Do you need to know the rules for hunting coyotes in Maryland? First seen in 1972, it wasn’t until 1995 that coyotes were mentioned in Maryland statues and not until 2000 were they designated as furbearers.
Today, while no exact numbers exist, the coyote population of Maryland is estimated to be in the thousands. Those who hunt them will find some of the basic state laws for hunting coyotes below. You, however, bear the responsibility to check for updates and changes before you make your first stand.
In Maryland, coyotes may be hunted, day and night, year-round in all counties. A hunting license is required. There are no bag limits. Except for nutria, hunting furbearers on Sunday is prohibited. Artificial light and/or dogs are permitted while hunting coyotes on foot.
Purchase a Maryland hunting license here.
Check out the Maryland hunting seasons.
Related: Learn the laws for hunting fox in Maryland.
The rules for hunting coyotes in Maryland.
Can you use an electronic caller when hunting coyotes in Maryland?
Yes, hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal.
Related: Learn which two sounds bring in the most coyotes.
Related: Learn how to use an open reed caller here.
Related: Learn how to use a closed reed call here.
Check Amazon for electronic coyote caller prices here.
Lights and electronic scopes can be used to hunt coyotes in Maryland.
Using a simple scope mounted light is inexpensive—but truly an exciting way to hunt coyotes. Read this article to choose the right color of light for night hunting predators.
Infrared scopes have their value (better target identification compared to thermal), but they can get pricey. Beginners should consider the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, but read this article before buying one.
A thermal riflescope will set you back thousands of dollars. You must wait until you have determined you are addicted to coyote or predator hunting before buying one. For new hunters, I recommend the ATN Thor 4 (good for up to 150 yards). Please check out my article on ATN Thor 4 scope before buying one.
Methods for taking while coyote hunting in Maryland.
Firearms.
Taking coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk with firearms is subject to these regulations:
• A shotgun may not hold more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
• Rifles and handguns may be used. Full metal-jacketed, incendiary, or tracer bullets may not be used.
• Muzzleloading rifles, shotguns and handguns may be used. To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun, or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder. Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery, or primer powder.
• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
Related: Where to shoot a coyote for a dead right there shot.
Related: Find a wounded coyote.
Archery Equipment.
Taking coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk with archery equipment is subject to these regulations:
• Vertical bows may be used. Draw locking devices and release aids are legal for
hunting these furbearers.
• Crossbows may be used. All crossbows should have a working safety.
• The use of poisoned or explosive-tipped arrows or bolts is not permitted.
• It is illegal to have a loaded crossbow in, on, or leaning against a vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.
Air Guns
• Air guns that shoot bolts, bullets, or arrows may take coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded air gun in, on, or leaning against a vehicle.
• An air gun with the projectile removed is considered to be unloaded.
Related: Help a chicken farmer avoid a second weasel attack.
Related: Don’t make these mistakes that ruin your whole trapline.
Shooting distance from homes and buildings in Maryland.
While hunting for any wild bird or mammal may not shoot or discharge any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards, known as the “safety zone,” of a dwelling house, residence, church, or other building or camp occupied by human beings, or shoot at any wild bird or mammal while it is within this area, without the specific advance permission of the owner or occupant.
While hunting for any wild bird or mammal, a person may not shoot or discharge any firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school during school hours or at a time when a school-approved activity is taking place.
For archery hunters [in Allegany County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Harford County, Montgomery County, St. Mary’s County, or Washington County], the safety zone described in paragraph (1) of this subsection extends for 50 yards from a dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or camp occupied by human beings.
[(ii) For archery hunters in Anne Arundel County, the safety zone described in paragraph (1) of this subsection extends for 100 yards from a dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or camp occupied by human beings.]
Related: Interested in hunting black bear? Read this intro article into hunting black bear.
Rules for using public land when hunting coyotes in Maryland.
Public hunting lands consist of Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas, Fishery Management Areas, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission managed lands, State Forests including Chesapeake Forest Lands, State Parks (which include Natural Environment Areas and Natural Resources Management Areas), Wildlife Management Areas and another county, federal, municipal and state properties that allow hunting.
The following bullets and list contain information about those public hunting lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
• Hunting and trapping are permitted in accordance with state and federal laws and the restrictions for each area. Only temporary stands and blinds may be used and must
be removed at the end of each day.
• Target shooting is permitted only at designated shooting ranges.
• The use of hunting dogs is permitted.
• Possession or use of hunting devices is prohibited in state forests and state parks
outside of regular open hunting seasons.
• On Chesapeake Forest Lands an individual may not hunt within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp and within 150 feet of any exterior Chesapeake Forest Lands boundary. See dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/ chesapeakeforestlands.aspx for maps, conditions, regulations and information on CFLs.
• Maps of public hunting lands are available on the Department of Natural Resources website (dnr.maryland.gov). A consolidated listing of areas for hunters with mobility impairments can also be found on this website at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/accessibleactivities.aspx?activity=Ac cessibleHunting.
• Hunters should contact the appropriate managing authority for information on public hunting opportunities not listed here, such as National Wildlife Refuges, military installations, or other government-owned properties.