Maine Nighttime Coyote Hunting Adventure
Private Trip
Active hunting
Fourhour guided night hunts targeting Maine coyotes with thermal opticsDecember through midAugust hunting season welcomes all experience levelsFirearms provided with required Maine hunting license and night permit
When the sun sets over Maine's rugged wilderness, a different kind of hunting begins. Moose Horn Guide Service offers hunters a rare chance to experience the woods after dark with our guided nighttime coyote hunts. This isn't your typical hunting trip – we're talking thermal optics, night vision equipment, and four hours of pure adrenaline as you track one of Maine's most elusive predators. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for something new or a beginner wanting to try night hunting for the first time, this guided experience puts you right in the heart of Maine's wild country where coyotes roam freely under cover of darkness.
Your night hunt kicks off when most folks are heading home for dinner. We meet up as daylight fades, giving you time to get familiar with the equipment and discuss the evening's game plan. These hunts run from mid-December through August, covering both the heart of winter when snow makes tracking easier and the warmer months when coyotes are more active. You'll be working with high-end thermal or night vision optics mounted on quality rifles – all gear provided by us, so no need to invest in expensive night hunting equipment if you don't already own it. The hunt covers prime coyote territory in Maine's backcountry, areas where these smart predators feel comfortable moving during their preferred nighttime hours. Each hunt is fully guided with a maximum of one hunter, meaning you get personalized attention and won't be competing with other hunters for shot opportunities. Just make sure you've got your Maine hunting license and night hunting permit squared away before we head out.
Night hunting coyotes requires a completely different approach than daytime hunting. We'll be using electronic calls to bring coyotes within range, combined with thermal imaging or night vision scopes that let you see heat signatures in complete darkness. The thermal units pick up body heat from hundreds of yards away, while night vision amplifies available light to give you a clear picture of your target. Maine's mixed terrain of hardwood ridges, softwood thickets, and open meadows creates perfect coyote habitat, and we know exactly where they like to travel and hunt. You'll learn how wind direction matters even more at night, how to read thermal signatures to distinguish coyotes from other wildlife, and why patience is absolutely critical when calling predators after dark. The rifles we provide are zeroed for night hunting and equipped with quality suppressors where legally allowed, helping reduce noise that might spook other coyotes in the area. We'll position ourselves in spots with good visibility and clear shooting lanes, often overlooking areas where coyotes naturally funnel through the landscape.
Maine coyotes are different animals than their western cousins – they're bigger, smarter, and more cautious thanks to generations of living alongside human activity. These eastern coyotes average 35 to 45 pounds, with some males pushing 50 pounds or more. They've got a thick winter coat that makes them look even larger, and their coloration ranges from classic coyote tan to almost black, with many showing wolf-like characteristics from historical hybridization. What makes hunting them so challenging is their intelligence and adaptability. Coyotes learn from every encounter, remembering locations where they've been pressured and adjusting their behavior accordingly. They're most active during dawn and dusk but will hunt throughout the night, especially during winter months when prey is scarce. In Maine, they've adapted to hunt everything from mice and rabbits to deer, and they'll scavenge when hunting opportunities are limited. The best times for night hunting are typically the coldest months when food sources are limited and coyotes are more willing to respond to calls. Their keen senses make them incredibly difficult to fool – they can detect human scent from amazing distances and will often circle downwind before committing to a call. That's what makes a successful hunt so rewarding and why having an experienced guide who knows local coyote behavior patterns makes all the difference.
Night hunting offers a completely different perspective on Maine's wilderness and tests your skills as a hunter in ways daylight hunting never will. With Moose Horn Guide Service, you're getting access to prime coyote hunting areas, professional-grade thermal and night vision equipment, and the expertise that comes from years of guiding successful predator hunts. The four-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity for multiple setups and calling sequences while keeping the experience focused and productive. Since we limit each hunt to just one hunter, you'll have our full attention and won't miss out on learning opportunities or shot chances. Remember to get your Maine hunting license and night hunting permit before booking – these are required for all participants. This hunt works for hunters of all experience levels, but it's especially appealing if you're looking to expand your hunting skills or try something completely different from your usual hunting routine. Maine's coyote population is healthy and distributed throughout the state, making this a hunt where you'll have legitimate opportunities at game. Ready to experience Maine's wilderness after dark and test your skills against one of the smartest predators in the woods? Contact Moose Horn Guide Service to reserve your spot for this top-rated nighttime hunting adventure.
Maine coyotes are smart, adaptable predators that average 35-45 pounds - bigger than their western cousins thanks to some wolf genetics mixed in over the years. You'll find them in mixed hardwood forests, old logging roads, and field edges where they hunt everything from mice to deer. Winter through early spring is prime time when their thick coats make them most valuable and they're more active during daylight hours. The real draw is the challenge - these animals have incredible senses and won't give you a second chance if you make a mistake. Night hunting levels the playing field since that's when they naturally move and hunt. My best advice? Set up downwind near a known travel corridor and use subtle calls - overdoing it will educate them fast, and an educated coyote is nearly impossible to call back in.
Maine