Small Game Seasons and Limits
Small Game Hunting
Dates |
Daily Bag Limit |
|
Coyote – State Land |
September 15–February 28, 2026 April 30–May 24, 2026 |
unlimited |
Coyote – Private Land |
No closed season |
unlimited |
Youth Pheasant* |
October 11–13 |
2 |
Raccoon |
October 1–February 28, 2026 |
unlimited |
Cottontail Rabbit |
October 1–February 28, 2026 |
3 |
Gray and Red Squirrel |
September 13–February 28, 2026 |
5, singly or in aggregate |
Pheasant |
October 18–February 28, 2026 |
2 |
Bobwhite Quail |
3 |
|
Red, Gray Fox |
unlimited |
|
Ruffed Grouse |
CLOSED |
|
Coyote Hunting
Coyotes season on state lands is from September 15 until the last day in February, and during the open spring turkey hunting season, April 30–May 24, 2026. There is no closed season for coyote hunting on private lands.
Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the small game hunting season. During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches is required. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes but is prohibited on state lands.
Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. Legal methods of take for coyote hunting include shotgun (no lead shot larger than No. 2), bow and arrow and crossbow; however, on private lands from April 1 to September 30 (both dates inclusive), centerfire rifles not larger than .229 caliber may be used (RIGL 20-13-13) and by any means allowed during any concurrent hunting season.
The bag limit for coyote is unlimited and electronic calls may be used.
