Predator hunting regulations can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating the unique rules of each state. Knowing exactly what’s allowed and required isn’t just about compliance—it’s about the peace of mind that comes from being truly prepared. I’ve found that the more we understand these details, the better we’re able to act responsibly and stay within legal and ethical boundaries. With so many states and rules involved, this guide is here to simplify things, state by state.
Each section breaks down the basics, from licensing to season dates and special restrictions, so you can plan your hunting responsibly, confidently, and with an informed approach. Whether you’re in Alabama, Alaska, or anywhere in between, the goal is the same: to help you stay educated and prepared, protecting both yourself and the environment as we hone skills and live as stewards of the land.
Alabama: Predator Hunting Permitted Year-Round
In Alabama, coyotes and feral hogs can be hunted year-round with no bag limit. Hunters must have a valid license, and night hunting requires a special permit. Electronic calls are allowed, but it’s important to check local laws about firearm restrictions and hunting on private land.
Alaska: Strict Rules and Predator Control Programs
Alaska’s rules are more complex due to wildlife management and predator control programs, especially for wolves and bears. Special permits may be required, and the use of aircraft to spot or hunt predators is heavily regulated. Regional rules vary, so always consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Arizona: Open Season for Predators
Arizona allows open-season hunting for coyotes and bobcats year-round, though night hunting is regulated and requires a special permit. Hunters need a valid license, but no extra tags are required for most predator species.
Arkansas: Night Hunting for Coyotes Allowed
Arkansas allows predator hunting, including coyotes and bobcats, with specific seasons and rules. Night hunting for coyotes is permitted from February through June with a special permit. Electronic calls are allowed, but artificial lights may have restrictions.
California: Year-Round for Coyotes, Strict Rules on Methods
In California, you can hunt coyotes year-round, but you must have a valid license, and special depredation permits are required for certain species like mountain lions. There are strict rules on methods, including bans on lead ammunition in some areas, and night hunting is highly regulated.
Colorado: Open Season, but Check for Local Restrictions
Colorado allows year-round hunting for predators like coyotes, but certain species like bobcats require a furbearer license and have specific seasons. Night hunting is permitted, though some areas restrict the use of artificial lights or electronic calls.
Connecticut: Seasonal Predator Hunting
Connecticut allows coyote hunting during specific seasons, typically from January through April. Night hunting is permitted with a special permit, but electronic calls are prohibited. Hunters need to be cautious of local firearm restrictions.
Delaware: Limited Season and Equipment Restrictions
In Delaware, predator hunting is mainly focused on coyotes, and they are subject to specific seasons. Night hunting is allowed with permission, but there are restrictions on firearms and the use of dogs.
Florida: Year-Round for Coyotes, Permit for Hogs
Florida allows year-round hunting for coyotes on private land without a permit. However, feral hog hunting may require a permit in certain wildlife management areas. Night hunting is allowed, but some areas have restrictions on the use of spotlights.
Georgia: Open Season with Some Equipment Rules
Georgia allows year-round hunting for coyotes and armadillos with no bag limits. Night hunting is allowed for coyotes, but you must use small game firearms. Electronic calls are permitted, but there are restrictions in wildlife management areas.
Hawaii: Limited Predator Hunting
Predator hunting in Hawaii is limited, and most hunting is focused on invasive species rather than native predators. Hunting for feral pigs and goats is allowed, but strict regulations exist, and permits are required.
Idaho: Year-Round for Coyotes and Wolves
Idaho allows year-round hunting for coyotes, and wolves can be hunted with a specific tag. Electronic calls and night hunting are permitted for coyotes but not for wolves, which are subject to stricter rules and seasons.
Illinois: Coyote Hunting Allowed Year-Round
In Illinois, coyote hunting is allowed year-round, with no bag limits. Night hunting is allowed, but only with the use of shotguns or smaller firearms. Bobcat hunting requires a permit and is restricted to a short season.
Indiana: Seasonal Predator Hunting
Indiana allows coyote hunting from October through March, while bobcats have no open season. Night hunting is allowed, but only with small-caliber firearms, and electronic calls are permitted.
Iowa: Predator Hunting Allowed with Specific Rules
Iowa allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but bobcat hunting requires a special permit and is limited to specific zones. Night hunting is permitted, and the use of electronic calls is allowed for coyotes.
Kansas: Open Season for Coyotes and Foxes
Kansas allows year-round hunting for coyotes and red foxes, but bobcat hunting is restricted to specific seasons. Night hunting for coyotes is permitted, though electronic calls are subject to local restrictions.
Kentucky: Year-Round with Restrictions on Night Hunting
Kentucky allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with restrictions on night hunting. Artificial lights and night vision are allowed during certain months. Bobcat hunting is restricted to a defined season, and hunters need a trapping license.
Louisiana: No Closed Season for Coyotes
Louisiana allows year-round hunting for coyotes and feral hogs. Night hunting is permitted with a permit, and electronic calls are allowed. There are specific zones with restrictions on night hunting, so be sure to check with local authorities.
Maine: Strict Predator Hunting Seasons
Maine restricts predator hunting to certain seasons, particularly for coyotes and bobcats. Night hunting is allowed but requires a special permit, and electronic calls are permitted. There are restrictions on hunting near residential areas.
Maryland: Regulated by Season, Special Permit Required
In Maryland, coyote and fox hunting are allowed but regulated by season. A special nighttime hunting permit is required for hunting after dark, and electronic calls are generally allowed.
Massachusetts: Seasonal Predator Hunting
Massachusetts has a specific coyote season from October through March, with bag limits in place. Night hunting is allowed, but electronic calls are prohibited. Bobcat hunting is highly regulated and requires a special permit.
Michigan: Year-Round Coyote Hunting
Michigan allows coyote hunting year-round, but bobcats have a restricted season. Night hunting is permitted for coyotes, but hunters need to follow specific firearm restrictions and obtain a fur harvester license.
Minnesota: Year-Round for Coyotes, Strict Bobcat Season
Minnesota allows coyote hunting year-round, but bobcat hunting is restricted to a specific season and requires a license. Night hunting for coyotes is allowed, but certain areas restrict the use of artificial lights.
Mississippi: Open Season for Predators
Mississippi allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with night hunting permitted using artificial lights. Bobcat hunting is restricted to a specific season, and electronic calls are allowed for all predators.
Missouri: Year-Round for Coyotes, Seasonal Bobcat Hunting
In Missouri, you can hunt coyotes year-round, while bobcat hunting is restricted to a season from November through February. Night hunting is allowed but only with the use of specific firearms and lights.
Montana: Predator Control Programs in Place
Montana has year-round hunting for coyotes and wolves, though the latter requires specific tags. Electronic calls are allowed for coyotes, but there are strict rules on night hunting, especially in designated predator control areas.
Nebraska: Year-Round for Coyotes
Nebraska allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but bobcat hunting is restricted to a defined season. Night hunting is permitted for coyotes, with specific rules on firearms and electronic calls.
Nevada: Open Season, But Check Local Rules
Nevada allows open-season hunting for coyotes, but night hunting requires permission from local authorities. Electronic calls are permitted, and there are no bag limits for most predator species.
New Hampshire: Strict Predator Seasons
New Hampshire restricts predator hunting to specific seasons, with night hunting allowed by special permit. Coyotes can be hunted year-round, but bobcat hunting is highly regulated and requires a permit.
New Jersey: Coyote and Fox Seasons
In New Jersey, coyote and fox hunting are allowed during a specific season from November through March. Night hunting is permitted with a special permit, and electronic calls are allowed.
New Mexico: Year-Round for Predators
New Mexico allows year-round hunting for coyotes and other predators, with no bag limits. Night hunting is permitted but requires permission from the local landowner if you’re on private land. Electronic calls are allowed.
New York: Coyote Hunting Allowed with Restrictions
New York allows coyote hunting from October through March, with strict rules on night hunting. Bobcat hunting requires a trapping license and is limited to specific regions.
North Carolina: Year-Round for Coyotes, Seasonal Bobcat Hunting
In North Carolina, coyotes can be hunted year-round, but bobcats have a regulated season. Night hunting is allowed, but you must use a spotlight or night vision equipment in certain areas.
North Dakota: Open Season for Coyotes
North Dakota allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with no bag limits. Bobcat hunting is restricted to a specific season, and night hunting is allowed with certain firearms.
Ohio: Predator Hunting Year-Round
Ohio allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but bobcats are protected and cannot be hunted. Night hunting is allowed for coyotes with the use of a spotlight, but certain zones have restrictions.
Oklahoma: Year-Round with Some Night Restrictions
Oklahoma allows year-round hunting for coyotes and feral hogs. Night hunting is permitted but requires a special license. Electronic calls are allowed, though restrictions vary by county.
Oregon: Open Season for Coyotes
Oregon allows year-round hunting for coyotes, while bobcat hunting is restricted to a defined season. Night hunting is allowed but requires a special permit, and electronic calls are permitted.
Pennsylvania: Coyote Hunting Year-Round
Pennsylvania allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with night hunting permitted using artificial lights. Bobcats are restricted to a specific season and require a fur-taker license.
Rhode Island: Limited Predator Hunting
Rhode Island allows coyote hunting with restrictions during specific seasons. Night hunting is permitted with a special license, but electronic calls are prohibited in most areas.
South Carolina: Year-Round with Night Hunting Permits
South Carolina allows year-round hunting for coyotes and feral hogs. Night hunting is allowed with a special permit, and electronic calls are permitted in most areas.
South Dakota: Year-Round for Coyotes
South Dakota allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with no bag limits. Bobcat hunting is restricted to specific zones and seasons. Night hunting is allowed for coyotes, but specific equipment restrictions apply.
Tennessee: Coyote Hunting Allowed Year-Round
Tennessee allows year-round hunting for coyotes, with specific night hunting rules. You must use small game firearms for night hunting, and electronic calls are allowed in most areas.
Texas: Year-Round Predator Hunting
Texas allows year-round hunting for predators, including coyotes and feral hogs, with no bag limits. Night hunting is allowed, and electronic calls are permitted without restriction.
Utah: Open Season with Some Night Restrictions
Utah allows open-season hunting for coyotes, but wolves and mountain lions are protected or require special permits. Night hunting is allowed but may be restricted in certain zones.
Vermont: Strict Rules on Predator Hunting
Vermont restricts predator hunting to specific seasons, particularly for coyotes and bobcats. Night hunting is allowed but requires a permit. Electronic calls are prohibited in some areas.
Virginia: Predator Hunting Year-Round
Virginia allows year-round hunting for coyotes and feral hogs, with no bag limits. Night hunting is permitted with specific firearms, and electronic calls are allowed.
Washington: Year-Round for Coyotes
Washington allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but wolves are protected. Night hunting is allowed for coyotes with special equipment, and electronic calls are permitted.
West Virginia: Seasonal Predator Hunting
West Virginia has specific seasons for predator hunting, particularly for bobcats. Night hunting is allowed for coyotes, with a permit for artificial lights.
Wisconsin: Year-Round for Coyotes, Restricted Bobcat Season
Wisconsin allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but bobcats are restricted to a defined season with a specific permit. Night hunting is allowed, but artificial lights and electronic calls may have local restrictions.
Wyoming: Open Season, but Wolves Require Tags
Wyoming allows year-round hunting for coyotes, but wolves are regulated and require a special tag. Night hunting is allowed, but specific zones have restrictions, and electronic calls are permitted for coyotes.
