Understanding the Coyote
Coyote Behavior and Habits
To be a successful coyote hunter, a deep understanding of your quarry is essential. Knowing the coyote’s behavior, habits, and habitat preferences is crucial to developing effective hunting strategies.
These members of the canid family, *Canis latrans*, are incredibly adaptable animals. They are often most active during dawn and dusk, although they can be seen at any time of day, especially in areas where they are less pressured by human activity. Their diet is diverse, including rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, and carrion. Coyotes are also opportunistic predators, and will take down larger prey when the opportunity arises, such as deer fawns or domestic livestock.
Coyotes are highly social animals, often living in family groups. These groups, known as packs, typically consist of a breeding pair and their offspring from previous years. Coyotes establish and defend territories, which can range in size from a few square miles to dozens of square miles, depending on food availability and population density. Understanding the territories, travel patterns, and favored food sources of coyotes is fundamental to successful hunting.
Coyote Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Before heading out to hunt, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the specific hunting seasons, regulations, and legal requirements in your area. Coyote hunting seasons vary considerably from state to state, and even within different regions of the same state. Some areas may have open seasons year-round, while others may have specific seasons that align with trapping seasons or other considerations.
Ensure you possess the necessary hunting licenses, permits, and any other required documentation. Failure to comply with local laws can result in serious penalties. Beyond the legal requirements, ethical hunting practices are of paramount importance. Ethical hunters strive for a clean and humane kill, respecting the animal and its role in the ecosystem. This includes practicing fair chase, choosing appropriate calibers and ammunition, and making well-placed shots.
The AR-15 for Coyote Hunting
The AR-15 rifle has become a mainstay for modern hunters, and especially for those pursuing coyotes. Its popularity stems from several key advantages it offers over other firearm platforms.
One of the most significant advantages of the AR-15 is its inherent accuracy. The modular design allows for customization, providing a platform on which you can build a highly accurate rifle suited to your needs. The ability to easily mount optics, such as scopes, red dots, or thermal imaging devices, further enhances accuracy and extends your effective range. The platform’s modularity also allows for easy adaptation to different hunting situations and environments.
Furthermore, the AR-15 offers rapid follow-up shots. In a coyote hunting scenario, where a second or third shot may be necessary, the AR-15’s semi-automatic action makes it exceptionally efficient. This is an advantage over bolt-action rifles which are generally slower.
Choosing the Right AR-15 Configuration
Selecting the correct AR-15 configuration is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness in the field. The first and perhaps most important consideration is caliber selection. Several calibers are popular for coyote hunting, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages. The most frequently used calibers for coyote hunting include the .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO, the .224 Valkyrie, and the 6.5 Grendel.
The .223 Remington/5.56 is perhaps the most common. It is widely available, affordable, and offers excellent accuracy at moderate ranges. The availability of ammunition, from various manufacturers, is another key benefit. The .224 Valkyrie offers a flatter trajectory and better long-range performance than the .223 Remington. It is suitable for hunters who anticipate longer shots. The 6.5 Grendel is another excellent choice, providing increased ballistic performance, energy on impact, and a heavier bullet that is effective at longer distances than the .223 Remington, while still maintaining a manageable recoil.
Barrel length and twist rate are important factors to consider. A shorter barrel can offer greater maneuverability in close-quarters situations, while a longer barrel can improve accuracy and velocity, especially with heavier bullets. The twist rate of the barrel affects the bullets used in your firearm. The twist rate dictates which bullet weights will be best stabilized. A slower twist rate of, for example, 1:12, is better suited to lighter bullets, while a faster twist rate, like 1:7, is better for heavier bullets.
Consider upgrading your trigger. A lighter, crisper trigger pull can significantly improve accuracy, especially when taking longer shots. A well-tuned trigger will help you make precise shots when coyotes are at a distance.
Essential Equipment for Coyote Hunting with an AR-15
Beyond the rifle itself, a range of essential equipment is needed to maximize your chances of success while AR-15 coyote hunting.
Optics
Optics play a critical role in coyote hunting. The choice of optics will heavily influence your ability to identify, target, and successfully harvest coyotes. Scopes are the most common choice, offering a variety of magnifications and reticle designs that suit different hunting scenarios. Look for scopes with variable magnification ranges. For example, a scope offering a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification range provides versatility for both close-range and long-range shots.
Consider the reticle design. Illuminated reticles can greatly aid target acquisition in low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. Red dot sights are another option, particularly for close-range encounters. They provide a fast target acquisition but typically have limited magnification.
For hunting at night, or in dense cover, thermal imaging or night vision optics can be invaluable. These technologies use infrared light to detect heat signatures, allowing you to identify coyotes that might otherwise be hidden. Thermal imaging is increasingly popular for this purpose.
Ammunition
Selecting the right ammunition is critical. You’ll want to choose a bullet type and weight that is appropriate for coyotes. Varmint bullets, with their explosive expansion, can be highly effective at causing quick kills. Polymer-tipped bullets are designed for rapid expansion and long-range accuracy. Hollow point bullets are another option, offering controlled expansion and good terminal ballistics. Choosing the correct bullet weight is also important. Heavier bullets typically maintain more energy at longer ranges, which can lead to more humane and effective kills. Consider the ranges you’ll be shooting at and choose a bullet that offers the best combination of accuracy, energy transfer, and trajectory for those distances.
Accessories
Several accessories can greatly enhance your effectiveness in the field. Bipods or shooting sticks provide a stable platform, improving accuracy, particularly for longer shots. Using a sound suppressor or sound moderator can reduce the noise of the shot. This can be especially advantageous in areas where noise is a concern, or where you want to increase your chance of taking multiple coyotes without alerting others. If you are going after nighttime opportunities for your hunts, you will need the necessary equipment for your needs. Hunting packs are essential for carrying all of your gear. A rangefinder can help you determine the distance to the target. Knowing the range is vital for accurate shooting.
Coyote Hunting Techniques with an AR-15
Mastering the art of coyote hunting goes beyond having the right equipment. Employing sound hunting strategies and techniques will improve your success.
Scouting and Location
Scouting is the first and perhaps most important step. Before ever going out to hunt, you need to familiarize yourself with the terrain and the coyotes that live there. Locate coyote signs, such as tracks, scat, and prey remains. Look for areas where coyotes are likely to travel and where they are able to access food and water.
Pay attention to coyote travel patterns and habitat preferences. They often travel along established trails, fence lines, and creek beds. Locate areas where they feel secure, such as thick brush, wooded areas, and rugged terrain. Using trail cameras can be an effective way to monitor coyote activity. Trail cameras can provide valuable insights into coyote behavior, population numbers, and preferred travel routes.
Calling Strategies
Calling coyotes is one of the most effective hunting techniques. Using predator calls to mimic the sounds of injured prey or coyote vocalizations can attract coyotes into shooting range. Electronic calls offer a wide range of sound options and can often be heard over long distances. Mouth calls require more practice but can provide greater flexibility and control. Consider using calls that imitate the distress calls of rabbits, mice, or other small animals. Coyote vocalizations, such as howls and yips, can also be effective for attracting coyotes and establishing communication.
When setting up for a call, consider wind direction. Position yourself so that the wind is blowing towards the direction from which you expect coyotes to approach. This helps prevent your scent from alerting them. Set up in a location that offers good visibility and cover. Using natural features, like trees, bushes, and terrain, to break up your outline and provide concealment.
Shot placement is critical. Aim for the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, to ensure a quick and humane kill. Be patient and wait for a clear shot before squeezing the trigger.
If you are hunting at night (where legal), special tactics and equipment are needed. Low-light hunting requires specialized optics, such as night vision or thermal devices. Learn how to use them effectively. A hunting light can be used to illuminate coyotes. However, be mindful of local regulations regarding light use.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
Safety and ethical hunting practices are critical. They must be an integral part of any AR-15 coyote hunting operation.
Firearm Safety
Always prioritize firearm safety. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Store firearms securely when not in use.
Ethical Hunting
Ethical hunting goes beyond obeying the law. Practice fair chase principles, ensuring the animal has a fair chance. Show respect for the animal and the environment. Recover your harvested animals whenever possible, and dispose of carcasses responsibly.
Legal Regulations
Strictly adhere to all local, state, and federal hunting regulations. This includes respecting seasons, bag limits, and legal hunting methods. Never hunt on private property without permission.
Conclusion
AR-15 coyote hunting offers a rewarding experience. With the right equipment, a solid understanding of coyote behavior, and the application of sound hunting techniques, you can consistently harvest these cunning predators. Remember to always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices. Enjoy the challenge, respect the environment, and appreciate the unique rewards of the hunt. Get out there, scout the land, and use your AR-15 to contribute to the responsible management of coyote populations.
