Will you be hunting coyotes in Georgia? There are a few regulations you will need to know before you make your first stand. Since laws frequently change, make this article just your first stop. Always check for changes and updates before you hunt anywhere.
There is no closed coyote season on private property in Georgia; there are no bag limits, and you may hunt at night with a light carried on the person of a hunter, affixed to a helmet or hat worn by a hunter, or be part of a belt system worn by a hunter.
On Wildlife Management Areas coyotes may be taken during any small or big game season with the appropriate lawful weapons. Hunter orange is required and no night hunting or baiting is allowed. Electronic calls may be used.
Additionally, a Feral Hog and Coyote season will be held from May 16-31 on all WMAs (unless otherwise specified). During this two week hunt, any legal firearm for big or small game may be used, except on Archery Only areas.
Related: Here are the rules for hunting bobcats in Georgia.
Related: Learn the rules for hunting fox in Georgia.
Do you need a license to hunt coyotes in Georgia?
License Requirements
All residents age 16 years of age or older must possess a hunting license to hunt coyotes, except when hunting on land owned by the hunter or their immediate family (blood or dependent) residing in the same household. Nonresidents must possess a nonresident hunting license.
Purchase a Georgia hunting license here.
Check out the Georgia hunting seasons.
The rules for hunting coyotes in Georgia on private land.
Lights and night vision, infrared, and thermal riflescopes regulations.
Thermal and night vision scopes. There does not appear to be a law against their use (as seen in the video above). This is a regulation that should be checked annually.
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.
Suppressors are legal. You may use while hunting coyotes.
Electronic callers are legal. Check out this article for the two coyotes call sounds experienced hunters use.
Read this article and watch the video to learn how to use a closed reed rabbit squealer.
Follow along as call manufacturer Brian Rush shows you three open reed calls you can learn and use today.
You can check Amazon for electronic predator caller prices here.
Decoys are legal. You can read about some highly effective but inexpensive ($20) coyotes decoys here.
Hunting coyotes in Georgia on Wildlife Management Areas.
First, remember hunter orange is required and no night hunting or baiting is allowed.
Next, if you do not have access to a WMA, you need to manage the private property you do have, or get access to more of it.
Here are a few tips for hunting coyotes on private land:
Learn how not to over hunt a property here.
Learn how far apart your stands must be here.
Learn how to ask for permission to hunt private land here.