As the sun dips below the horizon and the world transforms into a moonlit wilderness, the allure of hunting coyotes under the shroud of night holds a unique fascination. In this guide, we’ll journey through the realms of the best scopes for coyote hunting at night, as we explore features, benefits, and the sheer thrill of investing in the perfect scope that turns the night into your hunting ground.
What Smell Attracts Coyotes?
Coyotes possess an acute sense of smell, making them highly responsive to a range of odors. They are particularly attracted to scents associated with potential prey, including animal remains or scents mimicking wounded animals, which draw them in as scavengers.
Additionally, food odors from sources like discarded human food, pet food, or even enticing bait can lure them.
What Caliber is Best for Coyote Hunting?
Here are some popular calibers for coyote hunting:
- .223 Remington: This is a common choice for coyote hunting due to its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and widespread availability of ammunition. It’s ideal for shots out to moderate distances.
- .243 Winchester: The .243 is another popular choice for coyote hunting. It offers good accuracy and flat trajectory, making it effective at longer ranges.
- 22-250 Remington: It is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, is excellent for long-range coyote hunting. It delivers minimal recoil and rapid target acquisition.
- .204 Ruger: Offers a high muzzle velocity and excellent accuracy, making it a favorite for coyote hunters. It’s known for minimal recoil and great terminal performance.
Best Scope for Coyote Hunting at Night
1) Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a purpose-built optic designed for low-light shooting conditions.
Features a versatile magnification range of 3-12x, allowing shooters to adapt to varying distances and targets with ease.
It is durable and reliable constructed from a single-piece aluminum tube, making it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of hunting in diverse environmental conditions.
Has 56mm objective lens that ensures exceptional light transmission, maximizing visibility even in challenging lighting environments, which is particularly valuable for hunting during dusk or dawn.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 9.2 – 36.7 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 4.67 – 18.67 mm
- Weight: 21.1 oz
- Length: 14.3 inches
Pros
- It is Fully Multi-Coated
- Rugged construction to withstands recoil and impact.
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- It is illuminated.
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope is a premium optical instrument designed for discerning shooters and hunters seeking high-performance optics for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Features 44mm objective lens that provides a balance between light transmission and a compact, maneuverable design, ensuring good performance in a range of lighting conditions.
It is constructed from high-quality materials, it is rugged, reliable, and capable of enduring the demands of hunting and shooting in various environmental conditions.
One of the standout features, Twilight Max HD Light Management System. This technology optimizes light transmission across the entire visible spectrum, thus enhancing image brightness and clarity, especially during the critical low-light periods at dawn and dusk.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.4 – 14.6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.4 – 38.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 inches
- Weight: 19 oz
- Length: 13.5 inches
Pros
- Has zero lock system
- Has Twilight Max Light Management System.
- Side focus parallax adjustment for fast, easy parallax focusing from any shooting position
- Has Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- None
3) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD 30mm Tube Day/Night Rifle Scope is an advanced and versatile optical device designed for both daytime and nighttime shooting.
The scope boasts a 5-20x magnification range, thus providing users with significant versatility to adapt to various shooting scenarios, whether it’s precision shooting during the day or enhanced visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions.
It is equipped with a 70mm objective lens, therefore allows for excellent light gathering, ensuring clear and detailed.
Utilizing an advanced night vision mode, that allows shooters to extend their shooting activities into the darkness, thus providing a clear and sharp view even in complete darkness.
Furthermore, it integrates cutting-edge digital technology, including an ultra HD sensor and a dual-core processor, that delivers high-resolution imagery and videos.
Specifications
- Magnification: 5 – 20 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 70 mm
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Width: 3 inches
- Height: 3 inches
- Focus Range: 10 m to Infinity
Pros
- Has Ultra High Definition 4K Sensor
- Has Up to 18 Hours Battery Life
- Recoil Resistance
- Stream Line Design
Cons
- None
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Scope for Coyote Hunting at Night
When choosing the best scope for coyote hunting at night involves considering several critical factors to ensure optimal performance in low-light conditions. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Night Vision Capability: Go for a scope that is equipped with night vision technology. Night vision allows you to detect and target coyotes effectively in low-light and complete darkness.
- Resolution and Clarity: Look for a scope with high resolution and clarity to ensure clear and detailed imagery, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Magnification Range: Choose a scope with a suitable magnification range that allows for effective targeting at varying distances.
- Battery Life: Check the scope’s battery life and choose a model that offers sufficient runtime for your hunting needs without frequent battery changes.
- Weight and Size: Always consider the weight and size of the scope, as night hunting often requires mobility. Look for a scope that balances functionality with portability for ease of use in the field.
FAQS of The Best Scope for Coyote Hunting at Night
Q: How long should the battery last in a night vision scope for coyote hunting?
A: The battery life can vary based on the scope and usage. Aim for a scope with a battery life of at least several hours to a few days, depending on your hunting sessions and the availability of power sources.
Q: Are illuminated reticles necessary for night coyote hunting?
A: Yes, illuminated reticles with adjustable brightness settings are crucial for night hunting. They help in aiming and target acquisition in low-light conditions, making them highly beneficial for nocturnal hunting.
Parting Shot
So, as you embark on your night-hunting odyssey, remember, your choice of optics can be the difference between a successful night under the stars and a missed opportunity. Equip yourself wisely, embrace the night, and may your shots find their mark in the heart of the darkness. Happy hunting!