Predator Hunting Gear: Equipment to Target Tough Prey

While some hunters enjoy the challenge of besting smaller game, others prefer something that is bound to get the adrenaline flowing. The fact of the matter is that hunting something like rabbits or deer can be exciting, but it can be even more thrilling to ready your predator hunting gear for an even tougher target.

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Not only are predators larger than your average small game, but they are also extremely agile. Before embarking on your first hunt, it’s essential that you are familiar with safety and legal practices. You will also need to stock up on all the necessary equipment and supplies if you want to make the most of your hunting experience.

Predator hunting safety

The first important point to address is that of safety. Not only are you venturing into the natural habitat of potentially dangerous animals, but you are also using equipment that can cause harm if safety guidelines are not followed.

Start by attending a hunter education course. No matter how much you think you know, these courses will open your eyes and help ensure your safety in a variety of situations. Remember that your barrel should always be pointed in a safe direction and you must keep your finger off the trigger until you intend on shooting.

All guns should be unloaded until you are ready to use one of them. Only load as needed and, if you are accompanied by minors or inexperienced hunters, you should pay extra attention to them – even if it means that you miss your shot!

Safety is always more important than any kill. If you are hunting at night, you should have all the right predator hunting lights and make sure that you and your fellow hunters are all familiar with your hunting plan. See our article reviews on the best night vision scope for AR for more options.

When scanning for prey, do not use the scope light on your firearm. Use another lighting system for scanning and use your scope light when you take the shot. Make sure that you and your fellow hunters know how to communicate. Specific sounds can be made to signal the end of a set if hunters are far from one another.

Types of prey to hunt

When shopping for predator hunting supplies, you might want to consider the type of prey you plan on hunting. Different calls will attract different animals, and you might need to use slightly different tactics for each type of prey. The type of animals you hunt will depend on your location.

For example, hunting big game like lions, cheetahs, and leopards is common in Africa. In North America, on the other hand, popular predators to hunt include beers, mountain lions, wolves, and coyotes. The most notable difference between natural predators and prey is the positioning of the eyes.

You will notice that animals like zebras and buck have their eyes on the sides of their heads so that they can monitor several directions. Predators have forward-facing eyes (like humans), and this allows them to hone in on their prey. Both can be quick on their feet and, with the added elements of stealth and precision, predators should always be hunted with caution!

Tips for success

Part of success is choosing the right supplies for hunting predators. Apart from quality equipment, it’s good to remember these tips for successful hunting trips:

• Always hunt with somebody by your side. Not only for safety but the extra set of eyes are a plus.
• Keep more that one call on you. Different calls from different manufacturers can offer better results than using one alone.
• Follow streams and look for signs of predators that may frequent this area.  Look for fresh tracks and/or scat.
• Take note of weather conditions and how they might affect the way your calls travel.
• Take note of your surroundings. Flat surroundings allow them to travel further whereas hills can obstruct your calls. You might need to elevate some of your calls.
• After making the shot, call again. You never know if you may have attracted more than one predator.
• Be prepared to hike! Your vehicle will detour wildlife of all sorts from the area. Park at least 100 miles from your hunting spot.

For reviews of the best predator calls, check out our piece on this important topic.

Common mistakes to avoid

It’s easy to let your excitement get the better of you when embarking on a predator hunt. Especially if you are new to hunting or new to hunting this sort of game. That said, there are some common mistakes that you should always avoid.

• Firstly, make sure that you know for sure that the type of game you wish to hunt does indeed live in the area.
• Another common mistake is the use of the wrong call. Some animals have grown quite used to these calls, and you’ll need to be extra convincing. After you make your call, take care and don’t take risks! Even if you can’t see it, you could have called a predator or more to your area.
• The last thing you need is to make your location known! When calling, make sure that you don’t call too much or two little. Too much will drive them away while too little will have no effect.

It might take practice to find that perfect balance. As mentioned above, some hunters park their vehicles where they plan on setting up. The sound of doors slamming shut and the sight of your vehicle will scare animals away no matter how much you call!

Equipment you will need

Ultimate Rechargeable Hunting Light Bundle

This bundle goes for about $150 and includes several elements. If you’re looking for lights for predator hunting, this is a good option to consider. The long range light uses a focused beam to reach a distance of up to 273 yards. On 300 lumens, the battery lasts 4 hours whereas 190 lumens will last 5 hours, 50 lumens last 17 hours, and you’ll get up to 120 hours using 6 lumens.

The rifle mounting kit includes a scope mount, barrel mount, rail mount, and a remove pressure switch. You will also get 2 sets of Nitecore rechargeable batteries (2300mAh). One serves as a back up, and you also get an i2 Smart charger with car power adapter and A/C.

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This product is praised for its reliability and for being waterproof and impact proof (military grade). One concern is that the battery might not last quite as long as intended.

If you think that this product could be useful for you, then you can buy it from Amazon.

Primos Alpha Dogg Electronic Predator Call

This predator call retails for less than $180 and is made from top quality materials. It has undergone rigorous testing in order to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The speaker system can rotate and offers realistic call sounds. The remote also has a full color display with an easy-to-use layout.

This call has 64 sounds and you have the ability to add and remove sounds too. You can store as many as 1000 sounds thanks to the 2GB memory. The audio out port allows you to add more speakers if you wish. The audio in port allows you to play sounds from other devices such as MP3 players. You can even set up a playlist and the volume is also adjustable.

The product is loved for its versatility and quality sounds. That said, there have been some concerns regarding reliability and technical issues. None of which cannot be resolved with a simple repair or product replacement of course.

Like this amazing product? Then you can buy it from Amazon.

MOJO Outdoors Super Critter Predator Decoy with Sound

This is a significantly cheaper call option at just $55. It’s portable, lightweight and comes with a decoy to attract predators even more effectively. The decoy has realistic-looking fur, and it spins from time to time for an even more realistic appearance. The speaker comes programmed with the distress call of a cottontail.

Of course, there are other similar products with other calls if preferred. It uses batteries which last up to 20 hours. Many hunters enjoy this product for various reasons. Some have mentioned that the volume is not as loud as they would like and hunters are advised to take care when setting this decoy up.

The fur is realistic and can snag on plants if it is not placed in a large enough clearing.

If you like this product you can find and check its price on Amazon.

ICOtec GC300 – Call of the Wild Electronic Call

This call retails for just over $50 and comes with 12 prey calls. The volume can be controlled by remote which reaches up to 300 yards. It can even play up to 2 calls simultaneously and has a 120dB (15 Watt) speaker. It uses 4 AA batteries and hunters are always advised to take spare batteries on any hunting trip.

The only concerns relating to this product is the matter of sound quality. Wild animals are smarter than we think, and a quality call can be ineffective if there’s even the slightest bit of distortion.

Like this amazing product? Then you can check its price here.

The Exodus Lift – 12mp Trail Cam with a 5 Year Warranty

This piece of equipment might not be something that beginners would invest in – purely due to the price. This particular camera retails for about $230, but there are other, cheaper options available too. Of course, there are more expensive models out there, so this is a good option for people who know that they enjoy hunting, and they intend on continuing their hunting ambitions.

This product comes with a 5-year warranty, and you can even get 50% a replacement camera should yours be damaged or stolen. The aluminum alloy support and mounting plate offer great stability. The color LCD screen, 4 camera modes, geo-tagging, and other options are just some of the top features of this product. For the most part, this product is favored by hunters. There have been a few isolated instances regarding quality but, again, this product is backed by an impressive warranty!

If you like this product you can find and purchase it on Amazon.

Yukon Tracker Night Vision Binocular

If you plan on hunting at night, these binoculars will definitely come in handy! For less than $250, the dual infrared system offers good value for money. Users will enjoy highly detailed observation thanks to features like central focusing, high-resolution intensifiers, multi-coated optics, and more!

It also has a no-slip coating for added comfort while in use. The Eclipse Lens Covers flip up which makes it easy to use these binoculars in a hurry! This product even comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty by Yukon! Users agree that this product works very well in open areas. Wooded areas do present more of a challenge, but this is to be expected due to all the additional visual obstacles.

Like this amazing product? Then you can check the  current deal for it on Amazon.

Legendary Whitetails Men’s Surge Insulated Softshell Jacket

Hunting equipment goes beyond your rifle and other tools. You also need to take care of yourself and make sure that you’re not easily seen. This jacket retails for about $45, and it will keep you warm, comfortable, and out of sight. It is also water-resistant to keep you dry if the weather decides to turn on you.

Of course, there are plenty other designs out there if you prefer. It’s all about finding the jacket that will keep you comfortable and serve all of the purposes mentioned above.

If you think that this product could be useful for you, then you can buy it on Amazon.

Conquest Scents Predator Package (Coyote & Rabbit Stick)

This package of rabbit and coyote scents sells for just over $20. The aim of these scents is to hide your natural human odor and mask it with that of another animal. This helps attract predators to your area for better hunting opportunities.

These scents are water resistant, and they have a wax base which means that they won’t spill or make a mess.

Like this product? Then you can buy it on Amazon.

Ameristep 3D Leafy Poncho

For the ultimate in camouflage, you need one of these leafy ponchos! For just $40, you can conceal your presence effectively and make the most of every hunt!

There’s no sizing for these products since one size fits most. Not only will you blend in with your surroundings but you will also distort your very obvious human body shape.

If you think that this product could be useful for you, then you can buy it here.

Portable Tree Stand Climber with Harness

Many hunters agree that some game are best targeted from an elevated area. This tree stand climber sells for under $120 and is just one example of products of its kind. There are some more expensive and possibly even some cheaper models.

That said, when climbing trees for hunting, it’s a good idea to make sure that you choose the right type of equipment in order to ensure maximum safety.

This product has a weight limit of 300lbs and comes with a comfortable seat, so you don’t need to stand while you wait for your target to arrive. There have been some concerns regarding reliability. As with all tree climbing equipment, it’s a good idea to inspect and test the product before you take it out on a hunt.

Like this amazing product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

19 in 1 multifunctional rescue multi-hammer

Hunters should always keep some kind of knife on them at all times. This model sells for less than $20 and offers several functions. These include a hamper, pliers, screwdriver, opener, and more! Again, there are a number of other multipurpose tools available. Some more compact than others.

It’s up to the hunter to choose the one they like best based on budget and personal preference of course.

If you think that this product could be useful for you, then you can check its price on Amazon.

Understanding the local laws

Wildlife management and conservation are always a top priority. The local officials understand the life cycles of each type of animal, and this plays a part in open and closed seasons. Just think about the comical argument between Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny over rabbit season versus duck season!

When one season might be open, another could be closed, and it’s important to keep track of these dates and confirm open season with the local authorities.

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Other regulations include bag limits, weight limits, and regulations regarding hunting males versus females. Having a valid hunting license is also essential. If you hunt without the proper authorization, you could be liable for severe fines and/or jail time. Make sure that your permit is valid before planning your trip and make sure that you are familiar with all the latest regulations. Our article detailing how to get a hunting and fishing license will be a great help to you, do read it.

Trophy or meat?

Hunting serves more than one purpose for many enthusiasts. Apart from the benefits of spending time outdoors, hunters can also enjoy the meat and, in some cases, a memorable trophy.

While some hunters insist that they only hunt for the meat, others admit that when they make an impressive kill, they want to preserve this moment in the form of some kind of trophy. This way, they can relive this memorable day and show off to all of their visitors.

So, no matter your reasons for hunting, just remember to always invest in quality gear and follow strict safety regulations. Most of all, remember to always be patient since you cannot control the actions or reactions of a wild animal.

Check out our article on the best hunting times to give you more information.