Coyotes

December 29, 2022

Question: I live in a condominium complex in Orange County, and coyotes sometimes run around the building – which worries those of us who have small dogs. Can I legally shoot a coyote with a compound bow if I obtain a California hunting license?

Answer: Assuming you are asking specific to the condominium complex where you describe seeing the coyote, the quick answer is no. Here’s why:

Per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 472(a), a coyote is categorized as a nongame mammal. This means you can hunt them if you have a hunting license and a legal place to hunt. Coyotes may be taken at any time of the year and in any number, and archery equipment is a legal method of take. However, most cities restrict the discharge of a firearm in urban areas like those with condominium complexes. Many municipalities further restrict the discharge of archery equipment, and pellet rifles as well. You would have to check your local ordinances to see what is prohibited.

After those possible restrictions, here's the primary law that would prohibit you from hunting a coyote in or very near your condominium complex: California Fish and Game Code section 3004(a) makes it unlawful for a person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, while within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling house, residence or other building, or within 150 yards of a barn or other outbuilding used in connection with an occupied dwelling house, residence or other building, to either hunt or discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon while hunting. The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.”

We encourage you to visit CDFW’s Keep Me Wild page ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Coyote )where you’ll find information on how to best coexist with coyotes and prevent attracting them in the first place. You can also reach out to CDFW’s regional offices or submit a Wildlife Incident Report online  ( https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir) if you’re experiencing conflicts with coyotes in your community.