Predator hunting is always something I wanted to give a try and just never got around to it. My son is interested in going so I figured it's time to give it a shot. Guns I have covered - 700 VTR 223 and a Aero Precision AR15. Last year I bought a IcoTec GS300 on clearance and I have a jack rabbit distress mouth call as well. What lights do I need? Red lens spotlight or should I get lights that attached to my scope? What other must have's do I need? Anyone have a website to recommend or video that would give me a good start?

Unless it is your intention to hunt at night you do not have to have a spot light. Also be aware of all the laws of using a spot light if you do. I would also learn to use an open reed call such as Cri'r Call they are able to make many different sounds, jack, cotton tail, birds, etc. A howler may also be of benefit but takes a little more practice. But most importantly get out there and do it. You and your son will have a lot of fun.

Must have's.... let's see.... at least 3 new rifles (.204,223, and just choose one) and a couple of shotguns; couple of atv's; 1/2 dozen mouth calls and at least 1 electronic call; new camo clothing and boots; new truck and trailer; camo ice chest ; reloading equipment, powder, bullets, shot, shells, wads, brass, primers, etc. for your new rifles and shotguns; binos; range finders; spotting scope; some type of movie camera so you can film the hunting, for prosperity; at least a 10k acre lease; 12 nite lights of some kind; thermal scopes; etc. I'm sure I forgot lots of other 'must have's', but this will get you started in the right direction.

Like Prwlr said... just go do it.

I hope you and your son have a great time!

Opens wallet and checks available funds...


THanks for the tips

look into different led lights,you don't always need red. +1 on learning a howler,or look into an electronic caller till you do learn.
I like a hand light to scan with,and have a gun mount as well.
Fox Pro has alot of units,and their forums are helpful as well.
Know your targets if hunting at night,,,and best of luck,it IS addictive.

How much am I going to be into for decent lights? Any suggestions on good brands?

My first question is do you have a lot of jackrabbits in Pa? If not you might want to get a call that mimics the local prey... good lights can be expensive, but getting better and more portable all the time. Color seems to be personal taste, but you wont need one that attaches to your rifle IMHO...you need someone to operate the lights and the calls, and you need a shooter. Doing it all yourself is going to give you 'issues'...
Calling predators, especially coyotes has a steep learning curve, if you dont keep an open mind and pay attention, you'll never get the hang of it. If you DO get the hang of it and can consistently hunt and kill coyotes, you can hunt anything. Coyotes do not allow you any mistakes...

This.

Darin Freebourgh was PA coyote hunting legend. Unfortunately, he was tragically killed last year. I don't know if you can find his videos, but this is the old URL for him.

http://coyotevideos.net

His shop in Warren, Pa was an incredible place and a 21st century rarity.

We have cottontail rabbits but not jack rabbits. I was hoping it would be close to the same sound. I will have to do some research on that.

This is one of my favorite hand held mouth calls that I use for Coyotes & Bobcats. I've been using one like this or the Jackrabbit version for the last 25 years with good success. There are good how to videos on their web sight too.

http://haydels.com/product/ghc-government-hunter-cottontail-predator/

Nowhere near the same.

You can go here for a variety of calls,camo etc...

https://allpredatorcalls.com

FWIW I have had best luck with cottontail calls even in areas that were heavily populated by jackrabbits...


And even called in a butt load of jackals in Africa using a cottontail call ( It closely mimics their brush hares...)

My go to sound with the Foxpro is the snowshoe hare even though not many hares on the prairies of MT and ND.

Start with calls that all the locals are probably not using. Hell, even a recording of a crying baby works, or so I heard. LOL

A big +1 on that!

Coyotes pretty well learn the model # on most calls quickly, so use a brand/call that is not popular in your area, and try new things....we've called critters in with bird calls at night...when the birds arent even awake!

And walk. Most will park along a road and walk a short distance before setting up. While this is quick and easy, it also quickly educates the predators you are after. Bottom line, do what most are not doing and you will quickly become successful.

Cottontail vs jack rabbit ?

I think predators sometimes come to call due to curiosity. Know an experienced professional caller who puts out a caterwaul of sound that does not mimic anything and he swears that it never sounds the same and he routinely kills coyotes. My personal favorite is a woodpecker, in winter, go figure.