There do not seem to be many rules for hunting coyotes in Nevada. A diligent search reveals only a few counties that limit or prohibit night hunting. There are between 55,000 and 110,000 coyotes in Nevada. If you predator hunt, this would be the one state you must visit. You don’t even need to bring a lawyer.
In Nevada, there is no closed season for coyote hunting. No license is required for either residents or nonresidents, and there are no bag limits. Night hunting with artificial lights and electronic riflescopes is permitted.
Related: Read the rules for hunting fox in Nevada.
Related: Read the laws for hunting bobcats in Nevada.
Using coyote callers while hunting coyotes in Nevada.
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.
Using electronic riflescopes when coyote hunting in Nevada.
Starting with 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 in terms of better target identification compared to thermal, but they cost a lot more. Beginners should consider the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, but read this article before buying one.
A thermal riflescope is a major purchase. 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.
Counties you cannot coyote hunt at night in Nevada.
The following counties either limit or prohibit night hunting. Please check with your local authorities.
- Churchill County Lyon County; Humboldt County Douglas County; Mineral County Nye County; Esmeralda County; Carson City County; Storey County; Clark County; Lincoln County; Washoe County; Pershing County; White Pine County; Lander County; Nye County Code; Elko County; and Douglas County.
Don’t worry, some just have distance requirements.
If you have limited land and no real access to public land, you need to manage what you have and ask for permission to hunt private land. The following articles will be useful to you:
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.
Trespass laws for coyote hunters in Nevada.
Trespass Definition
It is considered trespassing if a person willfully goes on or remains on any land after having been warned by the owner or occupant not to trespass. This “warning” can include the following:
- Painting with fluorescent orange paint on the following:
- A structure or natural object or the top 12 inches of a post, at intervals of such a distance as is necessary to ensure that at it is within the direct line of sight of a person standing next to another such structure, natural object or post.
- Each side of all gates, cattle guards and openings that are designed to allow human ingress to the area;
- Fencing the area;
- Posting “no trespassing” signs or other notice of like meaning at intervals of such a distance as is necessary to ensure that at least one such sign would be within the direct line of sight of a person standing next to another such sign, and each corner of the land.
- Using the area as cultivated land. “Cultivated land” means land that has been cleared of its natural vegetation and is presently planted with a crop.
Do not consume alcohol while hunting coyotes in Nevada.
Possessing a firearm under the influence
It is always illegal in Nevada for people — including hunters — to possess a firearm while either:
- having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more; or
- being too impaired by alcohol, drugs, or another substance to safely handle a gun
The Nevada crime of possessing a firearm while under the influence (NRS 202.257) is a misdemeanor, carrying:
- up to 6 months in jail, and/or
- up to $1,000 in fines
The defendant may also have to give up his/her gun.
And do not shoot from a vehicle.
Shooting from a building or vehicle while hunting coyotes in Nevada.
The Nevada crime of discharging a firearm from a building or vehicle (NRS 202.287) occurs when someone wantonly or maliciously shoots a gun from inside of an automobile or structure. With limited exception under NRS 503.010, licensed hunters may not shoot their firearms from buildings or automobiles.
Discharging a gun in an area not located in a statutorily-recognized populated area is only a misdemeanor, carrying:
- up to 6 months in jail and/or
- up to $1,000
Otherwise, this crime is a category B felony in Nevada, carrying:
- 2 to 15 years in Nevada State Prison, and/or
- up to $5,000 fines
A felony conviction will also cause the defendant to lose his/her gun rights, which can be restored only through a Nevada pardon.
Child hunters
Licensed children ages 14 and older may hunt by themselves with firearms as long as they have their parent’s or guardian’s permission. Note that written permission is required for handguns. And if the child is traveling to or from the hunting grounds, the firearms must be unloaded.9
Note that children who hunt illegally face delinquency proceedings. Learn more about Nevada juvenile and firearm laws.
Firearms requirements when hunting in Nevada.
Can hunters use firearms?
Hunters may use firearms and handguns to hunt big game as long as they have a centerfire cartridge of a .22 caliber or more. Hunters may also use muzzle-loading rifles to hunt big game if they have a single barrel of caliber .45 or larger. However, shotguns are generally legal to hunt only deer and mountain lions.8
Note that hunters need CCW permits in order to carry a concealed handgun while hunting. Learn more about Nevada laws for carrying concealed weapons (NRS 202.305) and how to obtain a CCW permit in Nevada.
During hunting periods restricted to only archery equipment or muzzle-loading firearms, hunters can carry a handgun for self-defense if 1) the barrel length is less than eight inches, and 2) it does not have a telescopic sight.
