Laws for Hunting Coyotes in California – Important Information

Coyote Hunting Laws in California (2026)

California is one of the easiest states to get wrong if you rely on old advice. Nonlead ammo, methods, and depredation rules matter. Verify before you hunt.

Last checked: 2026-04-30. Regulations change, confirm with official sources below.

Not legal advice. This page is a practical guide. Always verify current California regulations and any local restrictions.

Jump to: Rules checklist · Gear · Official sources

California rules checklist (what to verify)

Rule area	What to confirm	Official source
License	Hunting license requirements and how to purchase	CDFW licensing
Nonlead ammo	Nonlead requirements for your hunt (bullets, slugs, pellets)	CDFW nonlead ammunition page
Methods	Allowed methods for coyotes and area-specific restrictions	CDFW regulations
Lights / night hunting	Restrictions and any depredation exceptions/permits	CDFW regs + depredation info
Depredation	When depredation permits apply and what they allow	CDFW depredation documentation

Gear that matches the intent (and stays relevant)

If your local rules allow predator hunting with lights, these are the next-step guides:

Best lights for coyote hunting at night
Best coyote calls (buyer guide)

Related state law pages

Official resources (California)

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/
Regulations hub: https://wildlife.ca.gov/regulations
Licensing: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing
Nonlead ammunition: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Nonlead-Ammunition

2 COMMENTS

William September 11, 2023 at 1:42 pm

I will admit I need some help
There is a lot of random information out there that barley helps and alot of misguided information that just don’t seem right ..
And I will admit I am starting to get into coyote hunting as a hobby
I understand the how to
Lead free ammo in California
No bag limit because coyotes are considered vermin
You can hunt coyote 365 days a year .. yay ..

But the misguided info starts with
? What do you do with the carcass ?

I’ve read up and down just throw it in a ditch and use it as bait the next day you hunt

Throw it in a ditch and Barry it “4 feet deep preferable”. Or just a few inches so you can collect the skull next year

Take the carcass to the dump only

Throw the carcass in a trash bag and throw it away at home trash can

Maybe if you get Lucky you can call a taxidermist and sell it for 10$

And then there’s ranchers just hang them from a tree or fence and it’s good to go

Or that weird news article that said some guy just piled 20 coyotes in the back ally-wooded area and he was thumbs up good to go just neighbors were startled

I just really want to know what’s the right thing to do
What’s legal and not
Is it sportsman like to take it to the dump
But just bad manners to throw it in a ditch

Thank you
God bless 🦅🇺🇸
– William

- Brad November 8, 2023 at 2:52 pm
  
  Hi William, Thanks so much for your comment. I would like to refer you to the officials on this one. here is an excerpt from their website:
  
  Proper disposal of the carcass (incineration, burying, etc.) is critical to prevent exposure of other wildlife and humans to disease. Three common effective methods of carcass disposal are: incineration, burying, and rendering. Incineration is the preferred method to use when the carcass is diseased; however, it can also be the most expensive. An acceptable alternative is to bury the carcass. The carcass should be buried at least 4 feet deep and covered with lime to discourage scavengers from uncovering and consuming it.
  
  That can be found at and also outlines some other recommendations and about how to handle a coyote carcass – specifically in the state of California.
  
  I have also referred your question to each of the different regions to see if there is any difference between them. Thanks again for your question, I will update this thread as I know more – feel free to add any follow up questions. I do hope that helps,
  
  Thanks William.