The Best Times to Hunt Coyote

Located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America, coyotes tend to live in the countryside but are learning to adapt to city life as humans continue to move into their habitats. 

For many hunters, hunting coyotes becomes part of the deer hunting process. Protecting fawns and other small animals from predatory animals like coyotes helps manage animal populations. It also helps curb the spread of disease among wild game and allows hunters to hone their skills during the off-season. 

So, when is the best time to hunt coyote, and what should hunters consider? Our HuntWise experts share insights below!

Why Hunt Coyote?

Two primary reasons hunters hunt coyote are population control and protecting livestock and other wild game. Predatory animals pose many dangers to domestic animals and other game.  

Population Control

Coyotes are highly adaptable predators with a remarkable ability to thrive in various environments, including urban areas. These populations can quickly grow out of control, leading to conflicts with humans and livestock. 

By hunting coyotes, hunters help maintain a balance in ecosystems and mitigate potential conflicts. 

Livestock and Other Game Protection

Coyotes prey on livestock such as sheep, goats, and poultry. For many farmers and ranchers, coyote hunting and controlling that population is necessary to protect their livelihoods. 

Hunters can help private landowners by reducing the coyote population. This can help hunters build relationships with land owners for deer and other hunting opportunities next season.

Variables to Consider When Planning Your Coyote Hunt

So, what should you consider if you plan to hunt coyotes for the first time? Even if you've hunted these animals before, these variables can impact your success. 

Along with using the HuntWise app, apply these insights to plan your next coyote hunt. 

The Location

Coyotes live and hunt in areas with plenty of small game animals such as birds, mice, and vermin. Additionally, brushy areas near creeks or swampy marshes can be some of the best locations for finding coyotes. 

While coyotes can be found throughout the U.S., if you plan to travel to hunt coyote, some of the best states for coyote hunting include Nevada, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. In most states, coyote hunting is allowed year-round. 

However, it's a good idea to check local regulations before scouting and starting your hunt. 

The Solunar Calendar

The Solunar Calendar is a tool hunters use to track animal movements and sun and moon phases. Considering this resource, coyotes are most active during full and new moons. 

In can be helpful to incorporate these insighst when planning your coyote hunts around these periods to increase your chances of seeing more coyote activity. 

The Time of Year

As we mentioned, in most states, hunters can hunt coyotes year-round. However, you may not have the best success year-round, depending on the time of year. In most cases, the best time of year to have a successful coyote hunt is during the winter. 

Coyotes become less nocturnal during the colder temperatures, increasing their activity during the day to find food. You're also more likely to find coyotes traveling together in cold weather than during warm seasons. This timing makes coyote hunting a great after-whitetail season activity to end your year. 

The Time of Day

If you have night-hunting gear or optics, coyote hunting is a great reason to practice using it. 

Coyotes are more active at night when the temperatures aren't too cold. They are nocturnal hunters, which means an ideal time to catch them out and about hunting for food is either dawn or dusk when the light is low. 

However, you'll also see them during daylight hours when the weather is cold or rainy. Plan your hunting time of day to be in the field as the sun goes down or before it comes up for the best chance at a successful coyote hunt.

The Temperature

We've talked about the weather a bit and highlighted how coyotes will be more active during the day when the weather is cold. So, bundle up because hunting coyotes is ideal when the temps are low. 

Plan your hunt when temperatures are between 20 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the most ideal conditions.  

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure also affects coyote activity. As barometric pressures rise following the passing of a front, your chances of spotting a coyote on the move also increase. 

However, the calm before a front also makes for optimal coyote hunting, as long as there isn't a strong wind.  

General Weather Conditions

Along with colder temperatures, hunt coyotes on overcast days. If there's a slight fog or haze, that can be the best day to plan your hunt. 

Coyotes are more active during these conditions than on warm, sunny days. However, don't discount a clear day without clouds or fog. If the temperatures are low and there isn't a wind, it could be a great day for a coyote hunt.  

Wind

Wind is one of the most important factors to consider when planning a hunt for almost any animal, including coyote. 

Too much wind can give away your position or spook a coyote searching for food. Because coyotes have a strong sense of smell, you might as well stay home when the winds are too strong. 

Look for days with wind between 0-5 mph as ideal conditions. Wind blowing over 20 mph can absolutely ruin your hunt.

Find The Best Hunting Times to Hunt Coyote With HuntWise

HuntWise is the best tool for identifying the best weather conditions and locations for your coyote hunt. Scout locations and mark them on maps, use various map layers to study the terrain, and use the WindCast and HuntCast™ forecasting features to plan hunts on the days when weather conditions can help improve your success when hunting coyote. 

You can also access landowner contact information through the app if your scouting and hunting takes you toward private land. Download and try HuntWise for free! 

Content updated February 7, 2024.