Predator hunting is a controversial subject, mainly because it’s not killing for food. But there is something to be said for predator population control, and animals like coyotes have nothing hunting them … besides humans and the occasional mountain lion. Which is why coyote hunting is mostly accepted and welcome.
The coyote population is more than healthy. In fact, they are one of the most proliferous animals in the United States– they roam in 49 of the 50 states and their range is only expanding. While they are great at keeping rodent populations in check, coyotes can decimate deer and elk herds, and grouse and pheasant populations. They feed on livestock and small pets as they move into urban areas. And even though we kill over 400,000 coyotes a year, their numbers keep growing.
While it is still up for debate as to whether population control actually helps cull predator numbers, since coyotes just seem to have bigger litters and move into the territory of killed-off competitors, the good news for hunters is that coyotes are fair game in the state of Nevada.
Coyote Hunting in Nevada
“Coyotes are an unprotected species in Nevada. They can be hunted by both resident and non-residents in the state without a hunting license.” –Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)
There aren’t many rules when it comes to coyote hunting in Nevada. There are no limits to how many you kill nor state regulations for weapon use. However, if you do skin your coyote kill and plan to profit from it, you must have a trapping license. The trapping license also allows for laying coyote traps.
Note that if you catch another animal in a coyote trap, such as a mountain lion, you must release it. Only coyotes can be killed if trapped.
Otherwise, coyotes can be hunted with bait, dogs, decoys, electronic calls, and at night in certain counties. Coyote hunting season is year-round.
Counties that allow night hunting include:
- Churchill County Lyon County (see ordinance on congested areas)
- Humboldt County Douglas County (Not within 500 feet for a shotgun and 1,500 feet for a rifle of an occupied dwelling)
- Mineral County Nye County (At least three miles from Tonopah)
- Esmeralda County (must be at least a mile away from an occupied residence)
- Carson City County (see ordinance on firearms)
- Storey County (see ordinance on weapons)
- Clark County (see ordinance on congested areas)
- Lincoln County (see ordinance on congested areas)
Source: http://www.ndow.org/Hunt/Seasons_and_Regulations/Furbearer/Coyote/
Counties that prohibit nighttime shooting:
- Washoe County – Nighttime shooting and spotlight hunting prohibited
- Pershing County – Spotlight hunting prohibited within 300 feet. It is unlawful for any person to cast a spotlight from or within three hundred feet (300′) of any motor vehicle in the unincorporated areas of the County while having a firearm in possession or immediate physical presence, between the dates of September 1 and February 28, inclusive, of each year.
- White Pine County – Nighttime shooting prohibited
- Lander County – Nighttime shooting prohibited
- Nye County Code – three miles from Tonopah. Any person who discharges any firearm within a radius of three (3) miles from the County Courthouse in Tonopah shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
- Elko County – Nighttime shooting prohibited
- Douglas County – Within 1,500 feet of a dwelling. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any rifle withing 1,500 feet and any shotguns or air rifles within 500 feet of any occupied dwelling without the permission of the occupant.
Source: http://www.ndow.org/Hunt/Seasons_and_Regulations/Furbearer/Coyote/
Note that carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on a vehicle (cartridge or shell in the firing chamber) is prohibited. Ammunition can be in the weapons’ magazine.
Prime Revolution | Nevada Coyote Hunting
While the Prime family doesn’t focus on predator hunting, we do support it to curb population numbers so that our local deer herds stay healthy. Wildlife management is essential and as hunters, we must do our part in protecting natural resources.
By hunting coyotes, we help keep the natural ecosystem in check!
