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Coyote hunting gear: What essentials should I have?

May 8, 2026

Quick Answer

For coyote hunting, you'll need a high-powered rifle, preferably chambered in a flat-shooting cartridge like the .223 Remington or .308 Winchester, a good scope, and a suppressor to minimize noise and recoil.

Essential Rifle Components

A coyote rifle should have a barrel length of at least 16 inches and a twist rate of 1:8 or faster to stabilize bullets up to 80 grains. Choose a rifle with a free-float tube or a break-action design to maintain a consistent sight picture. Consider a rifle with a built-in bipod or a detachable stock with a built-in bipod for added stability.

Scope Selection

A 4-12x or 6-24x scope with a high-powered variable objective lens is ideal for coyote hunting, allowing for precise shot placement at varying distances. Look for a scope with a mil-dot reticle or a bullet drop compensator (BDC) for quick and accurate aiming. Consider a scope with a first focal plane (FFP) reticle for parallax-free aiming at close range.

Additional Accessories

A high-quality suppressor is crucial for coyote hunting to minimize noise and recoil. Choose a suppressor with a .223 or .308 chamber and a 1.5-2 inch diameter to effectively reduce sound and flash. A good pair of night vision or thermal optics can be a game-changer for coyote hunting, allowing you to spot and stalk your prey more effectively.

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