Coyotes in Indiana: Population, Common Locations, Hunting Rules, and More

In Indiana, coyotes are abundant. While, for the most part, they don’t interact with humans, they can sometimes cause a problem regarding livestock. Because too many lead to human-wildlife conflicts, and they are doing so well, hunters are given a hunting season to hunt and trap these canines.

Read more about these wily animals and their population in Indiana below.

What You Need to Know About Coyotes in Indiana

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are a native species to the US. Their historical range includes Indiana, primarily in the areas classified as prairies. Because of where they were frequently found, they were once called “prairie wolves.”

Coyotes are closely related to other canine species, like dogs, foxes, and wolves. Even though coyotes live in urban areas quite often now, they aren’t seen as much as you’d think. This is because they are elusive and avoid humans as much as possible. Coyotes are also most active at dawn and dusk when people aren’t around as much.

How Many Coyotes Live in Indiana?

Coyotes are doing quite well in Indiana. Based on the estimations, the population has doubled in the last twenty years or so.

Indiana doesn’t closely monitor and report coyote populations, so even an estimation is hard to find. However, clear markers signal that the population isn’t only staying steady but increasing rapidly.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources tracks populations by using hunters. Whenever a hunter comes across a coyote, they report it to the department. The department occasionally pulls in voluntary archery hunters to search for coyotes over 1,000 hours.

Over the years, the number of coyotes found by these hunters has steadily increased. For example, in 1992, the number found was around seven. By 2000, the number increased to 23.

Based on these numbers, those in the Natural Resources Department can infer an estimated population in the state or area. However, even without this estimation, there’s no doubt that coyote populations are rising.

Where Are You Most Likely to Find Coyotes in Indiana?

Originally, coyotes were found in the prairie areas of Indiana. Now, they are found throughout Indiana. If you’re looking for a coyote, you’re more likely to find them in the winter. Though this is when you’re most likely to see them, coyotes are present anywhere in Indiana at any time of the year. You’re sure to find coyotes in prairies, forests, or cities if you take the time to look.

Is it Legal to Hunt Coyotes in Indiana?

Coyotes are legal to hunt and trap in Indiana. Both seasons go on for the same length of time. The coyote hunting season also contrasts with the striped skunk hunting and trapping season. It runs from October 15th or so to March 15th.

If you’re catching a nuisance coyote on private land, it can be hunted at any time of year. You don’t need a hunting license if it’s your land. However, it is still required for hunting on other people’s private lands.

Rules for Furbearer Hunting in Indiana

You have to follow a few rules when hunting coyotes in Indiana. These rules help to protect the local wildlife and yourself and should be followed very closely.

The first rule is that a continuous light must be on your person when hunting between sunset and sunrise. This can be something like a flashlight, but it needs to be on at all times, and it needs to be visible for 500 feet.

Another rule is that you’re not allowed to touch the dens. This includes pulling the animals out of the cave or destroying the den.

Two other slightly specific rules include that you’re not allowed to hunt coyotes from a boat and can’t bring equipment to cut or climb trees when you are dislodging animals from a tree.

These rules may sound a little vague, but that’s because they apply to all animals that fall under furbearer hunting. This includes coyotes and beavers, foxes, minks, opossums, raccoons, and skunks, among other animals.

Coyote Hunting in Indiana

There are a few rules specifically for coyote hunting. For example, you can lure them in with mouth or hand-operated calls. Recorded calls are also allowed. Spotlights are also not prohibited. However, you cannot hunt from a motor vehicle or a roadway.

There are no restrictions on the hours you can hunt coyotes or the kinds of firearms you are allowed to use.

Finally, coyotes hunted on private land cannot be kept alive on the property for more than 24 hours. You cannot sell, trade, gift, or barter the coyote if it is alive.