Yes — it can be legal to kill coyotes in New York, but only under hunting, nuisance-wildlife, property-damage, or public-safety rules. You cannot simply kill a coyote anywhere, anytime, in any way.
Coyotes are classified as furbearers in New York. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says coyotes may be hunted as furbearers, but hunters need a valid hunting license. A trapping license does not allow someone to hunt furbearers.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The Basic Rule in New York
Coyotes can be hunted in New York during the legal coyote hunting season. For the 2025–2026 season, New York’s hunting summary lists coyote hunting as open statewide except Long Island and New York City from October 1 to March 29. There is no bag limit, and coyotes may be hunted during the day or night.
This does not mean every person can shoot a coyote in any neighborhood. You still need the proper hunting license, legal hunting area, legal method, and permission if you are on private land.
Do You Need a Hunting License?
Yes. To hunt coyotes in New York, you need a valid hunting license. DEC says furbearer hunters must possess a hunting license, and coyotes are one of the furbearer species that may be hunted.
A trapping license is separate. It does not give permission to hunt coyotes with a firearm, bow, or other hunting method.
Can You Kill a Coyote on Your Property?
Sometimes. If it is hunting season and you have the correct license, you may be able to hunt coyotes legally where hunting is allowed.
Outside normal hunting rules, New York DEC’s nuisance-wildlife guidance says a coyote that is only a nuisance usually requires a DEC permit to take. But if a coyote is damaging property, the DEC table lists “Yes,” meaning it may be taken under those damage rules. If a coyote is threatening public safety, DEC may issue a permit to a landowner if there is proof of the threat.
So the answer depends on the situation. A coyote passing through your yard is not the same as a coyote attacking livestock, pets, or creating a documented safety threat.
What If the Coyote Is Threatening People or Pets?
If a coyote is acting boldly, not fleeing from people, repeatedly approaching children or pets, or creating a safety concern, contact local police and the DEC regional office. DEC says a coyote that does not flee from people should be considered dangerous, and people should contact local police and DEC if coyotes show bold behavior and little fear of people.
If there is an immediate emergency, call local emergency services.
Can You Shoot Coyotes in New York City or Long Island?
For normal coyote hunting, no. The DEC hunting summary says coyote hunting is statewide except Long Island and New York City.
Also, New York City and many towns, villages, and suburbs have strict firearm-discharge rules. Even if state hunting rules allow coyote hunting somewhere else, local laws may make shooting illegal in residential areas.
Can You Relocate a Coyote?
No. DEC says it is illegal for a person to move or relocate an animal off their property. You cannot live-trap an animal and release it in a park, on state land, or somewhere else. If a wild animal needs to be removed, DEC advises contacting a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator.
Better First Steps Before Killing
DEC recommends reducing conflict before taking wildlife. For coyotes, this means do not feed them, do not leave pet food outside, secure garbage, remove bird-seed attractants, keep cats indoors, supervise small dogs, and remove brush or tall grass that gives coyotes cover.
Killing should not be the first answer when the coyote is only passing through.
Final Answer
Killing coyotes can be legal in New York, but only under the right conditions. During the legal season, coyotes may be hunted statewide except Long Island and New York City, with a valid hunting license and no bag limit. They may be hunted day or night.
Outside regular hunting, nuisance or public-safety situations are more restricted. A coyote that is merely seen in the area should not be killed casually. If it is damaging property or threatening safety, follow DEC rules and contact DEC or a licensed nuisance wildlife professional.
The safest legal rule is simple: do not kill a coyote in New York unless you are licensed, in season, in a legal hunting area, using a legal method, or acting under DEC-approved nuisance or safety rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it legal to kill coyotes in New York?
Yes, but only under legal hunting rules or approved nuisance, damage, or safety rules.
Q2. When is coyote hunting season in New York?
For 2025–2026, coyote hunting is open from October 1 to March 29, statewide except Long Island and New York City.
Q3. Do I need a license to hunt coyotes?
Yes. You need a valid New York hunting license to hunt coyotes.
Q4. Is there a bag limit for coyotes?
No. New York lists no bag limit for coyotes during the legal hunting season.
Q5. Can coyotes be hunted at night?
Yes. New York allows coyotes to be hunted during the day or night during the open season.
Q6. Can I shoot a coyote in my backyard?
Not automatically. You must follow hunting season rules, firearm laws, local ordinances, property rules, and DEC nuisance-wildlife rules.
Q7. Can I kill a coyote just because I saw it?
No. A coyote simply passing through is not enough reason to kill it outside legal hunting or nuisance rules.
Q8. Can I kill a coyote that is attacking livestock?
There may be legal options when coyotes are damaging property or livestock, but you should follow DEC rules and contact DEC if unsure.
Q9. Can I relocate a trapped coyote?
No. DEC says relocating animals off your property is illegal and should be handled by a licensed professional.
Q10. What is the safest answer?
Coyotes can be legally hunted in New York during season with a license, but killing one outside those rules should be handled through DEC or a licensed nuisance wildlife professional.