Hunt Back Country

Hunting regs on coyote hunting in Ohio?

First off, I do believe you are allowed to hunt coyotes with a rifle but is there a max or min on caliber size? I'd like to use my 7mm Rem Mag. Also, does it matter if it's a semi-auto rifle as I plan on buying a AR in the next couple months and I know 7mm is a bit overkill? What are hunting hours? I believe it's 24/7 except for deer season in which hunting hours are the same as deer hunting hours. Lastly can you hunt public land such as state parks for coyotes with a rifle.?Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Coyote - No daily bag limit. If hunted during the deer gun season, hours are the same as for deer gun season.
Persons hunting coyote or wild boar during the youth deer gun season, the deer gun season, and during the early muzzleloader deer season in October (on three designated areas) must possess a valid hunting license and deer permit
with the tag attached and must be using a gun and ammunition legal for deer hunting during that season. Hunter orange must be worn during the youth deer gun season, deer gun season, statewide muzzleloader deer season, and during the early muzzleloader deer season in October (on three designated areas).
Persons hunting coyotes or wild boar during the statewide muzzleloader deer season must have a deer permit that is valid for the zone or unit in which they hunt. However, you may also hunt coyote and wild boar during the statewide muzzleloader deer season with shot no larger than #4 without a valid deer permit.
Hunting Methods
Unless otherwise indicated, game may be taken with longbow, crossbow, or any caliber handgun, rifle, shotgun (10 gauge or smaller), or airgun. Be safe and choose the appropriate method for the species.
It is unlawful for any person to use or hunt with a rifle, pistol, or revolver from October 15 through January 1 during the daylight hours on any lands owned, administered or under agreement with the Division of Wildlife, except when properly used on a designated Division of Wildlife target range or when hunting squirrels with a rimfire rifle, pistol, or revolver or when deer hunting with a muzzleloading rifle or legal pistol or revolver during the youth deer gun season, deer gun season, statewide muzzleloader season, and the early muzzleloader season.
All wildlife areas are closed to all activity other than hunting, trapping, and fishing from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. September 1 through May 1 and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. May 2 through August 31.
State parks have special hunting and trapping regulations. Some are not open to hunting or trapping. A permit is required to build a duck blind on state park lakes. Consult the Division of Parks and Recreation, 2045 Morse Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693 or the park manager.