Night stalking: thermal equipment and spotting scope

A complete guide to night coyote stalking: equipment and techniques

1. Night stalking: why night hunting?

Night stalking for coyotes represents a specialized approach that can triple your success rate in areas where daytime hunting pressure has made coyotes strictly nocturnal. In Quebec, regulations allow night hunting of coyotes in certain areas, with specific restrictions on equipment and methods.

The coyote is a naturally crepuscular, nocturnal predator. Its activity peaks between 8pm and 2am, and again between 4am and 6am. During these periods, it is more active, more vocal, less wary and responds better to calls. Night also masks your movements and reduces the animal’s vigilance.

In heavily hunted agricultural areas, coyotes adopt an almost exclusively nocturnal behavior to avoid humans. Night hunting therefore becomes the only viable approach to effective harvesting.

Advantages of night hunting :

• Coyotes less wary and more active
• Better response to voice calls
• Less hunting pressure (fewer hunters)
• Dark cover for approach
• Possibility of hunting diurnal areas without disturbing them

Mandatory regulatory checks :

• Areas authorized for night hunting
• Permitted periods (dates and times)
• Authorized equipment (lights, optics)
• Minimum distances from dwellings
• Permitted calibres and ammunition

2. Thermal imaging technologies | Night stalking

Thermal imaging detects the infrared radiation emitted by all warm objects. A coyote at 38°C contrasts sharply with a snowy field at -10°C, making it visible at considerable distances even in total darkness.

Unlike night vision, which requires a residual light source (moon, stars), thermal imaging works in complete darkness, in light fog and even through thin foliage.

Table 1: Types of thermal equipment

Thermal monoculars (scanners) :

Monoculars are the essential scouting tool. They can scan a 360° field in a matter of seconds and detect any warm-blooded animal up to 600-800 meters away, depending on the model. Look for a minimum resolution of 384×288 pixels and a refresh rate of 50 Hz for a fluid image.

Models to consider include the Pulsar Axion 2, FLIR Scout TK, and AGM Taipan. Choose 2.5x to 4x magnification for a good balance between field of view and detail.

Thermal goggles fitted :

Thermal sights are mounted directly on the weapon via a Picatinny rail. They offer the most integrated solution for night-time precision shooting. Top-of-the-range models like the Pulsar Thermion or Trijicon IR-Hunter offer 640×480 pixel resolution with digital zoom and video recording.

The drawback: they replace your daytime scope. You need to remove them for daytime hunting.

Thermal clip-on :

Clip-on systems mount in front of your existing rifle scope, converting the thermal image into an image visible through your usual reticle. This configuration allows you to keep your scope zero-rated and switch instantly from day to night.

The thermal clip-on represents the optimal investment for the all-round hunter, but it’s also the most expensive option ($4,000 to $10,000).

3. Night vision: technology and applications | Night stalking

Night vision amplifies residual ambient light (moon, stars, distant light pollution) to create a characteristic green image visible to the eye. It requires a minimum amount of light to operate effectively.

Generations of night vision :

Generation 1: Basic technology, effective only under a full moon or with infrared illuminator. Grainy image. Budget: $300-$800. Sufficient for learning.

Generation 2: Significant improvement in clarity and light sensitivity. Sharp image on half-moon nights. Budget: $1,200-$2,500. Standard for most hunters.

Generation 3: Military performance, crystal-clear image even on very dark nights. Budget: $3,000-6,000+. For serious hunters only.

Digital night vision: A modern alternative offering video recording, digital zoom and affordable prices ($500-$1800). Image quality inferior to Gen 2-3, but with additional features.

Table 2: Thermal vs. night vision comparison | Night stalking

Optimal combination approach :

The most effective strategy combines both technologies: use a thermal monocular to detect the coyote at long range, then switch to a night vision scope for accurate identification and shooting. This approach takes advantage of the strengths of each technology.

4. Safety and regulations for night hunting | Night stalking

Night-hunting safety demands absolute rigor. Darkness multiplies risks and makes target identification more difficult.

Rule #1: 100% positive identification

You need to be absolutely certain of your target before shooting. A coyote can look like a stray dog, a fox or even a lynx from a thermal perspective. Always confirm:

• The complete silhouette of the animal
• The coyote’s characteristic gait
• Relative size (comparison with known landmarks)
• No collar or identification

Mandatory safety protocol :

• Tell someone close to you about your detailed plan (exact location, departure/return times)
• Hunt in teams of 2 or more
• Carry a GPS and a charged phone
• Keep an emergency red headlamp
• Have a first-aid kit
• Know the location of the nearest hospital

Daytime reconnaissance of the territory :

NEVER hunt at night in an unfamiliar area. Always visit your hunting area by day before going out at night:

• Identify all dwellings within a 1 km radius
• Locate roads and paths
• Locate farm buildings and facilities
• Note the safe firing lines
• Check the background of each potential shooting zone
• Measure distances with a rangefinder

Wear an orange bib when travelling to and from your station at night.

Table 3: Recommended safety distances for night stalking

5. Positioning and night-time strategy | Night-time stalking

Night positioning follows the same basic principles as day hunting, with specific adaptations to the technologies used.

Priority hunting sites :

• Agricultural fields bordered by woodland (edges)
• Open meadows adjacent to dense cover
• Grazing areas with prey (rabbits, field mice)
• Areas with recent coyote sightings
• Frequented watering places

Thermal and night vision technologies are considerably more effective in open terrain. Choose sites with 200 to 400 meters of open shooting range.

Shooting station configuration :

Position yourself at the edge of the field, with your back to the forest and a commanding view of the open field. The wind should be blowing from the field towards you to carry your scent towards the forest (back), not towards the calling area (front).

Settle in 30 to 45 minutes before you start calling. This acclimatization period allows the local wildlife to settle down after your arrival and your eyes to adapt to the dark.

Station equipment :

• Swivel hunting seat (height adjustable)
• Sturdy tripod (essential for stable shooting)
• Quiet thermal blanket (avoids fabric noise)
• Weak red light for equipment handling
• Electronic bird call with remote control
• Shoulder-mounted thermal monocular
• Weapon with night or thermal optics

Silence is crucial. The nocturnal coyote has exceptional hearing. Any sound of metal, zippers, Velcro or rustling fabric carries hundreds of meters in the stillness of the night. Use tape to immobilize anything that might rattle.

6. Night calling techniques | Night stalking

Nocturnal calling sequences differ slightly from those during the day. Nocturnal coyotes are generally more confident and respond to more aggressive sequences.

Efficient night-time sequence :

Minutes 0-3: Distress rabbit call, medium-high volume. Sequences of 20 seconds with 30-second pauses. The nocturnal coyote often covers more distance and can come from far away.

Minutes 3-8: Alternating rabbit/coyote. Integrate 2-3 coyote howls between rabbit sequences. This combination suggests that a coyote has captured prey, attracting dominants through territorial competition.

Minutes 8-15: Intermittent wounded rabbit calls, reduced volume. Scan constantly with your thermal monocular. Coyotes often approach in silence.

Minutes 15-20: Complete silence. Maintain vigilance. Wary coyotes sometimes approach without vocalizing, then stand still at a distance to observe.

If no coyotes after 20-25 minutes, move from 800 metres to 1.5 km and repeat.

Nocturnal features :

• Slightly higher volume than during the day (sound carries less at night)
• Longer sequences (coyotes travel further)
• More effective howling (increased territoriality at night)
• Greater patience required (slower, more cautious approaches)

7. Low-light shooting techniques | Night stalking

Night shooting demands superior technical mastery and absolute discipline. Every step must be executed with precision.

Optical zeroing:

Your thermal or night scope must be perfectly zeroed. Zero-in by day at 100 meters with reference targets, then check at night. Impacts may vary slightly between day and night, depending on the technology used.

Recommended shooting distances :

• Thermal imaging: 50-200 meters maximum
• Gen 2-3 night vision: up to 50-150 metres
• Gen 1 night vision: up to 30-100 metres

Never attempt to shoot beyond these distances. Hunting ethics demand a quick and humane kill, which is impossible to guarantee when shooting at long distances at night.

Shooting procedure :

1. Thermal monocular detection
2. Positive identification (body shape, behavior, size)
3. Distance measurement with a laser rangefinder
4. Stable shooting position (bipod/tripod)
5. Aimed at center of mass (lungs/heart)
6. Progressive pressure on the trigger
7. Post-shot follow-up (optical zone guard)

Mandatory bipod :

Stability is non-negotiable for ethical night shooting. A solid bipod or shooting tripod is absolutely essential. Freehand shooting at night is to be avoided altogether.

After the shot :

Wait 5 minutes in complete silence after detonation. Keep your thermal monocular on and scan the area. Gunshots often attract other curious or dominant coyotes to investigate. Doubles are common when hunting at night.

Mentally mark the exact location of the downed coyote in relation to landmarks (trees, rocks, poles) before moving on. Darkness makes recovery difficult without precise reference points.

8. Essential additional equipment | Night stalking

Weapons and ammunition :

• Recommended calibers: .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win
• Bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle
• 45-55 cm barrel (better handling)
• Controlled expansion ammunition (V-Max, Ballistic Tip)
• Minimum 5-cartridge magazine

Clothing and accessories :

• Quiet clothing (wool, soft fleece)
• Quiet insulating boots
• Tactical gloves with flap fingertips
• Warm toque or cap
• Layer system (cold night-time temperatures)

Lighting :

• Red-light headlamp (for handling)
• Green tracking light (for locating the slaughtered animal)
• Emergency lights with spare batteries

Electronics :

• Spare batteries for all devices
• Chemical hand warmers (for comfort and battery)
• Radio or satellite telephone (isolated areas)

9. Statistics and efficiency of night hunting | Night stalking

Coyote hunting at night is gaining in popularity in Quebec and Eastern Canada. Harvesting data show greater efficiency in areas with high diurnal pressure.

Night hunting data :

• Call response rate: 40-60% higher than daytime hunting
• Average approach distance: 80-150 meters (vs. 150-300m during the day)
• Average time to contact: 8-12 minutes (vs. 15-25m during the day)
• Harvest rate: 25-35% per outing (equipped hunters)
• Best period: 8pm-11pm and 4am-6am

Investment in equipment :

• Basic configuration (thermal monocular + digital scope): $2,500-$4,000
• Intermediate configuration (monocular + Gen 2 scope): $4,000-6,500
• Advanced configuration (thermal clip-on + monocular): $8,000-12,000

Return on investment depends on how often you hunt. An active hunter (20+ outings/year) quickly earns a return on his equipment through the harvest bonuses offered in certain agricultural regions.

10. Ethics and conservation | Night stalking

Coyote hunting at night serves wildlife management objectives. In agricultural areas, coyotes can cause significant economic losses (lambs, poultry). Targeted harvesting helps maintain populations at acceptable levels.

Scrupulously observe all applicable regulations. Illegal or unethical hunting harms the image of all hunters and can lead to further restrictions.

Compulsory ethical practices :

• 100% positive identification before shooting
• Respecting safety distances
• Shooting only in pre-identified safe firing zones
• Recovery of all slaughtered animals
• Reporting errors (if domestic dog killed by mistake)

Participate in sampling data programs if available in your region. This information helps biologists better understand population dynamics.

11. FAQ – Frequently asked questions

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