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Home / Buying Guides / Predator & Coyote Hunting Gear Checklist
Predator & Coyote Hunting Gear Checklist
Thermal optics, calls, and decoys for coyote and predator hunting — plus the license rules that vary most from state to state.
Predator hunting — coyotes, fox, and other varmints — runs on a different gear list than deer or turkey season. Most of it happens after dark, calling is central to success instead of a nice-to-have, and the license and night-hunting rules vary more by state than almost any other hunt type. This checklist pulls together what actually matters: detection and shooting optics for the dark, calling and decoy gear to bring animals into range, and the licensing questions worth confirming before you go.
If you already carry night vision or thermal gear for scouting, you have a head start — see the night vision buying guide to compare options built for actual shooting use. Also targeting hogs on the same property? The hog hunting gear checklist shares a lot of this same equipment. For a checkable version tailored to your experience level, use the Gear Checklist Generator.
Want a Checkable, Personalized Version?
This guide is a fixed reference list. The Gear Checklist Generator builds a checkable, shareable version tailored to your experience level and hunt type.
Core Predator Hunting Gear
Essentials come first, followed by recommended and optional predator hunting gear.
Clothing & Layering
4 items
- Waterproof Camo Outer Shellessential
Wind and rain protection; scent-control a bonus
View Deal - Wool or Merino Hunting Socksessential
Wicks moisture and stays warm even when damp — key for all-day boot comfort
View Deal - Balaclava or Neck Gaiterrecommended
Covers exposed skin for warmth and added concealment in cold weather
View Deal - Insulated Hunting Glovesrecommended
Keeps hands warm without sacrificing the dexterity you need to handle a weapon or call
View Deal
Weapon & Equipment
6 items
- Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)essential
Scout terrain and identify game before moving
View DealCompare all binoculars → - Laser Rangefinderessential
Crucial for accurate shot placement at unknown distances
View DealCompare all rangefinders → - Thermal or Night Vision Riflescope/Attachmentessential
The core piece of gear for after-dark predator and hog hunts — detects heat signatures in total darkness where a standard scope or headlamp can't
View DealCompare all night vision → - Predator Decoyrecommended
Gives calling coyotes and fox something to fixate on besides you, especially in open country where they can see a long way
View Deal - Shooting Sticks / Monopodrecommended
Stabilizes shots; especially useful for new hunters
View Deal - Night Vision Binocularsoptional
Extend scouting into low-light and dusk conditions — useful for predator control and pre-dawn glassing
View DealCompare all night vision →
Field Dressing
2 items
- Field Dressing Knife Kitessential
Sharp gut-hook knife and bone saw
View DealCompare all field-dressing knives → - Latex or Nitrile Glovesessential
Sanitary protection during field dressing
View Deal
Navigation
2 items
Camp & Comfort
4 items
- High-Energy Snacks (Bars, Jerky)essential
Avoid crunchy wrappers that spook game
View Deal - Insulated Water Thermosessential
Stay hydrated during cold all-day sits
View Deal - Hand Warmers (HotHands)recommended
Slip into pockets and gloves for all-day warmth
View Deal - Insulated Seat Cushionrecommended
Foam insulation under you prevents cold transfer on long sits
View Deal
Licenses & Tags
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- Furbearer / Predator Hunting Rulesessential
Most states let you hunt coyote and other predators on a general license, but some require a furbearer license or have night-hunting restrictions — confirm before you go out after dark
Find your state license → - Hunter Education Certificateessential
Required for first-time hunters in most states
Find your state license → - State Hunting Licenseessential
Must be on your person at all times while hunting
Find your state license →
Calls & Scents
2 items
- Electronic Call with Remoterecommended
Keeps your hands free for your weapon and offers more varied, realistic sounds than a mouth call — most serious predator hunters run one
View Deal - Predator / Distress Callrecommended
A hand or mouth call mimicking a rabbit or rodent in distress — the basic tool for bringing coyotes and fox into range
View Deal
Predator Hunting Tips
Night hunting gear matters more than daytime gear
Most coyote and predator hunting happens after dark. A thermal or night vision riflescope (or a handheld thermal for detection) is the single piece of gear that separates a productive night hunt from sitting in the dark hoping to see movement.
Calling skill matters as much as your gun
A rabbit-in-distress or rodent squeal brings coyotes and fox into range far more reliably than sitting and waiting. An electronic call with a remote keeps your hands free for your weapon once something responds.
Check your state's night-hunting rules before you go out
Predator hunting laws vary more by state than almost any other hunt type — artificial light restrictions, night vision equipment rules, and public vs. private land access all differ. Confirm the specifics before you plan a night hunt.
FAQ
Most states allow predator hunting on a general hunting license, but some require an additional furbearer license, and rules on hunting hours and methods vary. Check your state's specific requirements before heading out.
Many states allow night hunting for coyotes and other predators, but the rules on artificial light, night vision or thermal equipment, and public vs. private land access vary significantly. Confirm your state's specific regulations before planning a night hunt.
At minimum: a rifle or shotgun suited to your local regulations, a predator or distress call (mouth call or electronic), a decoy to hold the animal's attention, and — if you're hunting after dark, which most predator hunters do — a thermal or night vision optic.
Read Next
Hog Hunting Gear ChecklistHunting hogs on the same property? Most of your night-hunting gear carries over.
Best Night VisionCompare digital, tube, and thermal options built for actual shooting use after dark.
Best Game Calls for BeginnersCalls chosen for how easy each one is to learn, including predator and distress calls.
Small-Game Hunting Gear GuideA lighter, cheaper kit for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.
Want a Personalized Predator Hunting Checklist?
Use the checklist generator if you want a version tailored to your experience level instead of a general predator hunting list.