A group of Northern California sheriffs is speaking out against a proposed change to state hunting regulations that would make it harder for ranchers and landowners to legally hunt coyotes. The proposal, currently under consideration by the California Fish and Game Commission, would limit coyote hunting to cases where there is direct evidence of property or agricultural damage.
What the Regulation Proposes
Under the current rules, coyotes are classified as non-game animals and can be hunted year-round without a license or special permit. The new regulation would require hunters to prove that a specific coyote caused harm before it can be taken. This would significantly narrow the circumstances in which hunting is legal and would likely increase oversight and enforcement challenges.
Supporters of the proposal argue it is aimed at protecting wildlife and ensuring that hunting is only used when truly necessary. However, many in rural areas say the regulation could have unintended consequences.
Sheriffs Sound the Alarm
Sheriffs from Shasta, Siskiyou, Modoc, and other counties have publicly opposed the proposed regulation. In a joint letter to the California Fish and Game Commission, they argue that the change would put livestock, pets, and even people at greater risk by restricting a key tool used to control predator populations.
They also warn that the rule could burden already under-resourced law enforcement in rural counties. If landowners are no longer able to deal with predator threats directly, local sheriff’s offices could see more calls for help with livestock losses or potential coyote threats to people.
The Rural Perspective
For those living in the more remote regions of California, coyotes are more than just background wildlife. They are intelligent, fast-breeding predators that have adapted well to human development. Many ranchers and hunters view coyote management as necessary, not optional. With deer numbers already down in some areas, the added pressure from unchecked predator populations could have ripple effects on wildlife, livestock, and livelihoods.
Unlike urban areas, where predator encounters are rare, rural communities often experience them firsthand. Coyotes can and do take calves, lambs, and family pets. Waiting to prove specific damage before taking action, as the propo
