Spring gobbler season has ended, and for many it would appear that hunting is over until the fall seasons begin. But, for those who still want to spend time in the field and participate in some fruitful hunting, it’s time to target coyotes. It is a common comment among turkey hunters that “If you can’t kill a turkey — save a turkey!” It is a phrase that refers to eliminating a coyote whenever possible in hopes of helping the turkey population.

Currently, there are several regulations set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission that apply to coyote hunting and should be kept in mind if you decide to target coyotes over the next few months.

Coyotes are classified as furbearers, and as such, outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk or turkey), may be taken with a hunting or furtaker license, and without wearing orange. They may be hunted any hour, day or night, including Sundays — except during the big game seasons, as noted. Semiautomatic (autoloading) rifles and air- or gas-operated rifles or manually operated handguns may be used. Hunting with semiautomatic handguns is not permitted. There is no restriction on magazine capacity for semiautomatic rifles used to hunt furbearers. Manual or autoloading shotguns must be limited to a 3-shell capacity in the chamber and magazine combined. A plug must be a one-piece filler installed so it cannot be readily removed without disassembling the gun or magazine. It is unlawful to use a shotgun using shot larger than size No. 4 buckshot.

While there is no closed season for the hunting of coyotes outside of any big game season and coyotes may be hunted on Sundays, there are a few regulations that apply to baiting and use of electronic devices. Natural or manmade nonliving bait and any electronic or mechanical device can be used to attract coyotes for hunting. Although when trapping coyotes the bait may not be visible from the air, when hunting coyotes it is permissible to hunt over bait that is visible from the air.

With all of the regulations in mind, there are still many benefits to targeting coyotes over the summer months. While studies have shown that our black bears are the number one predator of fawns, certainly coyotes are a large contributor as well. The fawning season is now moving into high gear during the month of June and coyotes will be venturing forth throughout the day in search of fawns as a prime food source — especially during the early weeks of the fawn’s life. Removing a coyote or several coyotes in the next month or so will certainly save the lives of a number of fawns.

Farmers and landowners generally do not like coyotes! Most property owners will welcome with open arms someone who is looking for a place to target coyotes. This is the perfect opportunity to begin a new relationship with a landowner who just might be open to allowing you further access in the future. Properly close any gates on the property, pick up any trash or litter you see and take the landowner a homemade pie and you just could have set yourself up for an invitation to return to hunt deer or turkeys in the fall.

Targeting coyotes throughout the summer gives you another great and unique chance to spend time in the field and in the woods. Instead of retiring your hunting gear for the summer, stay actively hunting by going after one of our most successful predators. You will be helping turkeys, deer, grouse and all other types of game and nongame birds and animals. It is the perfect time – and usually much better weather – to be out scouting the areas you hunt and learning more about the patterns and activities of all forms of wildlife. It is also a great way to introduce someone to hunting, whether they are a youth or an adult and you just might develop a new hunting buddy by targeting coyotes this summer!