Coyote Hunting

Coyote are somewhat a target of opportunity for me. I don't really have an interest in their pelts (although James does), and I certainly don't want to eat them. However, they are cutting down the deer and rabbit populations, and they are unwanted in urban areas.

In Missouri, they are in season almost all year round, the exception being April and the beginning of May. There are no restrictions on firearms (aside from the magazine capacity of shotguns). Electronic calls are allowed, and hunting at night appears to be allowed during most of the year (but not with spot lights or night vision equipment).

Locations

In theory, I should hunt coyote any place that I hunt rabbits or deer.

Blue Springs Creek

This is a good place to hunt coyote, if I can get far enough away from the road. Also, if I don't like the prospects here, I can hop over to Huzzah.

White/Whiteside

There are tons of good fields here for hunting coyote.

Logan

The fields at the northwest end of the area should be good for hunting coyote. Hunting in the woods might also work.

Huzzah

Huzzah Conservation Area is huge, but it is almost completely wooded. The map is marked with an interesting feature: wildlife watering holes.

Mark Twain National Forest

I suspect that Mark Twain National Forest is okay for coyote hunting, although I am a little concerned about the populations. I did see one the last time I was at the Potosi unit.

Busch (shotgun only)

Restrictions apply at Busch, where coyotes can only be hunted using shotgun, and coyote hunting is closed from Oct 1 through Dec 14.

Howell Island (shotgun only)

also allows coyote hunting with shotgun only.

What about some of the closer areas that allow archery hunting only for deer? Can I hunt coyote at these places?

Firearms

CZ 527 in .223 Remington

I have a CZ 527 in .223 Remington, which I bought specifically for coyote hunting. It is fantastically accurate using a load based on the 53 grain Hornady V-Max bullet. It should be effective out to 400 yards or more.

Benelli M2 with "Dead Coyote"

In areas that only allow shotguns, I will use my 12 gauge Benelli M2 with "Dead Coyote" tungsten T shot. I probably shouldn't try to use this beyond 50 yards.

Ruger 77/22 in .22 Magnum

During parts of the year (namely deer and turkey seasons), the only rifle I can use to hunt coyote is a "22 caliber rimfire". So, I have a stainless steel Ruger 77/22 in .22 Magnum. It appears that the accurate load for this gun is Remington 33 grain AccuTip-V. I probably shouldn't try to use this beyond 100 yards.

Calls

I have a FoxPro Firestorm electronic call. In Missouri, electronic calls are legal for hunting furbearers and crows. The first time I used it, a redtail hawk immediately came into the area (much to the annoyance of the blue jays).

Bait

I have heard of people killing rabbits and using them for bait. However, rabbits are not in season until October. I tried using a squirrel once, but I don't think it worked because I had frozen it. I want to try shooting a fresh squirrel and using that. Squirrel season in Missouri opens near the end of May, not long after coyote season opens.