Coyote hunting in Virginia is a popular activity for many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape of rolling hills, wooded areas, and wetlands, Virginia provides the perfect habitat for coyotes. But before you embark on your coyote hunting journey, it’s important to understand what you need to know about this unique sporting activity.
This guide will provide all the essential information you need to have a successful hunt in Virginia—from Hunting Seasons, regulations, to proper equipment and safety precautions.
Coyote Hunting Laws in Virginia (2023-2024)
In Virginia, coyote hunting is regulated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF). The DGIF sets the regulations for coyote hunting seasons, bag limits, and hunting methods.
Coyote hunting season in Virginia runs from October 1st through March 31st. There is no bag limit for coyotes in Virginia. hunters can use any legal method to hunt coyotes, including firearms, bows, and trapping.
Trapping is a particularly effective method of hunting coyotes, and many hunters choose to use traps during the winter months when coyotes are more active. When setting traps, hunters must comply with all state and federal laws, including trap size restrictions and tagging requirements.
Hunting coyotes can be a fun and challenging way to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that they are a protected species. Be sure to check the DGIF website for the most up-to-date information on Coyote Hunting Laws in Virginia before heading out into the field.
Do you need a license to hunt coyotes in Virginia?
In Virginia, you must have a license to hunt coyotes. The type of license you need depends on the season in which you plan to hunt. For example, if you want to hunt during the fall deer season, you would need a deer hunting license.
If you want to hunt during the spring turkey season, you would need a turkey hunting license. You can get licenses from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Coyote Hunting Seasons in Virginia
In Virginia, there are two primary hunting seasons: the early season and the late season.
The early season runs from September 1st through March 10th. During this time, coyotes can be hunted with firearms, dogs, and electronic calls.
The late season runs during Spring Squirrel Seasons. During this time, only firearms and electronic calls may be used to hunt coyotes.
hunters must have a valid hunting license and a big game hunting permit to hunt coyotes in Virginia.
Can you hunt coyotes at night in Virginia?
Yes, you can definitely hunt coyotes at night in Virginia! There are a few things to keep in mind when doing so, however. First and foremost, you need to be aware of the regulations in place regarding hunting at night. Make sure you are familiar with the area you will be hunting in and have a plan in place.
Secondly, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and what kind of terrain you will be dealing with. You don’t want to get lost or hurt while out hunting at night.
Finally, make sure you have the proper equipment with you. A good flashlight, for example, is essential for seeing in the dark. By following these tips, you can safely and successfully hunt coyotes at night in Virginia.
Bag limits for hunting Coyote in Virginia
The bag limit for coyote hunting in Virginia is two per day, with a maximum of 10 in possession. Trapping is also allowed with a limit of five per day and 20 in possession.
Where to hunt Coyotes in Virginia?
Virginia offers expanding coyote hunting opportunities across a mix of habitats as coyote populations increase their presence statewide. Decent public land access exists on national forests and wildlife management areas holding stable groups.
The western half of Virginia contains excellent terrain for hunting coyotes as they inhabit more areas. Certain counties have seen particular expansion opportunities, with growing populations on lands like the Highland Wildlife Management Area, National Forest lands and private farms with permission.
In eastern Virginia, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge provides over 100,000 acres of wooded wetlands and forest that coyotes have moved into while the Bull Run Mountains and George Washington National Forest also see colonization. Checking specific area rules is always vital when planning hunts.
Legal ways to hunt Coyote in Virginia
In Virginia, there are two ways that you can legally hunt coyotes. The first is with a hunting license, and the second is with a trapping license. If you want to trap a coyote, you will need to get a trapping license from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Trapping licenses are available to resident and non-resident hunters alike. If you are a resident of Virginia, you can purchase a trapping license for $19. If you are not a resident of Virginia, you will need to purchase a non-resident trapping license, which costs $100. You can purchase your trapping license online or at any licensed hunting or fishing retailer in the state.
If you want to hunt coyotes with a firearm, you will need to purchase a hunting license from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Hunting licenses are available to residents and non-residents alike.
If you are a resident of Virginia, you can purchase an annual hunting license for $12.50 or a five-year hunting license for $49.50. If you are not a resident of Virginia, you can purchase an annual hunting license for $31 or a five-year hunting license for $155. You can purchase your hunting license online or at any licensed hunting or fishing retailer in the state.
Can you use dogs to hunt coyotes in Virginia?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt coyotes in Virginia. There are several methods that can be employed to do this, each with its own pros and cons. The most popular method is probably using hounds to chase the coyote until it is exhausted, at which point the hunter can shoot it.
This method requires a lot of space and is not very effective in areas with thick vegetation.
Another common method is using electronic calls to attract the coyotes, which can then be shot. This method is more effective in areas with dense vegetation, but it requires special equipment and knowledge of how to use it effectively.
Can you hunt Coyote from a vehicle in Virginia?
In Virginia, it is legal to hunt coyotes from the comfort of your vehicle. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start hunting from your car. First, you need to make sure that you are only shooting from a public road or right-of-way.
Secondly, you need to be sure that you have a clear and safe shot. Finally, you need to make sure that you are not endangering any other drivers or pedestrians.
Final Thoughts on “Coyote Hunting in Virginia”
As the sun began to set, I finally had to call it quits on my first ever coyote hunting trip. I was unsuccessful in my attempts to take down a coyote, but I did learn a lot during my time out in the field. Overall, I had a great time and I’m already looking forward to my next hunting trip.
I want to give a big thank you to my buddy Matt for taking me out and teaching me the ropes. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had nearly as much fun or learned as much as I did.
If you’re thinking about going coyote hunting, Virginia is definitely a great place to do it. There are plenty of coyotes to be found, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Just be sure to do your research beforehand and go out with someone who knows what they’re doing.
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.