Top predator hunters share their favored setups for success in the field
Late winter/early spring is primetime for predator hunting, and as the sport’s popularity grows, an increasing number of hunters have taken a keen interest in customizing a rifle (or two) dedicated to the sole task of predator hunting. While there are some great off-the-rack options, tailoring a standard rifle platform to the somewhat unique requirements of predator hunting has become standard operating procedure.
While many rifle calibers are well-suited for medium-sized predators such as coyote and bobcat, generally, high-velocity rounds are the preference. Elite predator hunters Fred Eichler, Trey Douglas, Ethan Stubbs, and Heath Wood have dialed-in what they believe to be the perfect predator rifle and shared their go-to irons and accoutrements.
FRED EICHLER
“I have a few favorite guns based on what predators I am hunting and how far I’m walking,” said Blocker Outdoors Elite Pro Fred Eichler. “One of my favorite predator rifles is the Mossberg 6.5 Creedmoor MVP bolt gun, topped with a Leupold VX-6 HD scope with a variable 3-18 scope. The scope is equipped with a CDS (Custom Dial System). With that setup and minimal wind, I can confidently shoot coyotes out to 600 yards.”
Eichler says he prefers the Hornady ELD-X 143 grain bullet for the bolt gun, and he always uses a BOG Death Grip for this long range, daytime predator set up. Additionally, suppressors are installed on his predator rifles, as well as most of his big game guns.
“During nighttime hunts for coyotes and other predators, I use an AR. My current set up is a Stag Arms SPCTRM chambered in .223 Wylde topped with an ATN Thermal Thor 5,” Eichler explained. “Out of that gun, I shoot a polymer tipped Hornady Superformance V-Max 55 grain bullet.”
Eichler hunts big game and predators in the challenging landscape and weather of the Rocky Mountains, which can test the meddle of any outdoorsman. “I hunt a lot in cold temperatures and at altitudes between 5,000-9,000 feet. Besides good boots, I also wear Blocker Shield Predator OPS. This clothing keeps me warm and dry-even in rough conditions, and it allows great mobility as well,” Eichler added.
ETHAN STUBB
The .22-250 was introduced in the 1930s as a “wildcat” and this round quickly gained the attention of early predator hunters as they pioneered the pursuit. Ethan Stubb is a big fan of this venerable caliber.
“The coyote rifle that we have been utilizing and having a ton of success with is a .22-250 in an AR-10 platform, shooting a 55 grain Hornady V Max bullet,” explained Stubb. “I pair it with an iRay RICO Mk2 LRF 640 thermal scope. This allows for quick, accurate shooting in a multitude of conditions, especially at night. And, I should add we also shoot suppressed rifles almost exclusively.”
TREY DOUGLAS
NEXUS Digital Marketing Specialist Trey Douglas agreed, “I prefer to use a 22-250 with a suppressor for predator hunting because I’ve found this round has enough knock down power to get the job done, but isn’t too big of a round.”
While the .22-250 is a very common predator round, a few others such as Eichler’s 6.5 are excellent crossover options that serve well for wily canids and felines, as well as deer.
“A couple other calibers that work well for predator hunting and deer are .243 and .25-06. Both options are great for people who typically shoot further because, in my opinion, they have more power than the .22-250,” added Douglas.
Douglas’ favorite rifle is a classic Remington 700, and he prefers to feed his bolt gun handloaded Nosler 55 grain ballistic tip bullets. While some predator hunters stick with standard solid colors, camo stocks and Cerakote coatings on receivers and barrels are also very popular with predator hunters, including Douglas.
“Cerakote not only protects the firearm but there are lots of options as far as camo goes, Douglas said, “For example, on my .22-250 I went with an old camo pattern we used to wear.”
On the other hand, Stubb is content with plain old standard black most of the time. “I’m more of a standard black rifle guy, but when hunting western terrain, I may go with more of a tan color,” he says.
HEATH WOOD
“One of the biggest debates among predator hunters will always be the best rifle caliber. I always say the best caliber is the one you’re most confident using in the field,” said Blocker Pro Heath Wood. “Personally, my top choices for predator hunting are the .22-250 and .223. While I’ve tried many calibers over the years, these two have remained my favorites. That said, there are plenty of effective options available today and my advice is to spend time at the range, test different calibers, and find what works best for you.”
Like most predator hunters, Wood has a couple specific configurations he prefers. “When targeting coyotes, my go-to setup is a Kimber Pro Varmint .22-250 paired with a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50 scope. For daytime hunts, I use this rifle with Swagger Bipods QD42—they’re lightweight and easy to carry, allowing me to stay mobile without unnecessary bulk,” he explains. “For night hunting, I switch to a Sig Sauer M400 AR chambered in .223 with a Vortex Venom 5-25×56 scope. I prefer a white or red light over a thermal optic and currently uses the Coyote Light Pro LED. This versatile light can be used as a handheld scanner with a separate handle or mounted directly to my scope. Since night hunting requires longer, more stationary calling stands, I use a Vortex Switchback Carbon Fiber Tripod with a ball head. This setup is heavier, but the tripod supports the rifle’s weight, keeping my hands free to operate a handheld light or control my electronic caller remotely.”
“Both of these setups have served me well for years, allowing me to take accurate shots from 50 to 300 yards. The .22-250 and .223 are both pelt-friendly, minimizing fur damage while ensuring quick, clean kills.,” Woods says.
According to Woods, being a mobile predator hunter is very important. Besides using a rifle set up for quickly changing locations, he also pays very close attention to what he wears.
“I think a vital part of any predator setup is the clothing and gear they are wearing. I am a huge fan of the Shield Predator Ops 1/2 zip jacket and pants. This combination allows me to move with ease and make more stands while staying comfortable and warm. More stands per day means maximum opportunities to call coyotes into close range,” he added.
Shield Predator OPS 1/2 Zip Jacket
Shield Predator OPS Pant
