Coyotes are approximately 24 inches tall at the shoulder, on average, and are about four feet in length, including the tail. Desert coyotes weigh around 20 pounds, while those that live in the mountains can weigh twice as much. Female coyotes are generally smaller than male coyotes.
Coyotes are an unprotected species in the state of Nevada. These animals may be hunted by both non-residents and residents in the state of Nevada. They can be hunted with or without a hunting license. That being said, someone who wishes to trap the animal or sell its fur must have a trapping license. Beyond this, there are some other special regulations that may be exist regarding the use of firearms by the general public. These rules will be dependent on the county in which you intend to hunt.
Other Nevada Hunting Rules
There is no specific season for hunting coyotes in Nevada. In other words, these animals may be hunted year round. There is also no bag limit for coyotes. Electronic game calls and decoys are legal in the state, and hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise noted. Dogs may be used to hunt coyotes. There is no coyote bounty program in Nevada.
There are several Nevada counties that do not prohibit shooting at night or spotlighting in unincorporated areas, such as Humbodlt, Churchill, Douglas, Mineral, Esmeralda, Nye, Carson City, Lincoln, Clark and Storey.
What is Not Allowed
It is against Nevada law to carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in or on any vehicle that is being driven on or along—or standing on or along—any open way to the public or open highway. It is also against the law to shoot with a weapon while the shooter is in a helicopter, aircraft, or a motor-driven vehicle. These prohibitions apply to coyotes as well as any game bird or other animal.
There are exceptions, however. Peace officers and members of the Armed Forces of Nevada or the United States while on duty or going to or returning from duty, as well as paraplegics, people who have had one or both legs amputated, or those who have suffered paralysis of one or both legs that severely impedes walking are not subject to these prohibitions.
While bait can be used in Nevada to hunt coyotes, it cannot be used to trap coyotes. This is because traps are indiscriminate and the bait may attract other animals that are not coyotes. For example, if a hunter tries to bait a coyote but instead a mountain lion came into the bait, the hunter would be breaking the law if he or she unlawfully took the lion.
According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada has a healthy population of coyotes across the state. While efforts have been made to reduce the numbers of the animal and even to eradicate coyotes altogether, the population has not decreased. In short, hunting coyotes is legal in Nevada because they are not a protected species. However, there are some rules that need to be followed to comply with state law. If you or someone you know has any questions about Nevada hunting laws, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Parry & Pfau today.
(image courtesy of Priss Enriquez)