Introduction to Coyote Hunting
Coyote hunting is a popular form of predator hunting in Mississippi, with many hunters taking to the woods and fields to hunt these nuisance animals. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks regulates coyote hunting, and hunters must obtain a game hunting license to participate. Coyotes are considered a nuisance species, and hunting them can help control their population and mitigate the damage they cause to livestock, crops, and other animals. To lure coyotes, hunters often use electronic calls, such as howls or distress calls, to attract them to their location. However, it’s essential to note that aggressive coyotes can be a threat to human safety, and hunters should exercise caution when hunting them.
Mississippi’s Expanding Coyote Population
Coyotes are now firmly established across all regions of Mississippi, adapting to everything from pine forests and bottomlands to farmland edges and urban fringe. They have also adapted to living in urban areas, where they may seek food sources and scavenge from neighborhoods. The Magnolia State allows year-round hunting of coyotes with flexible regulations and broad access to both public and private land. For hunters looking to pursue these sharp-eyed predators, Mississippi provides a range of terrain and a strong foundation of opportunity.
Coyote Behavior in Mississippi
Mississippi coyotes are opportunistic and thrive in edge habitat—areas where woods meet fields, thickets border creeks, and agriculture intermixes with cover. During the breeding season, coyotes become more territorial and vocal to protect their pups. Their movement patterns vary by season, but winter is the prime time for hunting due to increased daytime movement, food scarcity, and the mating season. Coyotes can be vocal, and howling at dusk or dawn is common.
Legal Hunting Methods and Regulations
Coyotes may be hunted year-round in Mississippi with no bag limit. A trapping license is required for anyone aged 16 and above who traps coyotes on land that isn't their own. Hunters may use centerfire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and air rifles. Night hunting is allowed with the use of lights and night vision optics, though rules can vary by county or management area. Electronic calls are legal and widely used, particularly when mimicking prey distress sounds or coyote vocalizations. Always consult the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the most current regulations and WMA-specific rules.
Best Areas and Terrain for Coyote Hunting
Delta and Agricultural Regions
The Delta region’s flat croplands, canal ditches, and brushy borders make ideal cover for coyotes. Early mornings in harvested fields or near levee edges often yield success. Nutria, another nuisance species, can also be hunted year-round in these regions.
Piney Woods and Timber Country
Central and southeastern Mississippi feature a mix of pine plantations, logging roads, and open understory ideal for calling. Look for clear-cuts, fire lanes, and power line corridors.
River Bottoms and Hills
North Mississippi’s hardwood bottoms and rolling hills around the Tombigbee and Mississippi Rivers create funnel zones for coyote travel. Creek crossings and saddle points are prime stand locations.
Public Lands Hunting
Public lands in Mississippi offer ample opportunities for coyote hunting, with many areas open to hunting year-round. However, hunters must follow regulations and obtain any necessary permits before hunting on public lands. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks manages public lands, including wildlife management areas, national forests, and state parks, which provide habitat for coyotes and other wildlife. Hunters can use various techniques, such as calling or trapping, to hunt coyotes on public lands. It’s crucial to check with the relevant authorities for specific regulations and restrictions on public lands hunting.
Gear and Calling Strategies
Firearms and Optics
A .223 or .243 centerfire rifle is ideal for long shots across open fields. In thick cover or night setups, a shotgun with buckshot or T-shot performs well. Thermal or night vision scopes give night hunters the edge.
Additionally, when hunting migratory birds, regulations require shotguns to be 'plugged' so that they can hold no more than three shells at one loading.
Calls and Decoys
Distress calls from rabbits, fawns, or birds are effective year-round. In winter, add howls, barks, and challenge calls to target territorial coyotes. Motion decoys or fur staked to the ground can draw attention and keep a coyote in place for a clean shot.
Stand Setup and Concealment
Use natural blinds or elevation to stay hidden. Always set up with wind direction in mind, and expect coyotes to circle downwind. Vary your calling volume and sequence, giving each stand 15–30 minutes before moving. Additionally, be aware of transportation regulations concerning wild hogs in Mississippi, which emphasize that wild hogs must not be caught or trapped and relocated to different areas.
Safety and Ethics
Safety and ethics are essential considerations when hunting coyotes in Mississippi. Hunters must follow all regulations and guidelines, including those related to licensing, permits, and hunting methods. It’s crucial to handle firearms and equipment safely and to respect the environment and other wildlife. Hunters should also be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents or conflicts with other animals. Additionally, hunters should follow ethical guidelines, such as making clean kills and respecting the animal’s welfare. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks provides resources and guidance on safe and ethical hunting practices.
Nuisance Species Control
Nuisance species control is an essential aspect of wildlife management in Mississippi, and coyote hunting plays a crucial role in controlling their population. Coyotes are considered a nuisance species due to the damage they cause to livestock, crops, and other animals. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks regulates nuisance species control, including coyote hunting, and provides resources and guidance for landowners and hunters. Trapping and hunting are effective methods for controlling coyote populations, and hunters can use various techniques, such as electronic calls or live cage type traps, to catch and kill coyotes. It’s essential to follow regulations and guidelines when controlling nuisance species, and hunters should work with landowners and wildlife managers to develop effective control strategies. Other nuisance species in Mississippi, such as wild hogs, foxes, and skunks, can also be controlled through hunting and trapping, and hunters should be aware of the regulations and guidelines for each species.
Conclusion
Mississippi’s diverse terrain and accommodating regulations make it a prime state for year-round coyote hunting. With a little scouting, permission on private land, and attention to wind and sound, hunters can consistently find success from the piney woods to the crop fields. Whether by daylight or after dark, predator hunters in Mississippi have every opportunity to match wits with these cunning canines.
FAQs
Can I hunt coyotes year-round in Mississippi?
Yes. Coyotes can be hunted year-round with no bag limit.
Do I need a license?
Yes. A valid Mississippi hunting license is required unless hunting on private property you own. Various licenses are needed for different hunting activities, such as alligator and coyote hunting, to comply with local laws and regulations.
Can I use electronic calls?
Yes. Electronic calls are legal for hunting coyotes. During a spring hunt, the increased activity and breeding behavior of coyotes can lead to greater success for hunters.
Is night hunting allowed?
Yes. Hunting coyotes at night with lights or night vision is allowed, though some local rules may apply.
What firearm should I use?
A .223 or .243 rifle is ideal for open setups. A shotgun works well for close or night hunts. It is crucial to choose appropriate firearms and shooting techniques for different hunting scenarios.
Where can I hunt coyotes in Mississippi?
Coyotes can be hunted on private land with permission and on many Wildlife Management Areas with proper licensing.
For alligator hunting on private lands in Mississippi, hunters must obtain landowner permission and ensure the property meets specific criteria to qualify for permits.
Do I need to check in a harvested coyote?
No. Mississippi does not require coyotes to be checked in after harvest.
Designated agents, such as landowners or leaseholders, are authorized to manage nuisance animal populations on their properties throughout the year under legal guidelines.
What’s the best season for hunting?
Winter offers the best calling response and daytime movement. During spring, specific strategies such as focusing on areas with increased coyote activity due to breeding and pup rearing can be effective, as well as adjusting gear and tactics to align with the behavioral changes of coyotes in this season.
Can I use bait for coyotes?
Baiting rules vary. Always check specific WMA and private land regulations before using bait.
Coyotes have learned to associate agricultural activities, such as haying, with the availability of free food sources like field mice that are exposed during the mowing process.
Are there bounty programs?
Mississippi does not have a statewide bounty program for coyotes.
Â