September 20, 2002

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, September 28 is the opening day of the coyote and red and gray fox bow and arrow seasons. Hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset with a daily bag limit of 2 coyote and an unlimited number of fox.

Long, recurve or compound bows are permitted. Compound bows must have a minimum peak weight of 35 pounds. All other bows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.

Arrows must be fitted with a well-sharpened metal broadhead with a minimum width of ¾ inches. The use of dogs is not allowed. Successful coyote hunters should note that they must report any coyote harvested to a Division Law Enforcement Office within 24 hours.

Coyotes have been sighted in all of New Jersey's 21 counties in nearly 250 municipalities. Their population, estimated at less than 100 in 1975, is currently estimated at 3,000 animals.

Last year, 23 coyotes were harvested during the various hunting seasons, which included hunting with bow and arrow (3), shotgun (16) and muzzleloader (4). As shown by these harvest figures, coyotes have excellent senses of sight, smell and hearing, making them extremely wary and challenging to harvest.

Individuals are encouraged to report coyote sightings by completing the form found on the Division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/forms.htm.