Coyote hunting is a growing pursuit in the United States, with an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 coyotes harvested annually by hunters. These adaptable predators are now present in all 49 continental states, with populations thriving in both rural and urban environments. In some regions, coyotes are responsible for up to 65% of livestock predation, making them a common target for population control efforts.

Night hunting, particularly using advanced night vision technology, has become one of the most effective methods for coyote hunters. To help you succeed in your nocturnal hunts, we’ve compiled a list of the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting, ensuring you have the tools you need to take on this elusive predator.

Overview Of The Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting

1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Night Vision Scope

2. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope For Coyotes Hunting

3. BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope, DIY Night Vision

4. Triton StarStrike 3-18×50 HD Coyotes Night Vision Rifle Scope

5. Zulus HD 5-20X Digital Night Vision Scope

6. Night Owl Optics NightShot Rifle Scope For Coyotes Hunting

What is Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting

Night vision scopes for coyote hunting are specialized optics designed to help hunters spot and target coyotes in low-light or nighttime conditions. These scopes use advanced technology to enhance visibility in darkness, giving hunters a clear view of their target even in the absence of natural light

How Night Vision Scopes Work:

1. Image Intensification:

• Night vision scopes use image intensification technology, which amplifies available light, such as moonlight or infrared light, to make objects visible in darkness.
• The scope collects faint light from the environment and magnifies it, displaying an image on the eyepiece in shades of green or black-and-white.

2. Infrared Illuminators:

• Most night vision scopes come with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, which project infrared light that is invisible to the human eye but visible to the scope, further enhancing the clarity of the target in complete darkness.

3. Thermal Imaging (Optional):

• Some advanced night vision scopes use thermal imaging technology, detecting the heat emitted by animals, which is particularly useful for identifying living creatures like coyotes in heavily wooded or foggy areas.

Why Night Vision Scopes are Important for Coyote Hunting:

• Coyotes are Nocturnal: Coyotes are typically more active at night, making night vision scopes crucial for hunters targeting them in their natural, low-light habitat.
• Enhanced Target Detection: With night vision, hunters can detect movement and identify coyotes from a distance, often without alerting the animal to their presence.
• Improved Accuracy: Night vision scopes enable clearer visibility of the target, resulting in more accurate shots, especially in challenging nighttime environments.

Factore To Consider Before Buying Night Vision Riflescope For Hunting

When choosing the best night vision scope for coyote hunting, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure you get a reliable and effective tool for nighttime hunting. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Type of Night Vision Technology

1. Generation of Night Vision:

• Gen 1: Affordable, basic visibility up to 75-100 yards, and suitable for beginners.
• Gen 2: Better image resolution, works well in low-light, with visibility up to 200 yards.
• Gen 3 & 4: Military-grade technology, excellent for extreme low-light conditions, providing crisp images at distances of 300+ yards, though very expensive.

2. Thermal vs. Traditional Night Vision:

• Traditional Night Vision: Amplifies available light (moonlight or infrared) to produce an image. Good for low-light conditions with some natural light.
• Thermal Imaging: Detects heat signatures from animals. Useful in total darkness, fog, or dense cover where standard night vision might struggle.

2. Detection Range

• Effective Range: The detection range of the scope is critical for coyote hunting, as coyotes are often spotted at long distances. Look for a night vision scope that can detect targets at least 200-300 yards away.
• Recognition vs. Identification Range: The range at which you can detect movement versus the range at which you can clearly identify a target is often different. Ensure the scope offers clear identification at the distance you plan to shoot from.

3. Magnification

• Fixed vs. Variable Magnification: Some scopes have fixed magnification, while others offer variable zoom. For coyote hunting, having variable zoom (e.g., 3x-9x or higher) allows you to adjust for different shooting distances without compromising clarity.
• Digital Zoom: Some night vision scopes include digital zoom, but be aware that excessive digital zoom can lead to a loss of image quality.

4. Field of View (FOV)

• Wide FOV: A wider field of view is beneficial when scanning large areas to spot coyotes. It allows you to see more of the landscape without moving the scope too much.
• Narrow FOV: A narrow field of view offers more detail on distant targets but can make it harder to track moving animals. Consider a balance that works for your typical hunting environment.

5. Built-in Infrared Illuminator

• IR Illuminator: Most night vision scopes come with a built-in infrared (IR) illuminator, which enhances vision in complete darkness. For coyote hunting in very dark conditions, a scope with a powerful IR illuminator will provide greater clarity.
• IR Illuminator Range: Ensure the IR illuminator’s range is sufficient for your hunting needs. Some scopes have removable or upgradable IR illuminators, allowing you to customize based on the conditions.

6. Durability and Build Quality

• Weatherproofing: Since coyote hunting often involves rugged outdoor conditions, the scope should be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Look for night vision scopes with robust construction that can handle harsh environments.
• Material: Scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum or similar durable materials offer resistance to impact and wear.

7. Battery Life

• Extended Use: Night hunting can last several hours, so battery life is a crucial factor. Look for scopes with long-lasting batteries (6-8 hours or more) to ensure your gear lasts throughout your hunting session.
• Backup Batteries: Some scopes support external battery packs or have quick-change battery options, ensuring you’re never left in the dark.

8. Weight and Size

• Portability: A lighter scope will be easier to carry and maneuver in the field, especially when tracking fast-moving coyotes. However, lighter scopes might sacrifice some durability or features.
• Mounting Compatibility: Ensure the scope is compatible with your rifle’s mounting system (Picatinny or Weaver rails) and that it balances well on your firearm without affecting your aim.

9. Reticle Options

• Reticle Types: Many night vision scopes come with adjustable or illuminated reticles (crosshairs) designed for nighttime use. Reticles with adjustable brightness and different colors (red, green, white) make targeting easier in varying light conditions.
• Range-Finding Reticles: Some scopes offer built-in range-finding reticles, which can be a significant advantage when estimating the distance to a coyote.

10. Recording and Streaming Features

• Video Recording: Many modern night vision scopes have built-in recording capabilities that allow you to capture your hunts in real-time. This can be useful for reviewing footage or sharing with other hunters.
• Wi-Fi Streaming: Some scopes allow live streaming or recording directly to a mobile device, making it easier to review your shots in real-time.

11. Price and Budget

• Entry-Level: If you’re new to night vision hunting, entry-level night vision scopes (under $500) might be sufficient for short-range hunting.
• Mid-Range: Scopes in the $500-$1,500 range typically offer better clarity, longer ranges, and more advanced features, such as video recording.
• High-End: Premium scopes (over $1,500) include Gen 3 technology, long-range capabilities, and additional features like thermal imaging, making them ideal for serious hunters.

11. Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation

• Trusted Brands: Brands like ATN, Pulsar, and Sightmark have built reputations for producing high-quality night vision scopes. Reading reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of how well the scope performs in the field.
• Warranty: Check for warranties and customer support to ensure your investment is protected in case of defects or issues with performance.

Conclusion

Selecting the best night vision scope for coyote hunting requires careful consideration of various features such as night vision technology, detection range, magnification, and durability. Each factor plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful hunt, especially in low-light conditions where coyotes are most active. By understanding the different types of scopes and matching their capabilities to your hunting needs, you can make an informed decision that enhances your nighttime hunting experience. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or a high-tech thermal imaging scope, the right equipment can make all the difference in spotting and targeting coyotes effectively.

Investing in the right night vision scope will not only improve your accuracy but also provide a competitive edge in coyote hunting, making your trips more rewarding and successful. Happy hunting!