Coyote Season in New Mexico: Mating, Pups and Pet Safety

Coyotes mate in late winter. Across the 37 states whose wildlife agency or extension service dates it, February is named by every one of them, and 35 put mating entirely between January and March. Expect more howling and bolder coyotes in New Mexico in those months.

Yes. Coyote hunting is open all year in New Mexico with no bag limit, under the 2026 to 2027 rules from NMDOW. License: no license for residents; nonresidents need a nonresident Nongame or Game Hunting License (a Non resident Trapper License to trap).

Do not run. Wild Aware Utah puts it this way: “Do not run or turn your back on a coyote that has approached you. Face the coyote, shout at it, be as big and loud as possible, wave your arms and back away slowly.”

Your nearest NMDOW conservation officer. NMDOW puts it this way: “In the event of a dangerous encounter, please reach out to your nearest Department conservation officer during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).”

Coyote trapping is open all year in New Mexico under the 2026 to 2027 rules from NMDOW. “Nongame: There is no closed season or bag limit for nongame species such as coyotes and skunks; however, hunters and trappers must still abide by NMDOW rules regarding trapping and hunting.”

Coyotes can take cats and small dogs, and can treat a larger dog as a threat while mating and raising pups. NMDOW advises: “Bring pets inside at night. If they must stay outside, confine them in a kennel with a secure roof.” It also says: “Do not feed pets outside. Pet food can attract predators and prey.”

Yes, with limits. NMDOW puts it this way: “It is illegal to use a spotlight or any other artificial light to hunt any furbearer (except raccoons, see Legal Shooting Hours above) or nongame species including coyotes and rabbits, even if you are on private land and have landowner permission, unless you have an artificial light permit.”