Night Hunting - Prefer it? Why? How?

B

BoHunter

New member
Most of the video's I've seen have been daytime hunting, even middle of the afternoon, but it seems I read night-time hunting is more effective.

Do you prefer night hunting? If so, why?

For you night hunters, how do you do it? I've got a coon light with a red lens. How do you setup? How do you scan? Is night hunting pretty much a headshot game? Do you night hunt primarily fields? What are your average shot distances? I've NEVER hunted Coyotes at night, and wanted to get an idea of how to go about it, and what to expect. It would seem like hunting hardwoods at night would be VERY difficult due to all of the trees.

Also, how do you "shine" them? Get a glimps of the eyes, then take the light off, and sort of flash back to them once in a while until they are in range?

Any input would be appreciated. Do you find that night hunting is more productive. My concern is not seeing a dog's eyes if he's sitting there but not looking at me. Are they quite reflective or does the animal need to be zero'd in on you to see his eyes?

Thanks!
Bo
 
I'm new to it too, but would recommend two things to start with.

One, read the laws of your state and area very carefully. Very carefully.

And two, get the video "Hunting the Night Shift: Predators" by Randy's Watson and Buker. Lots and lots of tips and techniques. They cover not only hunting, but things to do to keep the landowners happy and on your side. Good info.

Daybreak
 
I prefer Night Hunting for many reasons, #1, I work 6 days a week, and nights is really all the time I have to hunt. # 2, it is usually cooler here in Texas. #3, I have had much better luck at night.

Always scan the light and if you see something, keep the light on them, but halo them. Dont put the center part of the light on them just the bottom edge. The eyes are very, very bright and you shouldn't worry a bit about not seeing them.
 
All set with the laws. Night hunting is allowed here with a centerfire rifle, but ONLY if it isn't an open season for deer which we are only allowed to shoot with a shotgun....

We we can only use those high powered rifles at night when we can't see what we are shooting at.... :)

Sounds like quite a rush. Do you guys find you are more successful at night? What are your typical shot distances?
 
Really it depends on the terrain I am hunting. When hunting crop fields, typical shots are between 75 to 150 yards. When hunting the thick stuff, 25 to 75 yards is typical.
 
BoHunter, night hunting is by far the best time to predator hunt, mainly because predators are more active at night vs the day.

Nothing holds true in this sport, so saying most coyote shots at night are close would be a half truth. Varmint308 kinda sead it right, depends on the terrain.

If you are hunting the sage flats of Nevada you might have an average 75 to 150 yard shot at night, If you're hunting in timber country shots well be much closer.
 


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