Predator hunting is a game of wind, concealment and sound. Outlaw Hunt is a new brand, and this page explains how we approach predator and varmint hunting and what rules to check before you head out.
Coyotes and other predators live by their noses and eyes. They are alert to movement, scent and anything out of place, and they often approach a call from downwind. A hunter who sits in the wrong spot or fidgets at the wrong moment ends the stand before it starts. That demand for stillness and planning is what draws many hunters to the pursuit.
Unlike most big game seasons, predator and varmint seasons are often more flexible, but that is not universal. Some species are classed differently from state to state, and methods, hours and equipment may be restricted. Treat the state agency's current regulations as the only authority. Our guide to coyote calling basics covers the technique side.
Depending on what is legal where you hunt, a predator outing can involve scouting for sign, choosing stands based on wind and terrain, working calls and taking a shot with a rifle or other legal tool. A guided outing is useful when you want someone to show you how stands are chosen and sequenced rather than learning only by trial and error.
Seasons, bag limits, legal hours, use of electronic calls, artificial lights, night vision and thermal devices, and even which animals count as predators or furbearers are decided state by state, and sometimes by region within a state. A tool that is legal in one place can be banned in another. Some places require a hunting license for the pursuit and some require additional permits.
Public land adds another layer, because land managers can set their own restrictions on top of state law. If you are unsure, call the agency before the trip and keep the answer in writing. Being careful here is part of the brand: the attitude is rebel, the practice is legal.
Calling brings animals in close and often in poor light, so positive identification is not optional. Domestic animals, other hunters and non-target wildlife can appear where you least expect them. Know what is beyond your target, point your firearm only in a safe direction and never shoot at a shape or a sound.
Hunting predators ethically also means making clean, confident shots within your ability and recovering what you shoot. Taking a pelt is only worthwhile if it is handled properly afterward, and the taxidermy and trophy care service explains how to protect one.
Use the home page form and select predator or varmint hunt. Tell us where you plan to hunt, what experience you have, which tools you intend to use and whether you want instruction or an extra set of eyes. We reply with what we can help with and point you to the relevant agency for the legal details.
If you are still putting together the kit, our hunt planning and gear prep page covers how we help organize it.
Good predator hunting starts well before the first call. Maps, aerial imagery and a walk through the area show where animals bed, travel and feed, and where the terrain forces them to move. Look for tracks, droppings and prey sign, and think about wind directions at the times of day you plan to hunt, since the wind shifts through the day.
Also plan your approach. Walk to the stand quietly, keep out of sight lines and avoid leaving scent in the direction you want an animal to come from. Know where the property lines are, who owns the land and whether you have permission, and tell someone where you are going. These details separate a calm, legal outing from a rushed and risky one.
It depends on the state. Some states require a regular hunting license, some have special rules for certain species or for landowners, and some add permits for particular methods. Check the state wildlife agency before you go.
No. Rules on electronic calls, lights, night vision and thermal devices vary widely and may differ between public and private land. Confirm the current regulations for the exact place and date.
No. We cover only legal, regulated hunting. Predator hunting here means following the season, method and license rules that apply and treating the animal with respect.
Yes. Calling rewards patience and attention to wind more than raw skill. Starting with a guide or an experienced partner shortens the learning curve, and the free guides on this site cover the fundamentals.
Tell us what you want to hunt or what needs mounting and we will reply with what is possible.