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.

The NCWRC asks that hunters submit hair samples from successful coyote harvests to help with our canid genetic study. Approximately 20 hairs with follicles should be collected by pulling and placing in an envelope. It is important that the hair is not cut, as follicles must be attached, in order to harvest genetic material.  On the outside of the envelope, please write your name, date of harvest, and place of harvest (latitude/longitude or nearest crossroads). Place envelope with samples inside a second envelope for protection and mail to: Dr. Heather Evans at 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601. Please contact heather.evans@ncwildlife.org for additional information about the study or sample submission.  If you kill a collared and/or ear tagged canid, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 252-475-8353 or 252-475-8259.

Permit Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

Permit holders must report the take of coyotes to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission within 24 hours of killing each individual coyote. The easiest way to report is online or you can call 919-707-0040 or 800-662-7137 for further assistance.

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 season and expire June 30th each year.  Permits are 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. If you capture a collared and/or ear tagged canid, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 252-475-8353 or 252-475-8259 before dispatching the canid. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will determine if the canid is a red wolf or coyote, and may request that you turn over the live canid as part of their Trapper Reimbursement Program, which provides a $250 award.

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:

• 15A NCAC 10B .0219
• 15A NCAC 10B .0106
• G.S. 113-264
• G.S. 113–276

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. To obtain more 'Coyote Harvest Report Forms', additional forms are available at no cost from Go Outdoors North Carolina. You will receive a harvest authorization number at the end of your transaction to confirm that your report was complete.

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 and a Coyote Harvest Report form, log in to your Go Outdoors NC account and click on the Regulated Activity Permit tab to Obtain Permit.

Coyote Depredation Permit:

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