My name is Clinton Helm. I have been an avid hunter since an early age, and 2 of the things I've grown most passionate about hunting are coyotes and feral hogs. I was born and raised on a cattle farm and have always hunted coyotes to protect our calves. I was introduced to feral hog hunting more than 20 years ago by a friend and stuck with it because, well, let's face it, cutting down on a sounder of hogs is just a ton of fun.
Let's go through a few tips and tricks to get you started.
Understanding Hunting Regulations
As with any hunt, make sure you fully understand the rules in any state you intend to hunt in, because they can be wildly different.
You are going to want a good plan and some good gear.
Getting Access to Private Hunting Land
We get a lot of questions about getting permission to hunt private property, and the main suggestion I give is to hang out at your local feed store and talk with the farmers and ranchers, and see what permissions and leads you can get there.
Essential Gear for Coyote and Hog Hunting
Next thing will be good gear. For coyote hunting, a call of some sort will be necessary. I like to mix it up between mouth calls and electronic calls. Coyotes are crazy smart and they will notice if you fall into a routine. Hogs are mostly spot and stalk, but under certain circumstances, you can call a sounder a short distance before they lose interest.
Choosing the Right Optics for Night Hunting Coyotes and Hogs
I predominantly hunt at night with thermal optics. It affords more options to outwit ol' wiley coyote, and better concealment to sneak up on a sounder of hogs.
My optic of choice is the DNT Optics HYDRA HS650R thermal scope.
The image quality mixed with the very capable laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator is an awesome combo. It is lightweight, compact, and solid as a rock.
Hunting Tips for Coyotes and Feral Hogs
With any game you hunt, you want to make sure you have the wind in your favor. You will never be able to fool a coyote's or a hog's nose.
Coyotes can be frustrating, and require a lot of patience, knowing what to look for in any given part of the year will be helpful for success. Coyotes have to eat year-round so prey distress sounds are always on the menu. Mating sounds from January to March, and denning and pup sounds will help get you some success from June to August.
As far as hogs go, they are a slave to their stomachs, and a need for mud since they can't sweat. They will require a lot more drive and scan, then spot and stalk, or set up on a feeder depending on the rules of the state you're hunting in.
A Memorable Hunting Experience
I normally hunt solo, but my favorite trips in the field are always with my son. We went out on a particular evening to hunt coyotes on a new property. I had obtained permission to hunt, and while we were making our way to where we were going to set up and start calling, he spotted some movement in the trees in the corner of the field and realized it was a massive lone boar. After 30 minutes of cat and mouse trying to get a clear shot, we were finally able to set up for a double tap.
I love it when a plan comes together, even if it's not the original plan.
With the DNT Optics HYDRA doubling as a standalone thermal optic and a handheld scanner, I was able to use it to keep an eye on the hog as we maneuvered for the shot, then reattach it to my rifle so I could take that shot.
Every time you get out to hunt you will observe, and learn something new. My standard mantra is "you can't kill 'em from the couch", so grab a DNT optic and get out there. You only regret the hunting trips you don't take. And never pass up the opportunity to take your kids hunting.