Do you need to know the rules for hunting coyotes in Washington? The northwesternmost state is home to over 50,000 coyotes. These coyotes are found throughout Washington, except for the islands. Coyotes typically frequent open habitat areas and the edges of forests.
Coyote hunting is allowed in Washington year-round. Lights at night are permitted, except during modern firearm deer and elk seasons. A big or small game license is required.
Reminder: State and Federal laws frequently change. This article for informational purposes, not legal advice. check for new regulations before you hunt coyotes in Washington.
To purchase a Washington hunting license, click here.
Check out all the Washington hunting seasons.
Related: Read the rules for hunting bobcats in Washington.
Related: Read the rules for hunting fox in Washington.
Rules for hunting coyotes in Washington.
Hunting at night. It is illegal to hunt wildlife at night during the months of October and November in any area open to modern firearm deer or elk hunting. This applies to coyote hunting.
Any other time (with some exceptions), night hunting and the use of lights is allowed.
Related. If you are using just a light, make sure you choose the right color.
Infrared rifle scopes. The use of infrared riflescopes are legal. For beginners, we recommend you read this article.
Thermal scopes. The use of thermal riflescopes is legal in Washington. For an affordable scope, check out this article on the ATN Thor 4.
If you have the money, the Pulsar makes a better thermal for longer range coyote hunting.
You can check Amazon for Pulsar thermal scope prices here.
Using electronic callers and decoys when hunting coyotes in Washington.
Electronic callers. Legal for use while hunting coyotes.
Related: Save some money and try out an open reed coyote caller. Learn three quick calls you can make today.
Related: An even easier caller to use is the closed reed coyote call. Learn how to use one here.
Related: What are the two most favorite sounds used by coyote hunters? Learn more here.
Click here to check prices on Amazon for electronic predator callers.
Coyote decoys. Legal in Washington, and a killer tool during daylight hunting.
Check prices on Amazon for coyote decoys here.
Using a coyote bait pile in Washington.
Bait piles are legal in Washington for coyotes. If you want to find out how to make the perfect bait pile, read this article.
Are coyote calling contests legal in Washington?
Coyote hunting contests are legal if:
A person wishing to hold a hunting contest must comply with the following provisions:
(1) Only organizations filed with the state of Washington as a nonprofit corporation may apply for a hunting contest permit.
(2) Hunting contest permit applications shall be submitted to the department 30 days prior to the date for which the contest is proposed.
(3) Applications must include the permit fee required by the department. The fee will be returned if the permit is denied.
(4) Contests involving unclassified and classified wildlife species without a bag limit are prohibited and will not be permitted.
(5) Total value of prizes per contest shall not exceed $2000.
(6) Entry fees or requests for donations are prohibited.
(7) It is unlawful to fail to comply with the conditions of a hunting contest permit.
Hunting contests which may adversely affect wildlife resources will be denied.
Related: Got friend losing chickens to coyotes? Well, your the person they need. But what about helping them with weasel attacks? Learn how to help them here.
Do you need to wear orange while hunting coyotes in Washington?
When hunter orange and/or hunter pink clothing is required
- For anyone hunting bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, deer, elk, fox, grouse, hare, rabbit, raccoon, or turkey in an area that is open to hunting for deer or elk during a modern firearms season. This includes archers and muzzleloaders when they hunt in areas (e.g. game management units, deer areas, elk areas, wilderness areas) that overlap modern firearm seasons.
- For anyone using a modern firearm to hunt for pheasant, quail and partridge during an upland game bird season. (Grouse are not considered upland game birds in regard to hunter orange and/or hunter pink requirements).
Related: Only have a shotgun? You have all you need to hunt coyotes in Washington.
Rules for possessing wildlife in Washington.
Possession of dead wildlife.
(1) Except as authorized by permit of the director or as otherwise provided by this section, it is unlawful to possess wildlife found dead. This rule does not prohibit the possession of naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, an individual may remove and dispose of wildlife found dead on his or her property or an adjoining public roadway. Before removing the wildlife, the individual shall, by telephone, notify the department or the Washington state patrol communications office, and shall provide his or her name, address, telephone number, and the description and location of the wildlife. The individual may remove the wildlife for disposal only, and may not retain the wildlife for personal use or consumption. Other laws and rules may apply to the disposal, including rules of the department of health (WAC 246-203-121). Wildlife removed under this subsection remain the property of the state.
(3) Possession of wildlife in violation of subsections (1) and (2) is punishable under RCW 77.15.130, 77.15.400, 77.15.410, and 77.15.430 depending on the species involved in the violation.
(4) It is permissible to salvage and transport a deer or elk that is accidentally killed by a motor vehicle collision except for any deer killed by a motor vehicle collision in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.
(a) Big game licenses and tags cannot be used for the purpose of salvaging motor vehicle-killed deer or elk.
(b) A salvage permit must be obtained from the department within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. Permits may be obtained on the department’s website or at department regional offices.
(c) The entire carcass, including entrails, of the animal must be removed from the road right of way.
(d) Any meat an individual deems unfit for human consumption or unusable animal parts must be disposed of pursuant to WAC 246-203-121. Individuals salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk. The department makes no guarantee as to the fitness for consumption of deer or elk collected under a salvage permit.
(e) An individual may not kill an injured or wounded animal that they encounter for the purpose of salvage. Only a law enforcement officer or individuals or entities authorized by the department may euthanize an animal injured in a motor vehicle collision and that deer or elk may be taken for salvage.
(5) Possession of wildlife in violation of subsection (4) of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.750.
Using aircraft and vehicles to hunt coyotes in Washington.
Hunting with aid of aircraft, boats or other vehicles.
(1) It is unlawful to use aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, to spot, locate or report the location of wildlife for the purpose of hunting; except as authorized by a permit issued by the director.
(2) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a vehicle, aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, except as authorized by a permit issued by the director, or from a boat propelled by motor unless the motor of such boat has been completely shut off and its progress has ceased.
(3) It is unlawful to use a vehicle, aircraft, unmanned aircraft, or motor-propelled boat for the purpose of pursuing, concentrating, or harassing any wild animal or wild bird, except as authorized by the department to aid in addressing wildlife conflict.
(4) It is unlawful to hunt big game on the day one was airborne in an aircraft, except on a regularly scheduled commercial airline flight.
(5) It is unlawful to hunt game animals, game birds, or migratory birds on the day one has operated an unmanned aircraft.