Website: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Contact Phone Number: 360 902-2200
Address: Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Email: [email protected]
Licenses: Washington Hunting License

Coyote Hunting Washington Laws & Regulations

Are coyotes defined as furbearer, game animal, or other in Washington? Coyote are unclassified wildlife and are not regulated by the department.

Do you need a license to hunt coyotes in Washington? Forest grouse and unclassified wildlife (including coyote) may be hunted with either a small game license or a big game license.

Can a non-resident coyote hunting Washington? Yes

Is there a specific season for coyote hunting in Washington? Year round.

Is there a bag limit for coyotes in Washington? None

What are the legal hunting hours in Washington? These are lawful hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for game animals and forest grouse (ruffed, blue, spruce) during established seasons.

Are electronic game calls legal in Washington? For Coyotes, yes.

Are decoys legal in Washington? For Coyote, yes.

What firearms are approved/disapproved for coyotes? Hunting during modern firearm deer or elk seasons (WAC 232-12-242): You may not hunt wildlife during any modern firearm deer or elk season, with any firearm .24 caliber or larger or containing slugs or buckshot for big game, unless you have a valid license, permit and tag for one of the following: deer, elk, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose. During any modern firearm deer or elk season, it is illegal to hunt any wildlife after legal hunting hours.

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It is recommended that you check with your local authorities for ordinances that may restrict use of firearms in your area. There may be other weapons you can use besides firearms. Even weapons such as high-powered air rifles can kill a coyote.

Are suppressors allowed to hunt coyotes in Washington? Yes, you must have a federal permit to possess the suppressor.

Legal ammunition or restrictions for coyotes in Washington? No specific restrictions, but each county has their own restriction. Check the county you intend to hunt in before going out.

Are there regulations for possessing,  transporting dead coyotes, or pelts across state lines? No restrictions.

Is night hunting allowed in Washington? Coyote may be hunted at night with lights year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful to hunt coyote at night during the months of October, or November during the dates established for modern firearm deer or elk general seasons in eastern and western Washington.

Night hunting (WAC 232-12-242): It is illegal to hunt wildlife at night during the months of September, October, and November in any area open to modern firearm deer or elk hunting.

Hunting with artificial lights (RCW 77.15.450): Hunting big game with the aid of an artificial light, spotlight, or night vision equipment is prohibited. Night vision equipment includes electronic light amplification devices, thermal imaging devices, and other comparable equipment used to enhance night vision.

Using night vision and laser sights (WAC 232-12-045): It is illegal to hunt deer or elk with the aid of infrared night vision equipment or with laser sights (not to include range finders) capable of projecting a beam onto the target, while in possession or control of a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow.

If so, are there specific weapons allowed for night in Washington? There are no weapon restrictions placed on coyote hunting. Since they are unclassified wildlife any weapon may be used to hunt them.

Can you hunt from a vehicle in Washington? Using a motor vehicle (WAC 232-12-057): It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a motor vehicle.

Can baiting be used to hunt coyotes in Washington? Bait may be used to hunt coyotes.

Can dogs be used to hunt coyotes in Washington? Coyote may not be hunted with dogs. A small game or big game hunting license is required.

The use of dogs to hunt black bear, bobcat, coyote, and cougar (except as noted below) is prohibited year round. Dogs may be used to hunt raccoon and specific permit-only cougar hunts, EXCEPT it is unlawful to hunt raccoons with dogs during the months of October, or November during the dates established for modern firearm deer or elk general seasons in eastern and western Washington.

(WAC 232-12-242): Hunting or pursuing any big game animal, bobcat, or coyote with dogs is prohibited, except cougar hunting as permitted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Is there a bounty program for coyotes in Washington? No

Hunter Orange: Anyone hunting in an area that is open for modern firearm deer or elk hunting must meet hunter orange requirements if they are hunting any of the following species: Bear, Bobcat, Cougar, Coyote, Deer, Elk, Fox, Grouse, Hare, Rabbit, or Raccoon.

Anything else that you would like to note about coyote hunting in Washington? Hunting Contests (WAC 232-12-169): It is unlawful to hold a hunting contest without a permit from the department. Only non-profit organizations may sponsor hunting contests.

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.