IOWA, USA — While most of Iowa's hunting seasons have now closed, coyote season is open year-round in Iowa. Now, the state DNR is urging caution for anyone looking to hunt the state's top predator.
Coyotes are not considered to be a public health concern in Iowa. There are around 12,000 coyotes in the state.
Coyote hunting has fewer rules than many other seasons in Iowa.
Iowa, like many surrounding states, now allows coyote hunting at all times of day and night. Hunters may also use nighttime equipment to aid their ventures, although the aid of artificial light is strictly prohibited. Hunters may use predator calls and high-powered rifles, hunting over bait is allowed and groups of hunters and/or hounds are permitted. There is no bag limit and the animals may be hunted on a hunting or furharvester license.
However, there has been a slight increase in reported wolf sightings in Iowa over the last few years according to the DNR.
"So there's a chance, even if it's small, that a coyote hunter may see a wolf while hunting coyotes, especially at night," Vince Evelsizer, state furbearer biologist with the Iowa DNR said.
Wolves are typically two to three times larger than the average coyote. While coyotes weigh between 25 and 40 pounds, wolves typically weigh between 70 and 110 pounds.
Coyotes also have pointed snouts and their ears are proportionally large compared to their bodies. Wolves are taller with longer front legs and a heavier, squarer frame.
You can read more about coyote and wolf characteristics here.
The dispersing wolves that have been spotted in Iowa are members of the Great Lakes population from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Wolves are protected in Iowa. Shooting one could result in state and/or federal fines.
"If what you see is larger than the average coyote, it is definitely worth not pulling the trigger," Colonel Craig Cutts, chief of Iowa DNR's Law Enforcement Bureau said.
"We just encourage coyote hunters ... don't pull the trigger if you're in doubt," agreed Evelsizer.
While demand for coyote fur is strong in foreign markets for use as trim on hoods and coats, the price of Iowa coyote pelts has dramatically dropped.
In 2020, Iowa coyote pelts averaged $20.53 each, depending on the quality. Iowa pelts are generally considered 'average.' But last year, Iowa pelts dropped to an average of $8.70 each.
The top pelts come from the Dakotas, Montana and Canada.
“We receive complaints from the public about coyotes’ impact on young deer, turkeys and rabbits; harass pets, and farmers’ loss of livestock. So, in that respect, hunters provide an important service by hunting coyotes,” Cutts said. “That being said, they’re a very wary game animal worthy of respect. We don’t allow the use of artificial light for night hunting on purpose because we encourage fair chase and it could increase the incentive to misuse the technology to poach deer and other wildlife.”
Evelsizer joined The Current on News 8 to discuss this year's coyote hunting season. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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