How to Legally Hunt Coyote

The annual hunt for coyotes throughout the United States is distinctive from other types of hunting. Farmers, hunters and state wildlife agents have organized hunting seasons for recreational purposes, in addition to the purpose of protecting livestock. You need to observe hunting regulations and schedules for coyotes before you head into the wild.

Things You'll Need

• Weapons permit
• Orange clothing

Instructions

1. Review regulations on the use of hunting dogs during coyote season before you head out to your hunting camp. Coyote hunting regulations typically divide the fall season into periods of non-dog hunting and a shorter season of dog hunting, depending on the current coyote population.

2. Meet with farmers in your hunting zone to determine the best way to catch coyote legally in season. You can obtain valuable information on coyote travel patterns and feeding areas while gaining access to private property.

3. Report each coyote that you kill to the appropriate field officer to stay within legal bounds for coyote hunting. Most states utilize a tagging system with a printed number recorded by the state to keep track of the current coyote population.

4. Look beyond coyote hunting season to find other game seasons that allow you to hunt coyotes legally. States with an overpopulation of coyotes will post temporary hunting periods that allow hunters to take care of nuisance animals like the coyote.

5. Acquire information on stalking coyote from your state wildlife office to hunt this wild animal legally. Many states are prohibiting stalking to eliminate accidents caused by friendly fire.

6. Store your weapon permit in your gun or bow case before heading out to the hunting zone. As part of the administrative process, most hunters need to show a gun, crossbow or bow permit as they register tagged coyotes.

7. Make your presence known in the field by wearing hunting orange from head to toe. Most states with coyote hunting regulations feature rules about the amount of hunting orange needed to fulfill your commitments as a responsible hunter.

8. Write down individual and group bag limits for coyote hunting to help you log your daily activity. Your state may not mandate a hunting log, but a record of kills, strange animal behaviors and other discoveries can assist state officials with next year's hunting regulations.

Tips & Warnings

• Observe restrictions placed on early and late coyote hunting every day of the season. Most states allow coyote hunters to begin tracking and shooting coyote immediately before sunrise and after sunset. You may be able to use a low-voltage flashlight for hunting at dusk during special hunting periods.