Hey there, fellow hunters! Joel Mccartan here, your friendly neighborhood night vision enthusiast. If you’re like me, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of stalking coyotes under the cover of darkness. But let’s face it – trying to spot those crafty canines at night without the right gear is about as effective as bringing a knife to a gunfight. That’s why I’m pumped to share my top picks for the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting in 2024.
After spending countless nights in the field testing different optics (and probably scaring away more coyotes than I care to admit), I’ve narrowed it down to 7 scopes that’ll give you a serious edge on your next hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, I’ve got options to fit every budget and skill level. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of cutting-edge night vision tech!
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
Alright folks, let me tell you about my absolute favorite night vision scope for coyote hunting – the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro. This bad boy is like having a supercomputer strapped to your rifle.
The first time I took this scope out, I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie. The 4K sensor delivers crystal clear images, even on the darkest nights. I remember creeping through a dense forest, thinking there was no way I’d spot anything. But when I looked through that scope, it was like someone flipped on stadium lights. I could see every twig, leaf, and yes – those beady little coyote eyes reflecting back at me.
What really blew me away was the built-in ballistic calculator. No more fumbling with separate devices or doing mental math while trying to line up a shot. Just input your data, and the X-Sight 4K Pro does all the heavy lifting. It’s saved my bacon more times than I can count when dealing with tricky wind conditions or extreme distances.
And don’t even get me started on the video recording capabilities. Being able to capture your hunts in 4K is a game-changer. I’ve relived some of my most epic shots countless times, and it’s great for reviewing and improving your technique.
Now, I’ll be honest – this scope isn’t cheap. But in my opinion, it’s worth every penny for serious coyote hunters. The battery life is insane (we’re talking 18+ hours), and the rugged construction means it can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
Pros:
• Unbeatable image clarity with 4K sensor
• Powerful built-in ballistic calculator
• 4K video recording
• Impressive 18+ hour battery life
• Durable construction
Cons:
• High price point
• Steep learning curve for all the features
Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Next up on my list is the Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 – a scope that’s become my go-to for those extra long nighttime stalks.
I’ll never forget the first time I used this scope on an all-night coyote hunt in the backcountry. We’re talking pitch black, miles from civilization. I was skeptical that any optic could perform well in those conditions. Boy, was I wrong.
The N455’s sensor and AMOLED display work together like magic. Even in zero ambient light, I could clearly make out coyotes at distances up to 500 yards. The level of detail is insane – I’m talking being able to count individual hairs on a coyote’s coat from hundreds of yards away.
One feature I absolutely love is the “Picture-in-Picture” mode. It lets you see both a zoomed-in view of your target and a wider field of view simultaneously. This came in clutch when I had a pack of coyotes circling just outside of optimal range. I could keep tabs on the whole group while still lining up the perfect shot on the alpha.
The built-in rangefinder is another standout feature. No more guessing distances or carrying separate equipment. And with 10 different reticle options, you can customize your sight picture to your exact preferences.
Now, I will say the N455 has a bit of a learning curve. There are a ton of features and settings to play with. But once you get it dialed in, this scope is an absolute beast for long-range nighttime hunting.
Pros:
• Exceptional image quality, even in zero light
• Useful Picture-in-Picture mode
• Built-in rangefinder
• Multiple reticle options
• Durable and weatherproof
Cons:
• Complex interface takes time to master
• Premium price point
Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope
For hunters on a bit of a tighter budget, the Sightmark Wraith HD is a fantastic option that won’t break the bank.
I remember lending this scope to a buddy who was just getting into night hunting. He was skeptical that a “budget” optic could perform well. After one night in the field, he was singing a different tune.
The Wraith HD’s 1080p sensor might not have the raw resolution of some pricier options, but it still delivers crisp, clear images. The 4-32x digital zoom gives you plenty of flexibility, whether you’re taking close shots or reaching out to the limits of your effective range.
One thing I really appreciate about this scope is its versatility. It performs admirably in both day and night conditions, so you don’t need to swap optics if your hunt runs from dusk till dawn. The color display during the day is vivid, while the night mode gives you classic green night vision or black and white options.
The included 850nm IR illuminator is surprisingly powerful. On a recent hunt, I was able to clearly identify coyotes out to about 200 yards, even on a moonless night. Not too shabby for a scope in this price range.
Battery life is decent at around 4.5 hours, but I always recommend carrying spare AAs just in case. The Wraith HD also has some nifty extra features like video recording and multiple reticle options.
Is it as feature-packed as the ATN or Pulsar? No. But for hunters looking to dip their toes into the world of digital night vision without taking out a second mortgage, the Sightmark Wraith HD is a solid choice.
Pros:
• Affordable price point
• Good day and night performance
• 1080p video recording
• Multiple reticle options
• Included IR illuminator
Cons:
• Battery life could be better
• Digital zoom can get grainy at high magnifications
ATN ThOR 4 640 2-40x Thermal Rifle Scope
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, this is supposed to be a night vision list!” But hear me out. For serious coyote hunters, a quality thermal scope like the ATN ThOR 4 640 can be an absolute game-changer.
I was skeptical about thermal scopes at first. But after using the ThOR 4 on a particularly challenging hunt in dense brush, I became a convert. This thing doesn’t just see in the dark – it cuts right through foliage, fog, and other visual obstacles.
The 640×480 sensor provides incredible detail and the 2-40x magnification range gives you tons of flexibility. I’ve used this scope to spot coyotes hiding in thick cover that I never would have seen with traditional night vision.
One of my favorite features is the dual-stream video recording. You can capture both your scope view and a wide-angle shot of the entire scene simultaneously. It’s amazing for reviewing hunts and sharing your experiences with fellow hunters.
The ballistic calculator and built-in rangefinder work seamlessly together, making long-range shots in any conditions a breeze. And with a battery life of over 16 hours, you can hunt from dusk till dawn without worry.
Now, I’ll be upfront – thermal scopes like the ThOR 4 are expensive. And there’s definitely a learning curve to interpreting thermal images. But for hunters who frequently deal with challenging terrain or weather conditions, the advantages are hard to overstate.
Pros:
• Sees through visual obstacles like brush and fog
• Incredible detection range
• Dual-stream video recording
• Powerful ballistic calculator and rangefinder
• Long 16+ hour battery life
Cons:
• Very high price point
• Steep learning curve
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
Let’s bring things back down to earth with a scope that’s perfect for beginners or hunters on a strict budget – the Night Owl Optics NightShot.
I love recommending this scope to friends who are just getting into night hunting. It’s simple, straightforward, and gets the job done without a ton of bells and whistles.
The NightShot’s 3x magnification is fixed, which some might see as a limitation. But for typical coyote hunting ranges (under 200 yards), it’s more than adequate. The 640×480 resolution isn’t going to blow anyone away, but it provides a clear enough picture to make positive IDs and ethical shots.
What impresses me most about the NightShot is its durability. I’ve seen this scope take some serious abuse (accidentally, of course) and keep on ticking. It’s built like a tank and can handle the rigors of real-world hunting.
The built-in IR illuminator is decent, giving you about 100 yards of clear visibility on dark nights. Battery life is also respectable at 5-6 hours on a set of AA batteries.
Is the NightShot going to compete with top-tier digital scopes? No. But for hunters looking to get into night vision without spending a fortune, it’s a solid entry point that will serve you well as you learn the ropes of coyote hunting after dark.
Pros:
• Very affordable price point
• Simple, user-friendly design
• Durable construction
• Decent battery life
• Lightweight
Cons:
• Fixed 3x magnification
• Lower resolution than more expensive options
AGM Wolverine Pro-6 3AW1 Night Vision Rifle Scope
For hunters who prefer the classic look and feel of traditional scopes, the AGM Wolverine Pro-6 is worth a serious look. This Gen 3 night vision scope offers excellent performance without the digital interface that some hunters find distracting.
I had the chance to use the Wolverine Pro-6 on a week-long coyote hunting trip last fall, and I came away thoroughly impressed. The image quality is exceptional, with that classic green night vision look that many of us old-school hunters prefer.
The 6x magnification hits a sweet spot for coyote hunting, giving you enough zoom for precision shots without sacrificing too much field of view. I found I could easily spot and identify coyotes out to 300+ yards, even on nights with minimal moonlight.
One thing I really appreciate about the Wolverine Pro-6 is its simplicity. There’s no complicated menu system to navigate – just turn it on and start hunting. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, even with gloved hands on a cold night.
The scope is built like a tank, with a weatherproof housing that can handle any conditions you’re likely to encounter in the field. I accidentally dropped mine on some rocks while scrambling up a steep hillside, and it didn’t miss a beat.
Battery life is excellent, with a single CR123A battery providing up to 60 hours of use. No need to worry about your scope dying in the middle of a hunt.
The main downside to the Wolverine Pro-6 is its lack of some modern features like video recording or rangefinding. But for hunters who prioritize raw performance and reliability over high-tech gadgetry, it’s a top-notch choice.
Pros:
• Exceptional Gen 3 image quality
• Simple, intuitive operation
• Rugged, weatherproof construction
• Excellent battery life
• Classic night vision aesthetic
Cons:
• Lacks modern features like video recording
• Higher price point than some digital options
Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
Rounding out our list is another great option for budget-conscious hunters – the Firefield NVRS 3×42. This Gen 1 night vision scope proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get into nighttime coyote hunting.
I’ll be honest – when I first tried the Firefield NVRS, I wasn’t expecting much given its low price point. But after a few nights in the field, I came away impressed with its capabilities.
The 3x magnification is fixed, which some might see as a limitation. However, for most coyote hunting scenarios, it’s more than adequate. The image quality is surprisingly good for a Gen 1 device, though you’ll definitely notice a difference compared to higher-end scopes.
One feature I really like is the quick-detach weaver mount. It makes it easy to swap between your day optic and the NVRS without losing zero. This is great for hunters who don’t want to dedicate a rifle solely to night hunting.
The built-in IR illuminator does a decent job, giving you clear visibility out to about 100 yards on dark nights. Battery life is also impressive, with up to 20 hours of use on a single battery.
Now, let’s be clear – the Firefield NVRS isn’t going to compete with the top-tier scopes on this list in terms of image quality or features. But for hunters on a tight budget or those just wanting to dip their toes into night hunting, it’s a solid entry point that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
• Very affordable price point
• Quick-detach mount
• Good battery life
• Lightweight and compact
• Decent performance for the price
Cons:
• Fixed 3x magnification
• Image quality not on par with more expensive options
• Limited detection range compared to higher-end scopes
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top 7 picks for the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting in 2024. From high-end digital powerhouses to budget-friendly options, there’s something here for every hunter and every budget.
Remember, the “best” scope is the one that fits your specific needs and hunting style. Consider factors like your typical hunting environment, shot distances, and of course, your budget when making your choice.
Whichever scope you choose, make sure to spend plenty of time practicing with it before heading out on a hunt. Night vision optics take some getting used to, and you want to be fully comfortable with your gear before taking that crucial shot.
Happy hunting, and may your nights be filled with successful coyote encounters!