Cold Country: Predator Season and the Ethics of the Hunt

In many states, winter is a prime time to hunt coyotes, foxes and other predators. Fur is at its best, animals are active and tracks show clearly in the snow. Some landowners welcome predator hunters because they want to protect livestock. Seasons, legal methods, licensing and night-hunting rules vary widely by state, so read your state wildlife agency's regulations before you go.

Ethics come first. That means knowing your target and what is beyond it every time, taking only shots you are confident will be clean, and passing on any shot that is uncertain. Calling predators often brings animals in quickly and from unexpected directions, which makes positive identification and a safe backstop especially important.

Always get permission before hunting private land, and respect the landowner's rules. Leave gates as you found them. If you are hunting near homes or livestock, talk with the landowner about where people and animals will be.

Cold weather adds its own hazards. Dress in layers, tell someone where you will be and when you'll return, carry a charged phone and a basic first-aid kit, and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Snow and ice make footing treacherous, so unload before crossing fences or difficult terrain.

Finally, make use of what you take where it is legal and practical, and learn the regulations for pelts and reporting. Hunter education courses, available in every state, cover these responsibilities in depth and are a good refresher even for experienced hunters.