Website: Maryland DNR
Contact Phone Number: 1-877-620-8DNR (8367)
Address: Maryland Department of Natural Resources • 580 Taylor Avenue • Tawes State Office Building • Annapolis, MD 21401
Email: [email protected]
Licenses: Get a Maryland Hunting License

Coyote Hunting Laws and Regulations in Maryland

Are coyotes defined as furbearer, game animal, or other in Maryland? The following species are managed as “furbearers” in Maryland: beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk.

Do you need a license to hunt coyotes in Maryland? With certain exceptions, a person must obtain or be authorized by a Furbearer Permit to hunt, chase, or trap any furbearer (beaver, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk), including persons participating in the unarmed chasing of fox and raccoons. It is also required for persons not required to have a hunting license (e.g., landowners hunting on their own property) and holders of any senior hunting license.

There are two types of Furbearer Permits, Individual and Group. Any person desiring to participate in these activities can obtain the Individual Furbearer Permit. The representative of an association or group established for the purpose of chasing or hunting furbearers may obtain the Group Furbearer Permit. A member or guest of the association or group who participates in furbearer chasing or hunting with the association or group is not required to have an Individual Furbearer Permit. A Group Furbearer Permit holder must submit a report to the DNR by September 1 following the end of each permit year.

A permit is not required for a landowner to hunt or trap a coyote, fox or skunk that is damaging or destroying the personal or real property of the landowner on their land.

Can a non-resident hunt coyotes in Maryland? Yes, with a valid nonresident hunting license.

Is there a specific hunting season for coyotes in Maryland? Coyote may be hunted in all counties year-round during daylight hours (½ before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset). With the exception of nutria, hunting furbearers on Sunday is prohibited.

Is there a bag limit for coyotes in Maryland? No limit.

What are the legal hunting hours for coyotes in Maryland? Coyote may be hunted in all counties year-round during daylight hours (½ before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset).

Coyotes can be hunted at night during the period specified in the furbearer seasons and bag limits chart. At all other times of the year, coyotes may only be hunted during the legal daylight shooting hours.

Are electronic game calls legal for coyotes in Maryland? Coyotes, foxes, opossums, and raccoons can be hunted with the aid of electronic calling devices.

Are decoys legal for coyote in Maryland? Yes

What firearms are approved/disapproved for coyotes in Maryland? Firearm, bow and/or crossbow hunting of coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk is permitted (see County Fox Restrictions in previous section for exceptions). Any individual that hunts these species must possess a valid Furbearer Permit. Shooting of all other furbearer species is prohibited. Refer to General Furbearer Regulations for information on the use of firearms, bows, and crossbows for hunting furbearers.

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Are suppressors allowed for coyotes in Maryland? All game animals legal.

Are there any ammunition restrictions for hunting coyotes in Maryland? It is only lawful to hunt with ammunition of soft point (expanding) construction. All military, full metal jacketed, incendiary or tracer bullets are prohibited.

Are there regulations for possessing,  transporting dead coyotes, or pelts across state lines in Maryland?

A permit is required to possess the meat or skinned carcass of a furbearer for more than 10 days after the season has closed. Permits can be obtained from the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP). See Addresses & Phone Numbers for NRP offices.

The pelts or unskinned carcasses of furbearers harvested in Maryland, and then transported across the state line must have a “Fur Shipping Tag” accompanying them. These tags are available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov or by contacting local offices of either the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service or NRP.

Is night hunting for coyotes allowed in Maryland? The use of artificial light and/or dogs is permitted while hunting coyotes, foxes, opossums, or raccoons on foot. Coyotes, foxes, opossums, and raccoons can be hunted with the aid of electronic calling devices. Daytime and nighttime hunting for foxes is permitted during the legal harvest season for foxes except Sundays. Coyotes can be hunted at night during the period specified in the furbearer seasons and bag limits chart. At all other times of the year, coyotes may only be hunted during the legal daylight shooting hours.

It is unlawful to cast the rays of an artificial light from a vehicle on woods, fields, orchards, livestock, wild mammals or birds, dwellings or buildings. However, in Baltimore City, Montgomery and Prince George’s coun- ties, a person may cast the rays of an artificial light from a vehicle for the sole purpose of observing or photographing wildlife until 9:00pm. A person may not have a weapon in their possession while casting rays of an artificial light.

If so, are there specific weapons allowed for night in Maryland? Same restrictions as above.

Can you hunt coyotes from a vehicle in Maryland? It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.

It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against a vehicle. A loaded crossbow is one that is cocked AND has an arrow or bolt in the firing position.

Can you use bait to hunt coyotes in Maryland? Contact your local county for more information.

Can dogs be used to hunt coyotes in Maryland? The use of dogs is permitted while hunting coyotes, foxes, opossums, or raccoons on foot.

Is there a bounty program for coyotes in Maryland? Not at this time.

Notes: It is unlawful to hunt, trap or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Harford County and 50 yards in Carroll and Frederick counties.

Destroying or disturbing furbearer dens is prohibited.

This information is for informational purposes only. This website has no affiliation with any department of the above mentioned state. For your own safety please contact your local office to verify the information presented. CoyoteHunting101.com is not responsible for your own stupidity.