Coyote Season in Oklahoma: 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 Oklahoma in those months.

Yes. Coyote hunting is open all year in Oklahoma with no bag limit, under the 2026 to 2027 rules from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department. You need a Resident Annual Hunting License (youth hunting coyote, and resident landowners or tenants on their own land, are exempt). On hunting at night: “Open statewide year-round, except it shall be unlawful to hunt, take or attempt to take coyotes from dark to daylight with the aid of any artificial light and/or any sight dog.”

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.”

Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (permitted by ODWC) or USDA Wildlife Services. The Oklahoma Wildlife Department puts it this way: “Oklahoma laws generally grant citizens substantive latitude to deal with wildlife problems and considerable assistance is available from USDA Wildlife Services. However, many landowners may prefer to employ individuals who are skilled and educated in handling human/wildlife conflicts.”

Coyote trapping is open all year in Oklahoma under the 2026 to 2027 rules from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department. “Coyote Statewide: open year-round No daily, season or possession limit.”

Coyotes can take cats and small dogs, and can treat a larger dog as a threat while mating and raising pups. The Oklahoma Wildlife Department advises: “Remove food sources. Pick up leftover dog and cat food at night and keep bird feeders out of their reach (or bring them in at night).”