We saw an impressive illumination device at the 2016 SHOT SHOW, the Predator CL1. This light is available with either a red or green LED emitter. It is designed, engineered and manufactured by CoyoteLight Inc. (www.coyotelight.com) in the USA. We chose the version with the red LED for this review.

The CoyoteLight Predator CL1 caught our attention, because of its potential for ranch use. It is a high performance flashlight with easily adjustable intensity and focus. The red LED emitter is rated for 65,000 hours of use and the housing is made from precision machined, high grade, 6061 aluminum. The CL1 is lightweight (10 ounces), compact (7 inches x 2.25 inches), portable and gun-mountable on an integrated Picatinny rail.

Mounting hardware for riflescopes with a one inch (25mm) diameter main tube is included. It can be mounted on top of the scope (at 0 degrees), or at a 45 degree or 90 degree angle to avoid the turrets.

Power is supplied by a rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion 26650 battery. A wall charger is included with the light.

The major advantage of the Predator CL1 is its great range, which extends well beyond confident shooting distances. It effectively lights-up wildlife eyes at up to 800 yards, but the red wavelength doesn't stimulate the animal's escape response. One can closely approach animals when it is not possible with a more intrusive white light.

Features

• Adjustable Focus - With variable focus, the Predator CL1 Light can be adjusted for a wide (flood) or narrow (long range) light beam.
• Adjustable Brightness - The brightness is fully controlled from zero to 100% power with an adjustment knob on the back of the light.
• Battery - The light runs on a high performance, rechargeable and replaceable, lithium-ion 26650 battery; a wall charger is included with the light.
• Range - Up to 500 yards under ideal conditions. (Ambient light, background foliage, rain, snow and size/color of target species will all affect range.)
• Warranty - Limited lifetime warranty for defects in materials and workmanship. Electronic components have a five year warranty. The warranty does not cover batteries.

Specifications

• LED Color: Red
• Max. range: 1500 ft.
• Battery: Replaceable, rechargeable Lithium-ion 26650
• Battery life, full power: 4 hours
• Battery life, 25% power: 32 hours
• Operating temperature: 14F (-10C) to 120F (50C)
• Weight: 10.4 oz.
• Length: 6-7/8 in.
• Diameter: 2-1/4 in.
• Country of origin: USA
• 2016 MSRP: $299

Our property in Tennessee has expansive, open, high-grass pastures bordered by dense timber and a centrally located pond. It is perfect for testing the capability of this light.

We were able to test this light for over a month. The light was primarily designed to bag coyotes, but in this part of the U.S. stray dogs have outcompeted the coyote. Abandoned canines readily form small packs and quickly become indiscriminate feral livestock killers. They are most active in the early morning and can gain entry into all but the most secure enclosures.

We mounted the light on a Mini-14 rifle with great success in exposing and dispatching these relentless intruders. Once located with the Predator CL1 light, we used a side-by-side 4-wheeler to approach closer to the packs. The light proved its utility in the chase.

We also mounted the light on an air rifle, producing an efficient extermination system for the greedy, disease-vectoring rodents infesting the seed bins in our barn. The unobtrusive red hue of the Predator CL1 light readily revealed these vermin.

As a research biologist, I routinely survey the wildlife on our ranch environs. The light was very handy for identifying and counting our local game in the dark of the night, when wildlife is most active. We located several sitting turkey hens, allowing us to prevent our pets from disturbing these vulnerable birds. Deer fawn remained still and approachable when spotted by the Predator CL1 light.

We continue to discover uses of the Predator CL1 for exploring local nocturnal fauna. It is a valuable tool to keeping our property safe from nocturnal predators, while enabling us to track beneficent critters and pinpoint any overpopulation problems. The utility of the Predator CL1 light is limited only by the user's ingenuity and imagination. This convenient light source has become indispensable for our night surveillances.