Coyote Hunting Regulations
The information provided in this article should always be verified with the state of New Mexico before accepting as fact. We hope this is a solid starting place to learn as you prepare for your future hunting endeavors.
In New Mexico, there is no closed season or bag limit for nongame species such as coyotes, which are classified as “nongame“; however, hunters must still abide by NMDGF rules regarding trapping and hunting. New Mexico residents are not required to have a license to take nongame species. Non-residents must possess either a non-resident Nongame License or a current New Mexico non-resident Game-Hunting License.
Nongame hunting is not permitted on wildlife management areas (WMAs), except Water Canyon WMA from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2026, and Prairie Chicken Areas from Nov. 1 – March 15.
It is illegal to use a spotlight or any other artificial light to hunt coyotes, even if you are on private land and have landowner permission, unless you have an artificial light permit.
Legal Shooting Hours are restricted to the period one-half hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset
Electronic calls & decoys are allowed.
Please check out the links below for more information on New Mexico Coyote Hunting regulations.⬇️
Coyote Hunting Equipment
Predator Calls
The last decade in the predator hunting world has had major advancements in the technology being used in a variety of equipment including game calls. Game calls in the early stages were simply mouth calls which utilized a thin reed to produce different pitches of sounds when blown threw. Mouth calls are still being utilized in this modern day and age for those who prefer to be a bit more personally involved in the calling of the predators they peruse. Mouth calls also allow the hunter to have more control of the exact tones, volume, and overall trickery of wary predators.
Electronic Calls
While the mouth call is still utilized by some, the electronic game call is now the preferred and most utilized tool for actually calling predators. The ease of use, volume, tones, sequences, and variety all at the fingertips is a deadly combination for calling predators. Some of the more popular brands include ICOtec, FOXPRO, and Lucky Duck. Many prefer the ICOtec brand for ease of use, remote distance, remote layout, speaker volume and quality as well as overall quality and reliability. Hunters also enjoy the ability to run an electronic decoy directly on the call which can also be controlled directly from the remote.
Hunting Tripods
The hunting or shooting tripod has gained extreme popularity over the past few years for ease of use, stability, and overall visibility. However, the tripod itself is only part of the necessary equation with this style of hunting. A ball head or level head is needed to complete the shooting system. The ball head or level head is screwed directly to the stud on the tripod and is ultimately what gives the ability to lock your firearm in place or allow for complete rotation in every direction for precise shot placement. The carbon fiber NightSnipe Hunting Tripod line is one of the best in the industry and gives a large variety in terms of stability, locking power, and price. Most hunting tripods available are capable of collapsing down low enough for ease of use while laying, sitting, kneeling, and most importantly, standing.
Setting up for Success
Coyote Hunting in New Mexico is typically done during the colder months when the hides are prime for harvest. However, as the sport becomes more popular, hunters are extending their seasons into the spring and summer months. Traditionally, hunting coyotes requires the hunter to be fully camouflaged to avoid being detected as coyotes have excellent eyesight. Setting up in tree lines, brush piles, hay bales, and other visual breakups are ideal for keeping concealed.
The use of a decoy is also a great tactic to implement as this will give the coyotes a visual to focus on. Most of the electronic calls available come with an electronic decoy that can be attached directly to the caller and also controlled with your remote. This adds to the realism of the calling scheme as the sound is coming directly from the same location as the decoy.
One critical thing to keep in mind when coyote hunting is wind direction. Coyotes rely heavily on their superb sense of smell and utilize it to their full advantage. Setting up with the proper wind direction and the ability to see in multiple directions will increase the odds of success.
The modern-day predator hunter has a variety of tools available to help become successful in this sport. However, the best tool is experience, and that comes with time.
Predator Hunter Outdoors offers a wide range of shooting tripods, calls, sights, mounts, accessories, and equipment advice to help make your coyote hunt successful!