The coyote, a resilient and adaptable member of the canine family, has long been an integral part of North America’s ecosystem. Known for its distinct howl and remarkable adaptability, the coyote’s presence spans across various terrains in the United States. This blog explores the history of coyotes in the U.S., their conservation status, hunting methods, and a comprehensive guide to where they can be legally hunted.
A Storied Past
Coyotes have been present in North American folklore and ecosystems for centuries. Originally confined to prairies and deserts of the West, they expanded their range significantly over the last 200 years. This expansion is attributed to human-induced changes in the landscape and the eradication of wolves, their natural competitor.
Coyote Facts
- Adaptable Diet: Coyotes are omnivores, eating anything from small mammals and fruits to garbage in urban areas.
- Distinct Communication: Known for their eerie howls, which are used to communicate with other coyotes.
- Habitat Versatility: They can thrive in deserts, forests, and urban settings.
Conservation Efforts
Coyotes are not endangered or threatened. However, some organizations focus on understanding and preserving their role in the ecosystem. The Coyote Watch Canada and Project Coyote in the U.S. promote coexistence between humans and coyotes through education, science, and advocacy.
Hunting Methods
- Calling: Using predator calls to mimic prey or other coyotes can lure them into range.
- Spot and Stalk: Requires identifying signs of their presence and stealthily approaching.
- Trapping: Legal in some states, it requires knowledge of coyote behavior and local regulations.
- Hunting with Dogs: Some hunters use trained dogs to track and chase coyotes.
Where to Hunt: State-by-State Guide
Coyote hunting is regulated at the state level, and regulations vary significantly. Here’s a general overview:
- Alabama: Open season year-round. Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
- Alaska: No closed season or bag limit. Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Arizona: Open season year-round. Arizona Game & Fish Department
- Arkansas: Year-round open season. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- California: General season year-round. California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Colorado: Open season year-round. Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Connecticut: No closed season for hunting on private lands. Connecticut DEEP
- Delaware: Open season year-round on private lands. Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife
- Florida: No closed season. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Georgia: Year-round open season. Georgia Wildlife Resources Division
- Hawaii: Coyotes are not present.
- Idaho: Open season year-round. Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Illinois: No closed season for hunting. Illinois DNR
- Indiana: No closed season on private land. Indiana DNR
- Iowa: Open season year-round. Iowa DNR
- Kansas: Open season year-round. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
- Kentucky: Open season year-round. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
- Louisiana: Open season year-round. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
- Maine: No closed season on private lands. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
- Maryland: Year-round open season. Maryland DNR
- Massachusetts: Hunting season dates vary. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
- Michigan: Open season year-round. Michigan DNR
- Minnesota: No closed season. Minnesota DNR
- Mississippi: Open season year-round. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks
- Missouri: No closed season. Missouri Department of Conservation
- Montana: Open season year-round. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Nebraska: No closed season. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
- Nevada: Open season year-round. Nevada Department of Wildlife
- New Hampshire: No closed season. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
- New Jersey: Specific season dates. New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife
- New Mexico: Open season year-round. New Mexico Game & Fish
- New York: No closed season. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- North Carolina: No closed season. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- North Dakota: No closed season. North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Ohio: No closed season. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife
- Oklahoma: Open season year-round. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Oregon: Open season year-round. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Pennsylvania: Specific season dates. Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Rhode Island: Seasonal hunting. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
- South Carolina: Open season year-round. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- South Dakota: Open season year-round. South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
- Tennessee: Open season year-round. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Texas: Open season year-round. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
- Utah: Open season year-round. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
- Vermont: Seasonal hunting. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
- Virginia: No closed season. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Washington: Open season year-round. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
- West Virginia: Open season year-round. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
- Wisconsin: No closed season. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Wyoming: Open season year-round. Wyoming Game & Fish Department
This comprehensive list includes states where coyote hunting is permitted, although regulations and seasons can vary. Always check the latest regulations on the respective state websites before planning a hunt.