MDT Mention - Turning Predator Into Prey: Thermal Coyote Hunt

Predator hunting at night requires specialized gear like clip-on night vision or thermal optics and a rifle platform that can accommodate the use of this technology. Also vital is the ability of the shooter to leverage support systems like tripods. MDT Pro Shooter Andy Slade and our project manager Ryan McLean recently went to Appomattox, Virginia, to do some night hunting with DNA Firearms Systems.

In the video we see several of our chassis systems. Ryan used his custom rifle, which was mated to an MDT ACC Chassis System, and Andy used a Seventy5Ti Carbon Tactical bolt action rifle from DNA Firearms Systems, which uses the MDT HNT26 Chassis System.

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Seventy5Ti Carbon Tactical bolt action rifle from DNA Firearms Systems - Photo Courtesy of DNA Firearms Systems

Andy and the team had several successful stands and harvested some nice coyotes. The video showcases how chassis systems lend themselves to coyote hunting, especially the ability to build a firing position quickly with a tripod. Also demonstrated is the unique ability of night vision technology to acquire and target animals and the effectiveness of a guide who understands how to use electronic calls.

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A tripod is an invaluable tool when predator hunting at night. It allows you to secure your rifle while using an electronic call and adds stability when shooting.

NIGHT VISION HUNTING

Are you interested in hunting at night? If you live in a jurisdiction that allows hunting at night hunting and night vision technology, ideally, you will need a small to medium caliber rifle capable of 1 MOA or better. A chassis system with an interface to quickly attach to a tripod is optimal since most shooting is done while standing and calling. When it comes to night vision technology, you can use photo cathode/night vision intensifier technology that uses a tube to gather and amplify light, digital thermal technology, or a combination of both. Both systems are available as clip-on devices to augment an existing day optic or as a stand-alone, dedicated weapons sight.

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A dedicated thermal weapons sight on an MDT ESS Chassis System - Photo Courtesy of Anthony Amantine

If money were no object, I would personally use a dedicated thermal weapons sight like the IRay USA Rico Alpha and wear a helmet with a bridged PVS-14 and an IRay MH25. I could drive, stalk and spot with my helmet-mounted systems, then once I have found the game, harvest with a dedicated weapons sight.

Clip-on night visions systems. Note the necessary rail space in front of the day optic. Photo Courtesy of Anthony Amantine

CHASSIS SYSTEMS FOR NIGHT VISION

MDT has dedicated chassis systems aimed at the LE/Tactical market that are ideal for night vision technology, but in reality, all of our chassis systems lend themselves to specialized applications like night vision. If you are using a thermal optic that attaches directly to your scope or a stand-alone/dedicated night vision system, all of our chassis systems will work without modification. Save for the MDT ACC, add an ARCA Rail, and get to calling. If you are using a clip-on device that mounts in front of your day optic, consider our MDT TAC-21,MDT ESS,MDT XRS, or MDT HNT26. If you have an LSS-XL Gen2 or MDT ACC, get a mirage shield or a night vision hood.

A big thanks to DNA Firearms Systems for taking us hunting! Check out our YouTube Channel!