Oklahoma Coyote Hunting at Night: Rules, Thermals & Licenses
Oklahoma Coyote Hunting at Night: What Hunters Need to Know
Coyote hunting is open year-round in Oklahoma, with no daily, season, or possession limit. Hunters may take coyotes during daylight hours with a valid hunting license, unless exempt, using legal firearms or archery equipment.
Night hunting is more specific. Oklahoma allows certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or their designated agents to control nuisance coyotes and feral swine at night under state law, but hunters still need to follow rules about permission, location, equipment, public roadways, and licensing.
Before hunting, always check the current Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations and confirm requirements for the land you plan to hunt.
ODWC’s current furbearer/coyote regulations say hunting, using artificial light, thermal equipment, or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited, and they also list daylight and nighttime equipment rules for furbearers. The general hunting regulations also repeat the public-roadway restriction for artificial light, thermal, and night vision equipment
View Oklahoma Furbearer/Coyote regulations, wildlifedepartment.com
Is Coyote Hunting Legal Year-Round in Oklahoma?
Yes. Coyotes can be hunted year-round in Oklahoma, and there is no daily, season, or possession limit. Hunters are still responsible for having the proper license, following legal methods of take, getting permission on private land, and checking current Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations before hunting.
Coyote hunting rules can vary depending on whether you are hunting on private land, public land, a Wildlife Management Area, or under a nuisance-control situation, so always confirm the current rules before heading out.
View Oklahoma General Hunting regulations, wildlifedepartment.com
Can You Hunt Coyotes at Night in Oklahoma?
Night hunting coyotes in Oklahoma comes with specific rules. Oklahoma allows certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or designated agents with written permission to control nuisance coyotes and feral swine at night, but that does not mean night hunting is wide open everywhere.
The biggest thing to understand is that private land nuisance control is different from regular recreational hunting. Hunters must follow the rules for permission, location, equipment, licensing, and public roadways. Hunting or using artificial light, thermal optics, or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited.
Can You Use Thermal Optics for Coyote Hunting at Night in Oklahoma?
Thermal optics may be used in certain nighttime nuisance-control situations in Oklahoma when the hunter is a landowner, agricultural lessee, or designated agent with written permission. Oklahoma law allows the use of a headlight, thermal device, light-enhancement device, vehicle-mounted spotlight, or night vision equipment while controlling nuisance coyotes and feral swine at night.
However, this does not allow hunting from a public road. The use of a headlight, spotlight, thermal device, or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited. Before using thermal optics at night, confirm that you are hunting legally on the correct property, with proper permission, and under the current ODWC rules.
The key distinction is this: private land nuisance control with permission is different from hunting from a public road or assuming night hunting is allowed everywhere.
Private Land vs. Public Land Rules
Private land and public land are treated differently. On private land, hunters must have permission from the landowner, lessee, or occupant of the property. Landowners and agricultural lessees may have additional options for nuisance-control situations, especially when coyotes or feral swine are causing damage.
On public land or Wildlife Management Areas, hunters need to follow the specific rules for that area. Public land may have different restrictions on hunting hours, methods of take, access, check-in requirements, and use of equipment. Do not assume that a rule allowed on private land also applies on public land.
Hunting, spotlighting, or using thermal or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited.
Do You Need a Hunting License for Coyotes in Oklahoma?
In most cases, yes. Hunters need a valid Oklahoma hunting license to hunt coyotes, unless they qualify for an exemption. Landowners or agricultural lessees may have exemptions when hunting on their own property, but hunters should verify the current rules before relying on an exemption.
If trapping coyotes, additional licensing requirements may apply. Non-residents should also check current Oklahoma regulations because license requirements and public land access rules can differ.
When in doubt, check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website or contact a game warden before hunting.
What Equipment Can You Use?
During legal daylight hunting, coyotes may generally be taken with legal firearms or archery equipment, as allowed by current Oklahoma hunting regulations. For nighttime nuisance-control situations, certain equipment such as thermal optics, night vision, headlights, light-enhancement devices, and spotlights may be allowed when used legally on permitted property and not from a public roadway.
Suppressors may be used while hunting in Oklahoma if they are legally acquired and legally possessed. Hunters should always confirm current regulations for firearms, lights, thermal optics, night vision, public land, private land, and roadway restrictions before hunting.
Why Thermal Optics Help With Coyote Control
Thermal optics can be a major advantage for coyote control because they help hunters detect heat signatures in low-light and nighttime conditions. Coyotes are often most active when visibility is poor, making it difficult to locate, identify, and track movement with the naked eye.
A quality thermal scope or handheld thermal monocular can help hunters scan fields, locate movement, and make better decisions before taking a shot. For landowners, ranchers, and hunters dealing with nuisance coyotes, thermal optics can make the process more efficient, especially when protecting livestock, pets, or property.
Thermal equipment does not replace safe hunting practices. Hunters should always positively identify the target, know what is beyond it, and follow all Oklahoma hunting laws.
Shop Thermal Optics for Coyote Hunting
Looking for thermal optics for coyote hunting or nuisance control in Oklahoma? Thermal Sales of Oklahoma helps hunters, ranchers, and landowners compare thermal scopes, handheld optics, and night-hunting setups before buying.
Visit the showroom to see options in person, compare units side by side, and get help choosing the right thermal optic for your land, budget, and hunting needs.
Whether you are looking for an entry-level thermal scope, a higher-end optic, or help understanding which setup makes sense for coyote hunting, Thermal Sales of Oklahoma can help you narrow down your options with confidence.
Coyote hunting is open year-round in Oklahoma, but night hunting has specific rules.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, coyotes are open statewide year-round with no daily, season, or possession limit. However, nighttime hunting and the use of artificial light, thermal optics, night vision equipment, and public roadways are regulated differently.
Under Oklahoma law, certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or their designated agents with written permission may control nuisance coyotes or feral swine during the day or night to protect agricultural crops, livestock, processed feed, seed, or other agricultural materials. Thermal optics, night vision, headlights, and spotlights may be allowed in those nuisance-control situations, but they may not be used from a public roadway.
Before hunting, always check the current Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations and confirm the rules for the property, equipment, season, and license requirements that apply to your situation.
An Act
ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 1809 By: Garvin and Stephens of the Senate
and
Boles of the House
An Act relating to hunting; amending 29 O.S. 2021, Section 4-135, which relates to permits to control nuisance wildlife; modifying language; requiring certain written permission; amending 29 O.S. 2021, Section 5-203.1, which relates to headlighting; providing certain exception; updating statutory references; removing certain allowance for hunting predatory animals; increasing penalties; requiring confiscation upon conviction; directing a district court to suspend, revoke, or deny a license upon request and conviction; stating minimum and maximum period of suspension, revocation, or denial; providing for reinstatement; setting fees; making reinstatement fees in addition to other license fees; authorizing certain persons to control nuisance coyotes or feral swine without a permit; requiring agricultural exemption permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for nuisance control; providing exception for headlighting; providing certain limitation; prohibiting nuisance control at night for persons convicted within certain period of time; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
SUBJECT: Authorizing certain persons to control nuisance or damage by coyotes or feral swine without a permit and by certain means
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 29 O.S. 2021, Section 4-135, is amended to read as follows:
Section 4-135. A. The Department of Wildlife Conservation is authorized to issue permits to landowners, agricultural lessees, or their designated agents with written permission of the landowner or agricultural lessee and to any entity of state, county, or local government to control nuisance or damage by any species of wildlife including, but not limited to, beaver, coyote, deer, bobcat, raccoon, and crow under rules promulgated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. The permits may be issued without limitation by statewide season regulations, bag limits or methods of taking. A permitted landowner, agricultural lessee or a designated agent with written permission of the landowner or agricultural lessee may, with a valid permit issued pursuant to this section, control the wildlife specified in this subsection and feral swine at night to protect marketable agricultural crops, livestock, or processed feed, seed or other materials used in the production of an agricultural commodity.
B. Except as otherwise specified in this subsection, the permit to hunt at night shall be valid for a period of up to one (1) year from the date the permit was issued. Each landowner, lessee, or designated agent Landowners or agricultural lessees with a valid permit shall be required to have a current agricultural exemption permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5-203.1 of this title, a landowner, agricultural lessee, or designated agent with written permission of the landowner or lessee and with a valid permit may use a headlight carried on the person while hunting at night. Nothing in this section shall authorize the use of a headlight mounted on a vehicle or the use of a headlight from a public roadway.
D. Any person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty to, a violation of Section 5-203.1 or Section 5-411 of this title within the previous three (3) years shall not be eligible to receive a permit pursuant to this section. The permit can be issued by the local game warden in the county for which the permit is to be used or by the Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1289.13 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, it It shall be lawful for any private landowner or designated employee of the landowner or lessee to have a chamber-loaded firearm on property owned by the landowner, and to use the firearm for the purpose of controlling nuisance or damage by any wildlife or feral swine. Nothing in this section shall authorize any convicted felon to carry a firearm.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 29 O.S. 2021, Section 5-203.1, is amended to read as follows:
Section 5-203.1. A. No Except as provided in Section 3 of this act, no person may attempt to take, take, attempt to catch, catch, attempt to capture, capture, attempt to kill, or kill any deer, feral animal or other wildlife except fish and frogs by the use of a vehicle mounted vehicle-mounted spotlight or other powerful light at night, by what is commonly known as “headlighting”. Provided, however, nothing in this section shall prevent one from possessing a .22 caliber rimfire rifle or .22 pistol and a light carried while in pursuit of furbearers with hounds during the legal, open furbearers season, while possessing a valid hunting license.
B. Any person may use a shotgun, using No. 6 size shot or smaller, longbow, light and a call for the purpose of hunting predatory animals, provided that written permission is obtained from the local game warden for each twenty-four-hour period of hunting.
C. It shall be illegal to hunt from a boat with a firearm from sunset until one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise. This shall not pertain to hunting of waterfowl enroute from bank to blind with unloaded shotguns.
D. C. Except as otherwise provided for in this section and in Section 3 of this act, no person may harass, attempt to capture, capture, attempt to take or take, kill or attempt to kill any wildlife with the aid of any motor-driven land, air or water conveyance. A nonambulatory person may hunt from said conveyances with written permission of the Director of Wildlife Conservation. A person may hunt from an air conveyance if issued a permit pursuant to Section 1 4-107.2 of this act title. Nothing in this section shall prevent the use of motor-driven land or water conveyances for following dogs in the act of hunting, when use is restricted to public roads or waterways. Motor-driven land or water conveyances may be used on private property for following dogs in the act of hunting with the permission of the landowner or occupant.
E. D. Employees of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Wildlife Services Division and the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services while engaged in wildlife management activities for the protection of agriculture, property, human health and safety and natural resources shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
F. E. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for a first offense and not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for a second offense or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than ten (10) days nor more than one (1) year, or and by confiscation pursuant to Section 5-402 of this title or by such fine, imprisonment and confiscation.
F. A district court, upon request by the district attorney, shall order the hunting and fishing license privileges of a person convicted of a violation of this section suspended, revoked, or denied for a period not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years. Upon completion of the period of suspension, revocation, or denial of licensure, the person may apply for a new hunting or fishing license or request a reinstatement of a lifetime license, if the person previously held a lifetime license. The person applying for a new or reinstated license shall be required to pay a reinstatement fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for residents of this state and a reinstatement fee of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for nonresidents. This fee shall be in addition to any other fees required for the hunting and fishing license.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 4-135.2 of Title 29, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. Except during deer gun seasons, a landowner, agricultural lessee, or their designated agent with written permission from the landowner or agricultural lessee may control nuisance or damage by coyotes or feral swine without a permit as provided for in Section 4-135 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes during the day or night, and without limitation by statewide season regulations or bag limits, and with the use of any legal means of take, to protect marketable agricultural crops, livestock or processed feed, seed, or other materials used in the production of an agricultural commodity. Landowners or agricultural lessees performing nuisance control activities shall be required to have a current agricultural exemption permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5-203.1 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes, a landowner, agricultural lessee, or designated agent of the landowner or lessee may use a headlight, thermal, or light enhancement device carried on the person, a vehicle with or without a mounted spotlight or night vision equipment while controlling nuisance coyotes and feral swine at night. Nothing in this subsection shall authorize the use of a headlight, thermal or night vision equipment, or a spotlight from a public roadway.
C. Any person who has been convicted of, or pleads guilty to, a violation of Section 5-203.1 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes or Section 5-411 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes within a previous three-year period shall not control nuisance or damage by coyotes or feral swine at night.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective November 1, 2022.
Passed the Senate the 8th day of March, 2022.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
Passed the House of Representatives the 25th day of April, 2022.
Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o’clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o’clock _______ M.
_________________________________
Governor of the State of Oklahoma
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________ day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o’clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Why hunt coyotes in Oklahoma.
Coyotes are common throughout Oklahoma and are one of the most adaptable predators in North America. They can thrive in rural areas, around farms and ranches, and even near neighborhoods where food, water, trash, livestock, poultry, or small pets are easy to access.
For landowners, ranchers, and hunters, coyote control can be an important part of protecting livestock, pets, and property. Coyotes rarely attack people, but they can become a problem when they lose their fear of humans or begin moving closer to homes and animals.
Because coyotes are active in low-light conditions, thermal optics can help hunters and landowners detect movement, identify heat signatures, and make better decisions in the field while following current Oklahoma hunting regulations.
Except during deer gun seasons, the landowner or agricultural lessee (with a current agricultural exemption permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission) or their designated agent with written permission from the landowner or agricultural lessee may control nuisance or damage by coyotes day or night by any legal means of take, to protect marketable agricultural crops, livestock or processed feed, seed or other materials used in the production of an agricultural commodity. Hunting, use of any artificial light, thermal or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited. Any person who has been convicted of, or pleads guilty to, a violation of Section 5-203.1 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes or Section 5-411 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes within a previous three-year period shall not control nuisance or damage by coyotes at night.
Oklahoma Coyote Hunting Information
Should you buy thermal equipment for coyote hunting?
....We think so
Thermal imaging presents a massive tactical advantage when mounted to a firearm. You want to be sure of the target you’re seeing, and sometimes it can be hard to discern what you’re looking at. Quality thermal optics help you identify your target species and makes it possible to see its body shape, read its body language, etc. Because coyotes are an increasing nuisance to important livestock, providing an easier way to control the population increasingly helps improve the ecosystem. Coyote hunting at night is made easier with the use of thermal optics. This technology gives hunters the confidence they need to take quick and humane shots on coyotes, without risking collateral damage. Thanks to this technology, coyotes can be controlled without causing undue harm to other innocent animals, either from the coyotes themselves, or difficult nigh hunting without thermal technology.
Oklahoma Coyote Hunting FAQ
This information was last updated 22 June 2026, visit the Oklahoma Wildlife Department’s official website for the most current rules and regulations.
Coyote populations are variable and it is hard to determine the best public land on which to hunt them. Contact other hunters and area managers of public land for more information.
Yes, coyote season is open year-round. When there is a deer and/or turkey season open on the WMA, only appropriate methods, hunting hours, and weapons for that deer and/or turkey season are authorized for taking or pursuing feral coyotes. Also, during the firearms deer seasons (muzzleloader, modern gun and special antlerless seasons) you must possess a filled or unfilled deer license for that appropriate season, and you must comply with other regulations that apply to that season (blaze orange requirements, for example).
Except as otherwise provided, nothing shall prohibit the year-round pursuit of coyotes for dog training or sport only during daylight hours.
No, under no circumstances (including while hunting furbearers).
Consult the Oklahoma Hunting Guide for most areas. However, during legal daylight hunting, coyotes may generally be taken with legal firearms or archery equipment, unless a specific public hunting area has additional restrictions.
Public land and Wildlife Management Areas may have area-specific rules, season restrictions, equipment limits, access requirements, or check-in requirements. Always check the current ODWC regulations for the exact public hunting area before hunting.
Most hunters need a valid Oklahoma hunting license to hunt coyotes on public land, unless exempt. Additional requirements may apply depending on residency, age, the public hunting area, method of take, or whether trapping is involved.
Some public hunting areas may also have special access or check-in rules. Always verify current license and area requirements through ODWC before hunting.
Hunter education requirements depend on the hunter’s age, license type, and whether they qualify for an exemption. Before hunting coyotes in Oklahoma, check the current ODWC hunter education and license requirements to make sure you are legal.
Commercial Hunt Areas may have their own rules and requirements. Do not assume that regular public land or private land coyote hunting rules apply. Check current ODWC regulations and the specific rules for the commercial hunting area before hunting.
Sporting facilities, shooting ranges, and private hunting facilities may have their own rules in addition to Oklahoma hunting laws. Always confirm facility rules, firearm restrictions, license requirements, and whether hunting or shooting is allowed before participating.
Guided coyote hunts may involve additional requirements depending on the land, guide, compensation, and method of hunting. Hunters should confirm that the guide is operating legally and that all hunting licenses, landowner permissions, and ODWC regulations are being followed.
Under Oklahoma law, certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or their designated agents with written permission may control nuisance coyotes and feral swine at night in specific agricultural damage situations.
Equipment that may be allowed in those nuisance-control situations can include thermal optics, night vision, headlights, light-enhancement devices, and spotlights. However, this does not allow hunting or using those devices from a public roadway.
This exemption is not the same as general recreational night hunting. Always confirm the current ODWC rules and make sure you have the proper permission before hunting at night.
Oklahoma’s nuisance-control night hunting rules are more limited during deer gun season. Outside of deer gun season, certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or designated agents may have more options for controlling nuisance coyotes or feral swine at night when the legal requirements are met.
Because deer season dates and restrictions can change, hunters should always check the current ODWC regulations before night hunting or using thermal, night vision, headlights, or spotlights.
Exemptions can depend on land ownership, agricultural lessee status, designated-agent permission, license status, age, residency, and the type of hunting activity.
For night nuisance-control situations involving coyotes or feral swine, the key exemption generally applies to landowners, agricultural lessees, or designated agents with written permission who are controlling nuisance or damage on qualifying agricultural property.
Always confirm the current ODWC rules before relying on any exemption.
Night hunting coyotes in Oklahoma is not the same as daytime coyote hunting. In general, coyotes are open year-round during daylight hours, but taking coyotes from dark to daylight with artificial light and/or sight dogs is restricted.
Certain landowners, agricultural lessees, or designated agents may be allowed to control nuisance coyotes at night under specific conditions. If you are not hunting under one of those legal nuisance-control situations, do not assume that nighttime coyote hunting is allowed.
Do not assume that coyotes can be chased at night with dogs on private land. Oklahoma’s rules for coyotes, furbearers, sight dogs, hounds, and nighttime hunting are specific and can depend on the season, land type, and method used.
Before pursuing coyotes with dogs at night, check the current ODWC furbearer/coyote regulations and confirm what is allowed for your specific situation.
Coyotes are not subject to the same tagging and check-in requirements as deer, turkey, or certain other game species, but rules may still apply depending on whether the animal was hunted, trapped, sold, used for fur, or transported across property or state lines.
If you plan to sell, transfer, trap, transport, or keep coyote parts or pelts, check current ODWC furbearer and trapping regulations first.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provides current information about furbearers, trapping regulations, and related resources on its official website. For the most current list or trapping-related contacts, visit ODWC’s furbearer and trapping resources or contact ODWC directly.
Coyotes do not have the same check-in requirements as deer, turkey, elk, antelope, bear, bobcat, or river otter. However, if you are trapping, selling pelts, or hunting other species at the same time, additional tagging or check-in rules may apply.
Always check the current ODWC regulations for the species and method of take before hunting or trapping.
No. According to ODWC, coyotes are open statewide year-round with no daily, season, or possession limit. Hunters must still follow license requirements, legal methods of take, land access rules, and all current ODWC regulations.
Coyote trapping is legal in Oklahoma, but trappers generally need a valid hunting license and trapping license unless exempt. Landowner exemptions may apply in some situations, but hunters and trappers should verify the current ODWC trapping regulations before setting traps.
During legal daylight hunting, coyotes may generally be taken with legal firearms or archery equipment on private land with permission from the landowner, lessee, or occupant, unless otherwise restricted.
Nighttime hunting, thermal optics, night vision, artificial lights, and nuisance-control situations have additional rules. Always confirm current ODWC regulations before using lights, thermals, night vision, or shooting after dark.
Buckshot may be legal for some hunting situations, but hunters should confirm current ODWC rules before using it for coyotes. Equipment rules can depend on land type, season, and method of take.
When in doubt, check the current ODWC hunting regulations or contact a game warden before hunting.
Non-residents can hunt coyotes in Oklahoma, but they must have the correct non-resident license unless exempt. Non-residents should also check current public land access rules, WMA requirements, and any check-in requirements before hunting.
Hunter orange requirements depend on the season, land type, and what other hunting seasons are open at the same time. Even when hunting coyotes, hunter orange may be required during certain big game firearm seasons or on certain public lands.
Check the current ODWC hunter orange requirements before hunting.
Coyotes may generally be taken with legal archery equipment during daylight hours, unless a specific public hunting area or season rule says otherwise. Hunters should check current ODWC regulations before using archery equipment or any non-standard method of take.
Do not assume that a method is legal just because coyotes are open year-round.
Most hunters need a valid Oklahoma hunting license to hunt coyotes on private land, unless exempt. Landowners or agricultural lessees may qualify for exemptions in certain situations when hunting on their own property.
If you are not the landowner or agricultural lessee, make sure you have permission and the proper license before hunting.
