Coyote Hunting Regulations
The information provided in this article should always be verified with the state of Rhode Island before accepting as fact. We hope this is a solid starting place to learn as you prepare to go coyote hunting in Rhode Island.
In Rhode Island, Coyotes have no bag limit. Coyotes season on state lands is from September 15 until the last day in February, and during the open spring turkey hunting season, April 25 – May 19, 2025. The hunting season for coyotes on Prudence Island on state land during archery deer season with a valid archery permit, during the small game season on private land, November 1 – 30 and on North Prudence during the small game season, January 1 – 31, 2025.
There is no closed season for coyote hunting on private lands.
During the spring turkey season, coyote hunters must possess a valid turkey hunting permit while hunting on state 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.
Weapon Restrictions:
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. When coyote hunting during deer season, the hunter must be in possession of a valid deer permit.
Electronic calls may be used.
Decoys are allowed only on private land.
As of this writing, all artificial lights, night vision equipment, thermal vision and any other form of artificial light use is ILLEGAL for coyote hunting in Rhode Island.
Please check out the links below for more information on Rhode Island Coyote Hunting regulations.⬇️
- State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
- 2024/2025 Rhode Island Hunting & Trapping Regulation Guide
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 Rhode Island 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 hunting in Rhode Island successful!