Top 5 Predator Hunting Locations to Beat the Summer Doldrums

When the freezer is full, the turkey calls are packed away, and deer season feels like a distant memory, it’s easy to feel like you're just treading water through the summer months. But if you're itching for a reason to get out in the field, we've got just the fix: predator hunting.

Predator hunting offers an adrenaline-packed alternative to sitting on the porch counting down the days until fall. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and available year-round in many parts of the country. Whether you’re after coyotes, foxes, or bobcats, this off-season pursuit keeps your skills sharp and your hunting instincts razor-edged.

High Stakes, High Reward

Predators are sharp, savvy, and unforgiving. They're at the top of their food chains for a reason, which makes the pursuit of them all the more thrilling. You won’t be sitting in a stand for hours hoping something strolls by—this is active, engaged hunting. Calling them in takes patience and precision, and when it works, the payoff is electric.

Help the Habitat

Predator populations left unchecked can wreak havoc on game species like fawns, turkey poults, and upland birds. By targeting predators, you’re doing your part to balance the ecosystem and improve conditions for future seasons. Think of it as land management with a pulse-pounding twist.

Gear Up and Get After It

One of the best things about predator hunting? You probably already have most of what you need. A good rifle, quality optics, a set of calls (mouth or electronic), and some camouflage will get you in the game. And thanks to LandTrust, finding access to predator-rich properties has never been easier. Landowners love the added management, and you get to explore new ground without the crowds.

Keep Your Edge

Predator hunting is a fantastic way to keep your shooting sharp. Making accurate shots on fast-moving, often small targets in varied conditions is a surefire way to stay dialed in for big game season. It also tests your stealth, wind-reading, and terrain navigation—all key skills for any hunter.

Year-Round Opportunity

Unlike big game seasons with narrow windows, predator hunting is often open year-round and sometimes even incentivized. That means no need to wait until fall to scratch the itch. Load up, head out, and hunt.

Top 5 LandTrust Predator Hunting Destinations

1. Spring Valley Ranch – Nashua, Montana

• Size: 5,200 acres
• Terrain: Tree rows, old homesteads, and well-sheltered range areas
• Predators: Coyotes
• Highlights: Located on the Fort Peck Reservation, this expansive property offers abundant coyote hunting opportunities. Hunters can also enjoy upland bird hunting and fishing in a private pond teeming with northern pike.

2. 3R Farms – D’Hanis, Texas

• Size: 420 acres
• Terrain: Diverse landscapes with stock ponds, hills, brush, and woods
• Predators: Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and more
• Highlights: This South Texas ranch offers a rich predator population and varied terrain ideal for tracking. Amenities include a 3-bedroom house with an electric hanging station and walk-in cooler, enhancing the hunting experience.

3. Blackwater Springs – Mayo, Florida

• Size: 507 acres
• Terrain: Rolling hills, open pastures, scrubland, and longleaf pine
• Predators: Coyotes and bobcats
• Highlights: Situated where two tributaries of the Suwannee River converge, this property offers a mix of habitats supporting a healthy predator population. Its proximity to the vast San Pedro Bay wilderness enhances the hunting experience.

4. Gills Bridge South – McKenney, Virginia

• Size: 136 acres
• Terrain: Farmland, timber, and water features
• Predators: Coyotes and other local predators
• Highlights: This well-managed farm employs conservation practices and offers diverse habitats, making it ideal for predator hunting. Its adjacency to Ft. Barfoot, a 40,000+ acre military training base with limited hunting access, adds to its appeal.

5. Claymire Ranch – Maupin, Oregon

• Size: 780 acres
• Terrain: Agricultural fields, rangeland, and creek bottoms
• Predators: Coyotes
• Highlights: Located between the Deschutes and White Rivers, this property offers prime predator habitats. Its proximity to Mt. Hood National Forest and the White River Wildlife Area provides additional recreational opportunities.

Predator hunting isn’t just a way to pass the time until September—it’s an exciting, impactful, and skill-building experience all its own. So if you’re staring down a long summer and wondering how to keep your hunting edge, consider chasing the hunters. You might just find your new favorite off-season thrill.

Book your next predator hunt on LandTrust and turn the dog days of summer into your next great adventure.

‍