Hunting coyotes in Rhode Island? The state’s hunting laws for coyotes are few in number, but require a bit of study. The state saw it’s first coyote in the 1960’s. Today, coyotes live just about everywhere in Rhode Island. And as fast as they’ve spread, the laws regarding them have changed as well.
Make sure you regularly check for updates and changes before hunting coyotes in Rhode Island.
In Rhode Island, there is no closed season for coyote hunting on private lands. Coyotes season on state lands is from September 15 until the last day in February, and during spring turkey hunting season, April 28 – May 22, 2022. Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
State land coyote hunting runs from April 27 to May 21 in 2023.
Purchase a Rhode Island hunting license here.
Check out all the Rhode Island hunting seasons.
Related: Learn the rules for hunting fox in Rhode Island.
The rules for hunting coyotes in Rhode Island.
Coyote hunters must possess a valid turkey hunting permit during the spring turkey season while hunting on state lands.
The hunting season for coyotes on Prudence Island on state land during archery deer season with a valid archery permit, during the small game season on private land, November 1 – 30, and on North Prudence during the small game season, January 1 – 31, 2022.
Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the small game hunting season. During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches is required.
The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes but is prohibited on state lands.
The bag limit for coyotes is unlimited and electronic calls may be used.
Related: Learn how to create the perfect bait pile here.
You need a daytime strategy when hunting coyotes in Rhode Island.
With no night hunting option, you will have to master the craft of calling in what might be a well-fed, sleeping coyote, or one that’s scared you’re a wolf.
Therefore the following articles are strongly recommended, especially for new predator hunters.
- 3 open reed coyote calls you can learn now.
- How to master the best closed reed coyote call.
- Coyote calling sounds your successful pals keep secret.
Check electronic predator caller prices here.
Let’s face it; coyotes move a lot more at night. The only way to increase your odds of success is to locate their habitat, find their dens, maximize the property you have, and get access to more property.
Locate their habitat.
- Learn how to track coyote sign here. Hunt only where you can find coyote sign.
- Learn what coyotes eat throughout the year here.
Find a coyote’s den.
- Learn how to recognize and locate a coyote’s den here.
Maximize the property you already have access to.
- Don’t over hunt what you have already. Here are some tips to avoid over hunting a location.
- Learn how far you have to move between stands here.
Get more land to hunt coyotes on.
- Read here to discover 8 ways to get permission to hunt private property.
You will need a decoy, check coyote decoy prices here.
Did you know, all my predator hunting books are worthless for Rhode Island predator hunters? That’s because they all deal with night hunting, but you can find other predator hunting books here.
Coyote hunting on State land in Rhode Island.
Coyotes season on state lands is from September 15 until the last day in February, and during the open spring turkey hunting season, April 28 – May 22, 2022. The hunting season for coyotes on Prudence Island on state land during archery deer season with a valid archery permit, during the small game season on private land, November 1 – 30 and on North Prudence during the small game season, January 1 – 31, 2022. There is no closed season for coyote hunting on private lands. During the spring turkey season, coyote hunters must possess a valid turkey hunting permit while hunting on state lands.
Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the small game hunting season. During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches is required. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes but is prohibited on state lands.
Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. Legal methods of take for coyote hunting include shotgun (no lead shot larger than No. 2), bow and arrow and crossbow; however, on private lands from April 1 to September 30 (both dates inclusive), centerfire rifles not larger than .229 caliber may be used(RIGL 20-13-13) and by any means allowed during any concurrent hunting season. When coyote hunting during deer season, the hunter must be in possession of a valid deer permit.
The bag limit for coyote is unlimited and electronic calls may be used.
Legal methods of taking coyotes in Rhode Island.
Legal methods of take for coyote hunting include shotgun (no lead shot larger than No. 2), bow and arrow and crossbow; however, on private lands from April 1 to September 30 (both dates inclusive), centerfire rifles not larger than .229 caliber may be used(RIGL 20-13-13) and by any means allowed during any concurrent hunting season. During deer season, the hunter must have a valid deer permit when coyote hunting.