Brodie Swisher
Predator hunting these days is a far cry from what it was just a decade ago. What was once a game of calls and patience has transformed into a sophisticated pursuit driven by innovation, precision, and adaptability.
As technology continues to advance, the modern predator hunter has more tools at their disposal than ever before. From hyper-realistic electronic callers to thermal optics and suppressor-ready rifles, success now hinges not only on skill and strategy but also on having the right gear in the field.
This comprehensive guide explores the best equipment for predator hunting in 2025. Whether you’re after coyotes, bobcats, or foxes, these are the tools that will help you stay ahead of the game.
The Electronic Caller
No piece of equipment has changed the predator hunting game more than the electronic caller. For 2025, these devices offer an unprecedented level of realism and versatility. Among the most advanced models is the FoxPro X360 Digital Game Call.
Known for its incredible sound clarity, the X360 uses a seven-speaker configuration, including high-definition tweeters and powerful XHD+ speakers, to project sound across a full 360 degrees. This allows hunters to mimic the movement of prey sounds, making the auditory illusion much more convincing.
The device comes with 350 preloaded sounds and supports storage for up to 2,500, giving hunters a nearly endless variety of calls at their fingertips. A backlit remote, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in decoys with LED lighting complete the package, making it one of the most advanced callers on the market.
Another option to keep an eye on is ICOtec. The brand continues to impress in the electronic calling game, with models like the Night Stalker+ and Outlaw systems. These devices offer crystal-clear sound reproduction, impressive remote ranges of up to 300 yards, and massive sound libraries.
The Night Stalker+ features 165 calls and enables seamless file transfers via Bluetooth. The Outlaw package includes a realistic built-in decoy with adjustable speed and lights—key for drawing a predator’s attention when sound alone isn’t enough. These calling systems not only attract predators more effectively, but also allow hunters to set up further away from the call, giving them better angles and more time to react.
The Coyote Gun
Predator hunting demands rifles that are both accurate and versatile. The growing popularity of high-speed, flat-shooting calibers has given rise to some great rifles over the years. However, top picks for predator hunters continue to be chambered in .22-250 and .223, as well as beefier rounds like the .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor for longer-range accuracy and knockdown power.
You’ll also find more and more predator guns dressed out with suppressors these days, thanks to their noise reduction benefits. Less noise is a benefit to a hunter’s ears, but also creates less disturbance across the landscape on approaching predators, often resulting in multiple shot opportunities on doubles and triples.
A few favorites in rifles these days include option from Christensen Arms in their Evoke and Ridgeline Series of bolt-action rifles, as well as the Nosler Model 21 bolt-action rifle.
If you’re interested in a close-encounter coyote hunt, you may consider toting a shotgun to the woods for what can easily be some of the most intense hunting encounters you’ll have all season. Close-range coyote hunting is a ton of fun with fast and furious action that definitely demands a shotgun for shots at coyotes charging in tight.
The Mossberg 940 Pro is a great option for fast shooting when the action calls for quick shots at charging coyotes.
Thermal Optics and Night Vision
As many predator hunters know, some of the best action happens in low-light conditions. Fortunately, more and more states are including night-hunting options in their regulations, allowing predator hunters to better manage coyotes on the landscape.
This is where thermal optics and night vision come into play, and fortunately for predators, the options have never been as extensive as we’re seeing in 2025, with options that are smarter and more powerful than ever.
The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60 leads the way in thermal scope innovation. With a thermal sensor resolution of 1024x768 and detection ranges of up to 2,800 meters, this optic offers a massive field of view combined with razor-sharp clarity. Its integrated laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and onboard video recording system transform your rifle into a fully digital hunting platform. With color palettes, picture-in-picture mode, and 2.5–20x magnification, the Thermion 2 ensures that no predator goes unseen, even in total darkness.
For hunters looking for a lightweight yet high-end thermal solution, the Trijicon REAP-IR remains a favorite. Available in various base magnifications, it offers a simple yet powerful interface with multiple polarity settings, five reticle options, and thermal resolution that stands up to harsh conditions. Trijicon’s reputation for ruggedness and reliability makes the REAP-IR a favorite among predator hunters.
Decoys
While sound brings predators in from a distance, visual confirmation is what typically seals the deal for an up-close encounter. For many hunters, decoys have become an essential part of the complete predator hunting kit.
And when it comes to decoys, motion tends to be the key to catching and holding the attention of responding coyotes. The frantic thrashing motion of a decoy helps switch a coyote’s attention from audial to visual, and it’s the perfect medicine for closing the deal.
Mojo’s Fuzzy Critter decoy or the FoxPro Topper decoys deliver the perfect motion that coyotes find irresistible.
Shooting Rests and Tripods
Precision shooting is critical in predator hunting, where animals often stop for only a few seconds before bolting. For that reason, having a stable shooting platform is more important than ever. And while some hunters may mount bipods to their gun, the option growing in popularity over the last decade is the use of shooting sticks or tripod rests.
Options like the Kopfjäger K700 tripod, BOG DeathGrip and DeathGrip Bantam, and the Primos Edge Tripod Shooting Stick are some great options when it comes to a range of affordability and maneuverability.
Look for shooting sticks that provide a rock-solid foundation for your gun, yet allow for ample movement as you swing on your target on the approach – or retreat.
Final Thoughts
Success in the field is largely dependent on choosing gear that complements your hunting style. Whether it’s investing in a top-tier thermal optic, selecting a flat-shooting rifle and high-performance ammunition, or combining realistic calls with lifelike decoys, every decision impacts your effectiveness.
The best coyote hunters are not mere marksmen or excellent callers. Successful coyote hunters have learned to become strategists who understand behavior, terrain, and gear inside and out. The tools mentioned above allow hunters to operate with more precision, stealth, and efficiency than ever before.
