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Coyote Hunting Laws in Ohio (2026)
This is a practical, plain-English overview to help you find the right official rules fast, and avoid common mistakes when people assume “coyote laws are the same everywhere.”
Last checked: 2026-04-30. Regulations change, confirm with official sources below.
Not in Ohio? Start here: Coyote hunting laws by state.
Not legal advice. This page is a guide only. Before you hunt, confirm the current rules with Ohio’s governing authority.
Governing body (Ohio): Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODNR).
At a glance (what Ohio regs say)
Source: 2025–26 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations (Ohio Division of Wildlife). Page references below are to that booklet.
- Season & limits: “Coyote — No closed season” and “No limit” (p. 16; see also coyote trapping table p. 23).
- Rifles + night vision: Rifles and night vision scopes are legal for coyote hunting (with an exception during deer gun/muzzleloader seasons) (p. 17).
- Electronic callers: Electronic callers may be used while hunting (exceptions for migratory birds/turkeys) (p. 33).
- Spotlighting from vehicles: Spotlighting wild animals from vehicles is prohibited (p. 33).
- Light from stationary position: Hunters calling from a stationary position may use a single beam of light of any color (p. 33).
Ohio rules checklist (what to verify)
Simplified checklist. Confirm each item via the official Ohio regs before hunting.
| Rule area | What to verify | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Season / limits | Open season status + bag limits (if any) | Ohio regs |
| License | Hunting license requirements (resident/non-resident) | ODNR licensing |
| Night hunting / lighting | Night hunting legality + artificial light restrictions | Ohio regs (current edition) |
| Methods / weapons | Allowed methods + deer-season restrictions | Ohio regs |
| Land access | Private vs public land rules + local discharge ordinances | Ohio regs + local rules |
Related gear & guides (Amazon-only)
If your local rules allow night hunting and lights, start here:
Related state law pages
Official resources (Ohio)
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR): https://ohiodnr.gov/
- Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODNR): https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/division-of-wildlife
- Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations (PDF): https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/laws-regs-licenses/Ohio%20Hunting%20and%20Trapping%20Regulations%20ENGLISH.pdf