Introduction to Coyote Hunting
Coyote hunting is a popular and growing sport in West Virginia, with many hunters taking to the fields and forests to hunt coyotes year-round. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources allows for the hunting of coyotes on private land with few restrictions, making it an attractive option for hunters. To hunt coyotes, hunters must have a valid West Virginia hunting and trapping license, even though coyotes can be hunted year-round. Night hunting is also permitted on private property from September 1 to December 31, and artificial light can be used to spot coyotes. Hunters can use electronic calls and devices simulating animal calls to attract coyotes, and firearms such as shotguns, rifles, and handguns are permitted.
A State of Rugged Opportunity
West Virginia’s mountainous landscape and patchwork of farmland, forest, and reclaimed mine land provide excellent coyote habitat across the state. With a growing predator population and generous hunting regulations, West Virginia is an attractive destination for those seeking to pursue coyotes year-round. The near extinction of larger predators like mountain lions and timber wolves has significantly altered the ecological balance, allowing coyotes to expand rapidly. This decline of larger predators has allowed coyotes to thrive in various environments. The varied terrain gives hunters opportunities to set up in locations tailored to specific tactics and seasonal movements.
Coyote Biology and Behavior
The eastern coyote, found in West Virginia, is a highly adaptable and opportunistic species that can thrive in various environments, including forested, agricultural, suburban, and urban areas. Coyotes are habitat generalists and omnivores, eating a variety of food items, including small rodents, rabbits, insects, plant material, fruits, berries, and carrion. They are also skilled predators that feed on white-tailed deer and livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle. Coyotes are typically most active at night or in the early morning hours and have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to detect potential threats. They are quick to learn and adapt to their surroundings, making them a challenging prey for hunters.
Top Locations to Target
Southern and central West Virginia counties such as Raleigh, Logan, and Kanawha offer excellent hunting opportunities, particularly on reclaimed strip mines and forest edges. Northern counties like Monongalia and Preston provide open farmland bordered by thick woods, ideal for setting up calling stands. In the eastern panhandle, counties like Hardy and Hampshire contain rolling hills and agricultural valleys that attract coyotes traveling between bedding areas and food sources. Eastern coyotes are also found in Ohio. During closed small game seasons, hunting is restricted to open fields.
Public Land Access
West Virginia has abundant public hunting opportunities, including Wildlife Management Areas and portions of the Monongahela National Forest. Coopers Rock State Forest, Bluestone WMA, and Greenbrier State Forest offer remote setups with minimal human traffic. These lands are especially productive during the winter months when snow cover improves visibility and travel patterns. Always check local regulations for night hunting restrictions on public ground.
Ideal Setups and Terrain Features
Coyotes in West Virginia use logging roads, ridgelines, and old field edges to move and hunt. Set up near saddles between hills, benches with gradual slopes, or creek crossings where game tends to funnel through. Openings near thick laurel or pine thickets provide good ambush spots, especially if you have elevation for improved visibility. In agricultural areas, setup on field edges where fence lines, woodlots, and brush piles converge.
Using active illumination can significantly enhance visibility during nighttime hunts, making it easier to spot coyotes and navigate the terrain safely. Additionally, it is crucial to watch your surroundings carefully to distinguish between coyotes and domestic dogs, ensuring a safe and humane hunting experience.
Seasonal Considerations
Coyotes can be hunted year-round in West Virginia, but winter and early spring are the most productive times due to breeding activity and increased movement during the day. Cold temperatures also improve scenting conditions for dogs and calling effectiveness. Hunters often face challenges when they miss their target due to the coyotes' keen senses of smell and hearing. Use distress calls in fall and winter, and transition to howls and pup distress during late winter through early spring for territorial responses.
Coyote Management and Conservation
Coyote management is crucial in West Virginia, as coyotes can cause significant damage to livestock and native wildlife. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources provides regulations and guidelines for hunting and trapping coyotes, including a trapping season from November 5 to February 28. Hunters can use various methods to manage coyote populations, including night hunting with artificial light or night vision technology. Livestock producers can also take steps to protect their animals, such as changing the season of lambing or calving, using lights above corrals or pens, and constructing electric fences. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service leads the livestock protection program in West Virginia and can provide technical or operational assistance to landowners.
Gear and Calling Tips
Because of the steep terrain, mobility and clear shooting lanes are important. A lightweight rifle such as a .223 or .243 is ideal. In tighter quarters, a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot works well. Shotguns can only use smaller shot sizes, specifically No. 2 or smaller. Some hunters may go out several nights a week without spotting any coyotes. Electronic calls with remote speakers are effective in mountainous country, where sound travel is unpredictable. Set your caller downhill from your position to draw coyotes toward your shooting lane while remaining concealed.
Safety Considerations and Precautions
When hunting coyotes, safety is a top priority. Hunters should always wear blaze orange and follow safe hunting practices, such as making sure of their target and beyond. Night hunting can be particularly challenging, and hunters should use caution when using artificial light or night vision technology. Thermal imaging and image intensification can be useful tools for spotting coyotes, but hunters must be careful not to mistake other animals, such as dogs, for coyotes. It is also essential to follow all regulations and guidelines set by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, including those related to firearms, trapping, and private property. By taking the necessary precautions and following safety guidelines, hunters can enjoy a successful and safe coyote hunting experience in West Virginia.
Conclusion
West Virginia’s mix of elevation, cover, and open country provides a coyote hunting challenge that rewards careful scouting and smart setup. Whether on public land in the Monongahela or a field edge in the southern coal country, hunters who match their strategy to the land will find consistent action. With no bag limits and open seasons, West Virginia is a great place to work on your calling, sharpen your marksmanship, and spend time in beautiful mountain country.
New technologies make coyote hunting more fun and interesting, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, it is important to focus on a humane kill to ensure ethical hunting practices.
FAQs
Can I hunt coyotes year-round in West Virginia?
Yes, coyotes may be hunted year-round with no bag limits. For hunters who can't wait for deer or turkey seasons, this provides an excellent opportunity to engage in hunting throughout the year.
Where should I set up for coyotes in West Virginia?
Look for ridgelines, saddles, field edges, and reclaimed mine lands that offer visibility and cover.
Additionally, when hunting on private land, it is important to notify the district office of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources about your details and specific hunting location during business hours.
What public lands are good for coyote hunting?
Coopers Rock, Bluestone WMA, and Monongahela National Forest provide solid opportunities.
It's important to check the trapping regulations summary provided by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for detailed legal information about hunting and trapping coyotes.
Are electronic calls legal?
Yes, electronic calls are legal for coyote hunting in West Virginia. Additionally, using active illumination can significantly enhance visibility during night hunts, ensuring safety and humane kills.
Is night hunting allowed?
Yes, with artificial lights. Check specific regulations for restrictions on public land. It is also important to be vigilant and watch your surroundings to distinguish between coyotes and domestic dogs, especially during nighttime hunting sessions.
What calls work best?
Rabbit distress, fawn bleats, and coyote vocalizations like howls and pup yelps depending on the season. Hunters often face challenges when they miss their target due to the coyotes' keen senses of smell and hearing.
What firearm is recommended?
Flat-shooting rifles in open areas and shotguns in dense terrain are both effective. Shotguns can only use smaller shot sizes, specifically No. 2 or smaller.
Do I need a special license to hunt coyotes?
A standard West Virginia hunting license is required.
It is important to notify the district office of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources when hunting on private land. Make sure to provide your details and the specific hunting location during business hours.
When is the best time to hunt?
Winter through early spring during breeding season and peak vocal activity.
Some hunters may go out several nights a week without spotting any coyotes, highlighting the adaptability and intelligence of these animals.
What’s the biggest challenge in West Virginia?
Navigating steep terrain and locating clear shooting lanes can be difficult but rewarding with proper setup. Additionally, it's important to ensure a humane kill, which requires understanding the challenges posed by coyotes' adaptability and intelligence.