Coyote Hunting and Depredation Permits

 

A Coyote Hunting or Coyote Depredation Permit is required for the taking of coyotes on private lands in the counties of Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington.

In the counties of Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington, coyote hunting on public lands is prohibited, except coyotes may be taken on state-owned game lands by the holder of this permit and a NCWRC-issued permit or license for a specific permit hunt opportunity for coyotes as authorized by G.S. 113-264(d).

These permits do not authorize access to any property, public or private; and are non-transferable.

In all other counties of North Carolina, coyotes may be taken on private lands anytime day or night; and on public lands without a permit from the hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset, and with a permit from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. 


Permit Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

 

Permit holders must report the take of coyotes to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 919-707-0040 or 800-662-7137 or online within 24 hours of killing each individual coyote.

Each report must include the date; time; location; whether a radio transmitter was present on the animal; and measurements of hind foot length and tail length taken from the carcass. Instructions for recording these measurements can be found here (PDF).

Coyote Hunting Permits:

Coyote hunting permits are in addition to hunting licenses. Individuals exempted from license requirements under the provisions specified in G.S. 113-276 must still acquire the coyote hunting permits to hunt coyotes in the counties of Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington.

There is no closed season for taking coyotes on private lands from the hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset only. Hunting of coyote at night in the area covered by the coyote hunting permit is not legal.

There is no bag limit on coyote, and hunters may use electronic calls.

Coyote hunting permits are valid for one calendar year and subject to renewal. Permit holders must submit their harvest reports in order to be eligible for permit renewal.

Coyote Depredation Permit:

On private lands coyote may be taken from the hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset with legal weapons or traps. Taking of coyotes from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise in the area covered by the coyote depredation permit is by trap only.

All individuals exercising the authority granted by the coyote depredation permit shall carry a copy of the coyote depredation permit.

If traps are used they must be labeled, as required by North Carolina statute, checked daily and any animals caught therein must be removed. All non-target wildlife must be released immediately onsite; however, any red wolf that is captured must be released onsite unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorizes otherwise.

Collared canids may be turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All coyotes euthanized must be disposed of in a sanitary manner.

A hair sample from each euthanized coyote must be submitted to the NCWRC.

Each depredation permit will have an expiration date or time after which the depredation permit is no longer valid.

Download the current Coyote Rules from North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings and North Carolina General Assembly:


How to Obtain a Permit

 

Coyote Hunting Permits:

To obtain a no-cost Coyote Hunting Permit, apply through the NCWRC's online system by clicking Obtain Permit.

Coyote Depredation Permit:

To obtain a Coyote Depredation Permit, please contact your local Wildlife Enforcement Officer or your District Biologist.


Contact Information

 

Coyote Hunting Permits:

To obtain a no-cost Coyote Hunting Permit, apply through our online system by clicking Obtain Permit.

Coyote Depredation Permit:

To obtain a Coyote Depredation Permit, please contact your local Wildlife Enforcement Officer or your District Biologist.