Best Predator Hunting Lights
Hunting at night is the most effective way to take out nocturnal predators such as coyotes. When you are hunting during the night you have two main pieces of equipment that are essential to a successful hunt. You will need a good caller to mimic howls and distress calls, this will draw the nocturnal predators out. The other piece of essential equipment is a hunting light This will allow you to sport eye shine and make a shot accurately at the predator in question.
Both pieces of equipment are essential when hunting at night, but the most important thing is having a light source because without one you will be able to locate your target. So, what is a predator hunting light, and what are the features of a good one? In this article, we will be looking at the different types of predator hunting light, what they are good for, and finally, reviewing 2 of the best.
What is a Predator Hunting Light?
Predator hunting lights come in a range of different shapes and sizes with some gun mounted options and some handheld options. Whether they are made to sit on top of your gun or sit separate for handheld use, their main purpose is the same, to detect eye shine of nocturnal predators in the dark. It is essential to bring a hunting light with you when you are heading out to hunt predators at night and whatever style of light you go for you need to make sure it has the power and capabilities to reflect eye shine at your hunting ground.
What are the Features of a Good Predator Hunting Light?
The brightness of your hunting light will determine the distance you can cover effectively. If you are hunting in a large area that is open over long-distances, then you will need a long-range hunting light. If your hunting range is small and closed in without a vast open area ahead of you, then something with less power will be suitable. The best hunting light will have the power capabilities to cover up to and above 500 yards while being fully adjustable for lamping at close range as well.
A good predator hunting light should have a fully adjustable beam as well as intensity control. This allows you to use the hunting light for lamping and scanning areas of all different sizes and shapes. If you hunt a variety of different environments and ranges for predators at night, then this feature is essential for you. On the other hand, if you hunt one range predominantly for predators in the closed season, then a cheaper light without as much adjustability will suffice and won’t hurt your bank account as much.
No matter whether you go for a hunting light that is fully adjustable and packed with features or a basic hunting light that is more of a one situation budget tool, you will need decent battery life. Even cheaper hunting lights consume a lot of power and when you are out in the field at night it can be hours before you get positive eye shine and an opportunity to shoot. The battery’s quality and charge capacity will ultimately affect its lifespan and usage limit. You want to find something that holds a charge well and will power light for the entirety of your session, so you do not have to end the hunt short and miss out on any opportunities.
Overall, a good hunting light will have excellent power capabilities, full beam angle and beam intensity adjustment, and excellent battery life. It doesn’t matter whether your hunting light is gun-mounted or hand-held, it should meet these requirements if you are serious about hunting predators during the dark hours.
Best Handheld Predator Hunting Light: GearOZ Handheld Hunting Spotlight
Overview
The GearOZ Hunting spotlight is a handheld predator hunting light that can be used with a choice of 3 lens colors (red, green, and white) with the addition of a red-dot laser. It is made from high-quality materials that are waterproof and durable enough to last through the wear and tear that night hunting brings. The light is a white LED 1000 lumen spotlight with a 10-watt power that is mounted on a 90-degree handle for ease of use and accurate scanning. This hunting light has the capability of covering long distances at ranges of over 800 yards with enough light to spot eyeshine effectively.
The batteries are 4800mAH lithium rechargeable. They provide long-lasting power for extended illumination even on high power. You can expect 5 hours of continuous illumination at full power (over 800 yards of light), 10 hours at medium power (300 – 500 yards of light), and 16 hours of continuous light at low power (100 – 200 yards of light). Being lithium, they are lightweight and compact compared to traditional lead-acid batteries and they can withstand repeat charges, full drainage, and constant use without a negative effect on the cells.
Although the solo hunter will struggle to use this hunting light effectively while on their weapon as well, it is perfect for the hunter that heads out to find predators in pairs. With one man on the lamp and one man on the gun, you are guaranteed to spot and shoot any predators that are in the area, especially when using the GearOZ Hunting Spotlight. If you are looking for a lightweight, durable, versatile handheld hunting light, then look no further than this sensibly priced powerhouse.
- High-powered
- Great battery life
- Lithium batteries provide lasting charge and lifespan
- 3 lens colors (red, white, and green)
- Handy red-dot laser
- Easy to use grip for accurate scanning
- Durable and weather-proof
- Great value for money
- The 12-volt charger for car cigarette lighter socket is poorly made
Bottom Line
Overall, the GearOZ Handheld Hunting Spotlight is the perfect predator hunting light for the hunter that heads out in a team to maximize the chances of a late-night kill. It is not the prettiest of hunting lights available on the market, but it is certainly one of the most practical.
Best Gun Mounted Predator Hunting Light: Odepro KL52+ Mountable Hunting Light
Overview
The Odepro KL52+ is a mountable hunting light that can be used as a compact handheld or a gun-mounted light source for nighttime predator hunting. It comes with 4 different color modules (red, white, green, and IR850nm), so you can be sure you will have the right light for the right situation. The light of each module is an LED bulb that only produces 100 lumens, however, do not let its low output put you off. Although only 100 lumens are produced, the Odepro uses high-quality lenses to enhance the brightness of the LED and extend its distance capabilities.
For a hunting light with gun-mounting capabilities, it is an incredible light source. On its high-power setting, you can expect an effective range of around 500 yards which is surprising for a light of this power and size. It has a fully adjustable zoom and focus which allows you to home in at a certain distance with either a wide, focused beam, or flood beam using a simple twist action. This level of control makes it perfect to use as a mounted light source because it is fully adjustable while in situ without having to operate complex controls.
The batteries supplied are 3000mAH cathode 18650 rechargeable that provides a run time of 3.3 hours of constant illumination. This product comes complete with the battery charger as well and 18650 rechargeable batteries are easily acquired so you can bring some fully charged spares with you in case your light runs out in the field.
The Odepro KL52+ is packed with great features and it is built from durable rugged materials in a way that makes it completely weather and shockproof. Its functions are completely controllable by a smart remote switch that makes no noise when used. This small remote can be mounted to the side of your gun or kept in your hand to switch the light on and off discretely while keeping your hands where they should be, on your gun. This light comes with 2 flashlight mounts, one for use on a Picatinny or Weaver rail and one for use on scopes of all sizes.
- Lightweight and compact
- Easily adjustable
- 4 different light modules
- Replaceable rechargeable batteries for extended use
- Mountable on Picatinny/ Weaver rails
- Mountable on scopes of all sizes
- Functional at long distance
- Can be fiddly to replace color modules as they are screw tops rather than clip-on lenses
- A little bright for super close range situations
Bottom Line
Overall, the Odepro KL52+ is a fantastic gun-mounted hunting light that is perfect for use by the solo hunter that likes to have everything all in one place when out hunting for predators. It is extremely bright, easily adjustable, and it comes with a range of different color modules.
