Hunting coyotes can be a thrilling and rewarding experience! From the excitement of the chase to the joy of bagging your first coyote, nothing compares. However, before you set out on your hunt, it’s important to understand the regulations in your state.
Here at Coyotehunting.us, we want you to have an amazing hunting experience while also staying safe and compliant. That’s why we have put together this ultimate guide to coyote hunting in Maryland.
In it, you will find information on rules, regulations, tips & tricks for success, and more! So let’s jump right in and get started.
Coyote Hunting Laws in Maryland
There are a few coyote hunting laws in Maryland that you should be aware of before heading out on your hunt. These laws are in place to help protect the coyote population and ensure that hunters are following safe hunting practices.
- All coyote hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Coyotes may only be hunted during the open season, which runs from November 1st through March 31st.
- Hunters must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest, and back while hunting.
- Only firearms and ammunition approved for deer hunting may be used to hunt coyotes.
- Baiting or using recorded sounds or calls to attract coyotes is not allowed.
- Hunters may not shoot from or across any road or highway.
- It is illegal to kill or attempt to kill any domestic animal while hunting coyotes.
Do you need a license to hunt coyotes in Maryland?
In order to hunt coyotes in Maryland, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a hunting license online or at any Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Center. A hunting license is not required if you are a landowner or lessee on the property where you will be hunting, or if you are a member of the immediate family of a landowner or lessee.
Coyote Hunting Seasons in Maryland
Hunting seasons for coyotes in Maryland are as follows:
- September 1- February 28: West of the Chesapeake Bay
- October 15- February 15: East of the Chesapeake Bay
- There is no closed season in Baltimore and Harford counties.
- Coyote hunting is not allowed on Sundays.
- A hunting license is required to hunt coyotes in Maryland.
Can you hunt coyotes at night in Maryland?
Although it is legal to hunt coyotes at night in Maryland, there are a few things to consider before doing so. For one, night hunting can be more challenging than hunting during the day.
You’ll need to have a good flashlight or headlamp and be able to see well in the dark. You’ll also need to be extra careful not to accidentally shoot another hunter or a livestock animal.
Another thing to consider is that coyotes are more active at night. They typically hunt for food during the hours of dusk and dawn, so you may have better luck finding them if you go out during those times.
If you do choose to hunt at night, make sure you have a partner with you for safety and always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Bag limits for hunting Coyote in Maryland
When hunting coyotes in Maryland, it is important to be aware of the bag limits. These vary depending on the season and the area you are hunting in.
In general, the bag limit for coyotes is two per day. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, during the early season (September 1-November 30), the bag limit is four per day in certain counties. Additionally, from December 1-February 28, the bag limit is six per day in certain counties.
It is also important to note that there are different bag limits for different parts of the state. For instance, in Western Maryland, the bag limit is four per day during the early season and six per day during the late season.
Meanwhile, in Central Maryland, the bag limit is two per day during both the early and late seasons.
Finally, it should be noted that these limits are for adults only. For juveniles (coyotes under one year of age), there is no daily bag limit.
So, when planning your hunt, be sure to check the relevant regulations to ensure you are aware of the applicable bag limits. By doing so, you can help to ensure a successful and safe hunt for all involved.
Where to hunt Coyotes in Maryland?
Maryland offers expanding coyote hunting opportunities as populations increase their presence across the state’s mix of woodlands, farms and wetlands. Decent public land access exists on several state parks and wildlife management areas holding growing coyote numbers.
The western half of Maryland contains excellent terrain for hunting coyotes as they spread into new areas filling vacant niches. Certain public lands have seen particular expansion opportunities, with increasing sightings on areas like Dan’s Mountain State Park, Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area and private farms with permission.
In eastern Maryland, Assateague Island National Seashore spans over 30,000 acres of ideal habitat for colonizing coyotes while the Chesapeake Forest, Pocomoke River State Park and Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area provide additional public lands now hosting stable coyote populations as they establish territory across the state.
Legal ways to hunt Coyote in Maryland
In Maryland, coyote hunting is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. Coyotes may be hunted year-round with a hunting license, and there are no bag limits. However, it is illegal to hunt coyotes with bait or dogs.
Coyotes can be hunted with any caliber of rifle or shotgun, as well as pistols, air guns, and bows. All hunters must abide by the state’s hunter safety laws and regulations.
When hunting on public land, hunters must also follow all regulations set forth by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Can you use dogs to hunt coyotes in Maryland?
Dogs have been used to hunt coyotes since the early days of Westward Expansion. In fact, many of the early settlers in what is now Maryland hunted with dogs. Today, there are still many people who use dogs to hunt coyotes in Maryland.
There are a few different ways to go about hunting coyotes with dogs. The most common method is to simply let the dogs loose in an area where you know there are coyotes and let them do their thing.
This can be very effective, but it’s important to make sure that your dogs are well-trained and will not attack other animals or people.
Another option is to use dogs to track and flush out coyotes. This involves using trained dogs to find and chase the coyote until they are forced to run into an open area where they can be shot.
This method can be very effective, but it’s important to make sure that your dogs are under control at all times and that you have a clear shot before firing.
Whatever method you choose, hunting coyotes with dogs can be a great way to get these pests under control. Just remember to be safe and responsible when doing so.
Can you hunt coyotes from a vehicle in Maryland?
Coyote hunting from a vehicle is allowed in Maryland, but there are some regulations that must be followed. The driver of the vehicle must have a valid hunting license and the vehicle must be stopped on a public road or highway.
The coyote must be within 250 yards of the road or highway and the hunter must have permission from the landowner to hunt on their property.
Final Thoughts
Coyote hunting can be a rewarding experience, but it takes some preparation and knowledge to do it right. In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about coyote hunting in Maryland, from the best places to hunt to the most effective techniques.
We hope you found this guide helpful and that it’s given you the information you need to go out and have a successful coyote hunt. Remember to always follow the regulations in place and to be respectful of private property. Happy hunting!
Important Notice: The articles published on this website are only for informational purposes and we do not promote hunting/ killing animals. If you are willing to hunt please refer to Authorized sources for correct and updated information. Writer/ Website owner will not be responsible for any consequences due to information provided on this website. You can refer to relevant Government sources for updated information.