Coyote Season in West Virginia: 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 West Virginia in those months.

Yes. Coyote hunting is open all year in West Virginia with no bag limit, under the 2026 to 2027 rules from WVDNR. You need a West Virginia hunting and trapping license (resident landowners, their families and resident tenants on their own land are exempt).

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.”

WVDNR district office. WVDNR puts it this way: “You may also contact any WVDNR district office for professional advice.”

Coyote trapping in West Virginia runs November 7, 2026 to February 28, 2027 under the 2026 to 2027 rules from WVDNR.

Coyotes can take cats and small dogs, and can treat a larger dog as a threat while mating and raising pups. WVDNR advises: “You should also bring dog or cat food bowls inside at night and never throw food scraps in your yard.”

Yes, with limits. WVDNR puts it this way: “Hunting coyotes at night using any color artificial light or night vision technology, including image intensification, thermal imaging or active illumination, is permitted from Jan. 1–Dec. 31. From Sept. 1–Dec. 31, hunting coyotes at night is only permitted on private property with written consent of the landowner.”