Maine’s Coyote Night Hunting Season Begins Friday

While Maine doesn't have a closed season on coyotes, night hunting can only be done in-season.

Predator control season is nearly here. Maine has a special season for hunting coyotes that runs through much of the year. Between December 16 and August 31, 2023, hunters can hunt coyotes after sundown. The season requires a $4 permit. Because the season runs for nearly nine months, hunters are reminded permits are valid January through December.

A night hunting permit allows a hunter to take coyote after sundown, which is defined as 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise. In addition to a permit, hunters need to be in possession of a predator calling device. Calls can be electronic, hand-held, or mouth-operated.

Maine has an open season year-round for coyotes, with only night hunting tactics being seasonal.

Maine's coyote hunting tactics were threatened last year by a bill submitted to the 130th Maine Legislature. LD 1265 - An Act To Control the Means of Hunting Coyotes, would have drastically changed the tactics of hunting coyotes in Maine. The bill would make it illegal to night hunt coyotes, hunt them with the use dogs, and using bait. The bill also imposes civil violations on hunters caught breaking the amended rules of the hunt. Violations would cost a hunter $100-$500, and or the loss of their hunting privileges for a year.

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The bill died in the state legislature, and was listed as "ought not to pass" back in May 2021.