, taking into account different factors such as seasons, regional differences in coyote hunters, and coyote activity patterns.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Time of Year, and Time of Day to Hunt Coyotes
The best time to hunt coyotes varies depending on several factors, including the time of year, the time of day, and the region. Coyotes are most active during the fall and winter, particularly during their breeding season from January through March.
During these colder months, food scarcity prompts them to move more, often throughout the day, unlike in warmer months when they are primarily nocturnal.
Let’s take a detailed look at these factors:
Season:
The time of year can significantly influence coyote behavior and hunting success. In the spring, coyotes are territorial and may respond to calls mimicking a threat to their own territory first.
In the summer, coyotes are less active during the day due to heat and scarce food sources. Fall and winter are generally the best times to hunt coyotes as they are more active due to cooler temperatures and the need to find food.
Time of Day:
Coyotes are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. However, during the warmer months, they are primarily nocturnal, making the late evening and night the best times to hunt.
Region:
The region where you’re hunting can influence the best time of day to hunt coyotes.
For example, in the Eastern region, the best time to hunt coyotes in the suburbs is always at night, while in the Great Plains and Southwest regions, the dead of the night is the most effective time.
Location:
The specific location of your hunt, such as a park, rural area, or suburb, can also influence the best time to hunt.
Coyotes in suburban areas have often adapted to human activity and may be more active during the night when human activity is lower.
Coyote Behavior and Activity Patterns:
Understanding the behavior and activity patterns of coyotes can help determine the best time to hunt.
For instance, during the winter, coyotes are more active due to the cold weather and scarcity of food, making it a good time to hunt.
Best Time to Hunt Coyotes: Seasonally
Following is a brief guide explaining the best time to hunt coyotes, seasonally.
Hunting Coyotes in Early Spring
Spring is a time when coyotes become territorial as they begin working on dens to assert their presence in a given area. The best way to attract coyotes in the spring is to use coyote vocals, mimicking their howl to draw them out.
However, mastering this call can be challenging and requires patience. It’s also important to note that during this period, coyotes are more likely to respond to calls that mimic a threat to their territory, such as the sound of an intruding coyote. Therefore, hunters should be prepared for potentially aggressive responses from territorial coyotes.
Additionally, the spring season often aligns with the birthing period for coyotes, making the adults more protective and potentially more responsive to calls mimicking a threat to their pups.
Hunting Coyotes in the Summer
Summer is generally a slow time for hunting coyotes. Food sources are scarce, and most coyotes spend daylight hours in dens to escape the heat.
However, if you’re hunting nuisance coyotes for a farmer or rancher, setting up around ranch calves and waiting for them can be effective. During the summer, coyotes are more likely to be active during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Using calls that mimic the sounds of small, vulnerable animals can be particularly effective during this time, as coyotes may be more desperate for food and therefore more likely to investigate these sounds.
Hunting Coyotes in the Fall
Fall is one of the best times to hunt coyotes. After the long, hot summer, coyotes are searching for food, and the weather is ideal for hunting. Young coyotes from the spring litter are now out on their own, making them easier targets.
During this season, the best calls to use are those that mimic a prey animal in distress. Additionally, as the weather begins to cool, coyotes may become more active during the day, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
Fall is also the time when coyotes begin to prepare for the winter, which means they may be more likely to respond to calls mimicking a potential food source.
Hunting Coyotes in the Winter
Winter is another excellent time to hunt coyotes. With their pelts heavily furred, coyotes spend more time outside during the winter daylight hours hunting for food.
During the winter, it is relatively easy to get a coyote to respond to an “animal in distress” call, such as calling coyotes to a rabbit.
It’s also worth noting that during the winter, coyotes may be more likely to travel in packs, which can provide opportunities for multiple successful shots during a single hunting session.
How to Hunt Coyotes in Winter?
In winter, coyotes are more active due to the cold weather, yet food becomes scarce, translating to longer hours spent hunting.
During this season, it’s crucial to understand the four instinctual areas that typically lure a coyote to your call, Curiosity, Hunger, Territorial, and Paternal Instincts, and practice calls that generate interest in each of these areas.
For instance, a call mimicking a wounded rabbit might trigger a coyote’s hunger instinct, while a call mimicking an intruding coyote might trigger its territorial instinct.
It’s also important to be patient and persistent, as coyotes may be more cautious during the winter months when food is scarce.
Hunting Late Sumner Coyotes
Late summer can be a challenging time to hunt coyotes, as food sources are scarce, and most coyotes spend the daylight hours in dens to escape the heat.
However, if you’re hunting nuisance coyotes for a farmer or rancher, setting up around ranch calves and waiting for them can be effective.
During this time of deer season, it can also be beneficial to hunt during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Using calls that mimic the sounds of vulnerable prey, such as a fawn in distress, can also be effective during this time.
The 3 Most Likely Seasons For a Successful Coyote Hunt
The three most likely reasons for a successful coyote hunt are fall, winter, and early spring. Fall and winter are when coyotes are most active, and early spring is when they are most territorial.
During these seasons, coyotes are more likely to respond to calls, and their activity patterns make them more visible to hunters.
However, it’s important to remember that successful coyote hunting requires patience, skill, and an understanding of coyote behavior and habits.
What’s your best time of day to coyote hunt.
The best time of day to hunt coyotes depends on the season. In the fall and winter, coyotes are most active nighttime hunting and during the early morning and late afternoon.
In the spring and summer, they are primarily nocturnal, making the late evening and night the best times to hunt.
However, it’s also important to consider the specific habits of the coyotes in your hunting area. For instance, if you’re hunting in an area where coyotes have become accustomed to human activity, they may be more active during the day.
Your region determines the best time of day to coyote hunt.
The region where you’re hunting can also influence the best time of day to hunt coyotes. For example, in the Eastern region, the best time to hunt coyotes in the suburbs is always at night, while in the Great Plains and Southwest regions, the dead of the the night hunting is the most effective time.
This is due to differences in coyote behavior and activity patterns across different regions, influenced by factors such as human activity, availability of prey, and climate.
Will you coyote hunt in a park, a rural area, or in a suburb?
The location of your hunt can also influence the best time to hunt. If you’re a deer hunting or in a park or rural area, the early morning and late afternoon may be the best times.
However, if you’re hunting in a suburb, the best time is likely to be at night when coyotes are most active. This is because coyotes in suburban areas have often adapted to human activity and may be more active during the night when human activity is lower.
Determining your best time of day to coyote hunt.
Determining the best time of day to hunt coyotes involves understanding their behavior and activity patterns. In general, coyotes are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
However, during the warmer months, they are primarily nocturnal, making the late evening and night the best times to hunt.
It’s also important to consider the specific habits of the coyotes in your hunting area, as well as factors such as the season and the local climate.
Early Morning:
This is often one of the best times to hunt coyotes. They are typically active during this time, especially in the fall and winter months.
Coyotes often hunt for food in the early morning, making them more likely to respond to calls mimicking a prey animal in distress.
Late Morning:
As the day warms up, coyotes tend to reduce their activity and may return to their dens. However, if the weather is cooler, such as in the fall and winter, coyotes may still be active during the late morning.
Afternoon:
Coyotes are generally less active during the afternoon, especially during the hot summer months when they prefer to stay in their dens to escape the heat.
However, in the cooler months, they may be active during the afternoon, especially in the late afternoon as they begin their evening hunt.
Evening:
The evening, particularly the late evening, is often a good time to hunt coyotes. They are primarily nocturnal animals, so they become more active as the sun goes down.
This is especially true during the warmer months when they prefer to hunt during the cooler night hours.
Best time of day to hunt coyotes in the Eastern region:
In the Eastern region, coyotes have adapted to human activity and are often more active during the night, especially in suburban areas. Therefore, the best time to hunt eastern coyotes in the suburbs is always at night.
Following is an overview explaining the best time of day to take deer rifle hunt coyotes in the eastern region:
Best time of day to hunt eastern coyotes during mating season
During the mating season, which typically occurs in late winter, coyotes may be more active as they search for mates. Therefore, the best time to hunt eastern coyotes during the mating season is during the early morning and late evening when they are most active.
Best time of day to hunt eastern coyotes during denning season.
During the denning season, which typically occurs in the spring, coyotes may be more territorial as they protect their dens. Therefore, the best time to hunt eastern coyotes during the denning season is during the early morning and late evening when they are most active.
Best time of day to hunt eastern coyotes during pup rearing season.
During the pup rearing season, which typically occurs in the summer, coyotes may be more active during the cooler hours of the day. Therefore, the best time to hunt eastern coyotes during the pup rearing season is during the early morning and late evening.
Best time of day to hunt eastern coyotes during dispersal season.
During the dispersal season, which typically occurs in the fall, young coyotes leave their parents to establish their own territories. Therefore, the best time to hunt eastern coyotes during the dispersal season is during the early morning and late evening when they are most active.
Best time of day to hunt coyotes in the Great Plains region.
In the Great Plains region, coyotes are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon. Therefore, the best time to hunt coyotes in the Great Plains region is during these times. However, during the warmer months, they are primarily nocturnal, making the late evening and night the best times to hunt.
Best time of day to hunt coyotes in the Southwest.
In the Southwest region, due to the hot climate, coyotes are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the cooler hours of the night. Therefore, the best time to hunt coyotes in the Southwest region is during the dead of the night.
Your best time of the day to hunt coyotes is the night vision or dead of the night.
Coyotes are More Active Just Before Dawn
Coyotes are most active just before dawn. This is when they are typically hunting for food and are most likely to respond to calls that mimic a prey animal in distress.
Coyotes are Mostly Nocturnal, But not Completely
While coyotes are primarily nocturnal, they are not completely so. They can be active during the day, particularly during the colder months when food is scarce and they need to spend more time hunting.
Coyote Hunting in Warm vs Cold Weather.
Coyote hunting can be successful in both warm and cold weather. However, coyotes are more active during the colder months due to food scarcity, making fall and winter the best times to hunt.
Moon Phase
The phase of the moon can also influence coyote daytime hunting too. While it is possible to hunt coyotes during any moon phase, hunting them in daylight during a full moon might be more challenging because they are likely pursuing prey at night and sleeping all day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Long Should You Hunt Each Spot?
You should not stand or sit in one spot for longer than 30 minutes unless you are working a coyote that you can actually hear nearby.
When is the Best Time to Hunt Coyotes?
The best time to hunt coyotes is during the fall and winter, particularly during their breeding season from January through March.
What’s the Best Time of Day to Coyote Hunt?
The best time of day to hunt coyotes depends on the season. In the fall and winter, coyotes are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. In the spring and summer, they are primarily nocturnal, making the late evening and night the best times to hunt.
Is it Better to Hunt Coyotes in the Morning or the Evening?
Both the morning and the evening can be effective times to hunt coyotes. However, they are typically most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
What Do Coyotes Eat?
Coyotes are opportunistic predators that prey on nearly anything that’s accessible – rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, fawns, and even calves and other livestock.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hunting coyotes can be a thrilling and rewarding experience.
By understanding their behavior and activity patterns, and adjusting your hunting strategies accordingly, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt.
We hope that you enjoyed reading this first predator hunting post, let us know in the comments if you have any other questions or queries regarding Coyote Hunting sports and the best time for coyote hunting.