Rules for Hunting Coyotes in Oregon


Here are a few rules for hunting coyotes in Oregon. Please make sure you check often for updates and changes. Oregon has coyotes living all throughout the state, with a minor exception in the northwestern corner. The rules in this state were written with the rancher in mind. The 300,000 or more coyotes take nearly 5,000 sheep every year.

In Oregon, there is no closed season for coyote and no daily or seasonal bag limit. A hunting license is required. Night hunting, the use of artificial light, baiting, and the use of electronic riflescopes are prohibited.

Purchase an Oregon hunting license here.

Check out all the Oregon hunting seasons.

Related: Learn the rules for hunting fox in Oregon.

Related: Learn the rules for hunting bobcat in Oregon.

The rules for hunting coyotes in Oregon.

With night hunting eliminated, your only option is to hunt during the day. Day hunting is a much greater challenge, and then Oregon goes and takes away the only advantage you might have—by forbidding the use of mechanical decoys.

Yep, in Oregon your decoy must be stationary.

All these rules mean one thing, you have to master the arts of calling, stand set-ups, and marksmanship.

If you are a new coyote hunter, you can increase your odds of taking a coyote by reading these suggested articles:

  1. What are the two best sounds to use when calling coyotes?
  2. Where is the best place to shoot a coyote?
  3. Learn how to track a wounded coyote.
  4. Master the best closed reed call on the market.
  5. Learn how to find coyotes by using their sign.

Before you hunt coyotes in Oregon.

There are two types of licenses a coyote hunter might be interested in obtaining in Oregon.

Furtakers need either a Furtaker’s License or a Hunting License for Furbearers. A Furtaker’s License allows you to trap, hunt and pursue. A Hunting License for Furbearers allows for only to hunting and pursuing.

A general hunting license allows you to only hunt unprotected mammal (see list below), this does not include trapping, hunting or pursuing furbearers.

If you simply wish to pursue coyotes, and you have no intention of trapping them or hunting any other species of furbearer, purchase the general hunting license.

Why? If you purchase a Furtaker’s License, annual reporting is required. If you were licensed, you need to fill out and submit a completed furtaker harvest report online or postmarked by April 15. If you fail to report, you will not get furtaker’s harvest license for the next season until you complete and return the late Harvest Report form and application with a $50.00 fee at time of renewal.

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr.

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr. is a former Marine Sergeant and the author of several books, including two on night hunting coyotes and red and gray fox. He has written several hundred articles on predator hunting for ThePredatorHunter.com.

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