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Coyote and Predator Hunting Checklist
Coyotes can be hunted year-round in daylight in Tennessee with no limit. A separate night season for coyote and bobcat allows shotguns only, with landowner permission.
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Required by Tennessee law for this hunt: buckshot shells.
Electronic predator call
Electronic calls are legal for coyotes in Tennessee (they are prohibited for turkey, foxes and waterfowl) and let you place the sound away from you.
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Predator mouth call
A mouth call is a light backup and lets you make softer sounds as a coyote closes in.
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Motion predator decoy
A moving decoy holds a coyote's attention away from your position.
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Shooting sticks
A steady rest from a ground set or blind tightens groups more than any scope upgrade.
Camo face mask
Turkeys spot a bare face fast; a mask hides skin and movement.
Lightweight camo gloves
Bare hands moving on a gun are one of the most common things that spook a gobbler.
Binoculars
Glassing the edges helps you spot deer early enough to get ready for a shot.
Rangefinder
Archery shots are short and steep from a stand, and an angle-compensated reading keeps you from shooting over a deer.
Seat cushion
Sitting still at the base of a tree near nut trees is one of the best squirrel tactics.
Buckshot shells
During Tennessee's night coyote and bobcat season, only shotguns with buckshot or smaller shot may be used.
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Predator hunting light
Lights may be used on a shotgun only during the night coyote and bobcat season, and lights can't be cast from a public road or mounted on a vehicle.
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Headlamp
You walk in before legal shooting light, 30 minutes before sunrise, and out after dark.
Spending more on a coyote and predator hunting setup?
Checklists for hunts other than coyote and predator hunting
Season dates and limits: Coyote and Bobcat. Legal weapons and blaze orange: Tennessee hunting laws.
Coyote and Predator Hunting checklist questions
What do I need for coyote and predator hunting in Tennessee?
The 12 items above, starting with electronic predator call, predator mouth call and motion predator decoy.
What gear does Tennessee law require?
For this hunt: buckshot shells.
Do these links cost more?
No. Affiliate links do not change the price.
Do you test this gear?
No. Each item links to a search of current listings.
Where can I buy locally?
See the archery and sporting goods directory.
Is blaze orange required?
For big game during gun and muzzleloader hunts, 500 square inches on the upper body and head.
Are crossbows legal?
Yes, in every deer, bear, elk and turkey season.
When is the season?
See Coyote and Bobcat for 2026-27 dates.