Can You Legally Take Down a Coyote in Missouri? – Yes, But…

I won't go into all of the details, but let's just say that I have a personal beef with coyotes. It's better off if I don't explain fully, but I will admit that I asked the question out loud...can you legally take down a coyote in Missouri? The answer is more complicated than you'd think.

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I Googled this so you don't have to. Is it legal to shoot a coyote in Missouri? Here's what the Missouri Department of Conservation says. Coyote trapping season just ended at the end of February, but coyote hunting season is on now. Joy.

So you're saying it's legal to take down a coyote in Missouri now then? Yes, but...

As you might expect, permits are required, but he's yours if you get Wile E. Coyote in the crosshairs...for the most part.

OK, so what's the exception?

The state of Missouri says the following:

Coyotes may be taken all year except during the daylight hours from April 1 - 17, 2022.

Why the exception? That's the start of Spring turkey hunting season. Ah, yes. The old "hide behind the turkey" coyote avoidance technique. I understand now.

It's worth mentioning that the Humane Society does not like coyotes being killed. They don't believe it's effective and think many methods are cruel. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I'm not recommending going on a coyote vengeance ride or anything, but I will recommend you look at the Missouri Department of Conservation website before you do anything. Only you can make the decision if Wile E. Coyote survives to chase the Roadrunner another day or not.