Coyote Hunting: How to Build a Portable Predator Ladder

Hunting predators from an elevated position can be a great advantage, especially in late summer and early fall when the grass is tall, the crops are high, and the leaves are still on the trees. Often times this enlarged view will make the difference in a successful hunt.

If you’re lucky, your state’s hunting laws will allow you to hunt predators from an elevated platform. Fortunately, the state I live in, Michigan, passed a law that allows predator hunting from an elevated position during daylight hours.

Like hunting deer from a tree, it really does have its advantages. You can make use of the same tree stands that you used for deer hunting, but often they’re just not in the right place for a setup.

Just think of all the clean cuts, fence edges, and thick brush you could open up if you had a way to get up off the ground, exactly when and where you need it. Well, you can with a simple and easy-to-build portable predator ladder.

A predator ladder can be built using a 4-rung wooden ladder. Attach the bucket swivel seat type designed for the top of a five gallon bucket and put on some camouflage paint and you have a portable hunting rig.

With the ladder folded, you can attach a leather strap to the side and it has a carry handle. Although it is not the lightest thing to carry, it is not unreasonably heavy.

If you want a stable firing platform, you will need at least a 5-foot folding firing monopod. Next, you will need some kind of accessory on the bottom step to support the end of a folding monopod. A screwed eye hook at the front of the bottom step works well and will allow you to attach the monopod. This will give you a stable firing platform and the swivel base allows a wide turning area for shooting.

A simple and easy to build predator ladder is just one more tool that can be used to increase your chances of a successful predator hunt.