Coyotes hunters in Kansas will now be allowed to work the night shift, thanks to a regulation change that will legalize the use of artificial lights and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in Jan. 1, 2021.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commissioners passed the regulation change by a vote of 5 to 2 and once the regulation is implemented, participating hunters are required to purchase a $2.50 Night Vision Equipment Permit that will allow them to use artificial light — scopes and equipment that amplify visible light — and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night. 

The use of this equipment will be permitted from January 1 to March 31, beginning in 2021 and can be used only for hunting coyotes. The use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited and night vision equipment will not be permitted on Department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.

“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”

The Biology of Hunting at Night

Coyotes deal with hunting pressure through avoidance and are most active when human activity is at its lowest ebb — nighttime. And that’s why hunting the graveyard shift can provide hunters with some of the most productive opportunities. Paranoid coyotes that come reluctantly to the call during daylight hours, if at all, are much more bold under the cover of darkness.

By hunting those crepuscular hours after dawn and before sunset, hunters capitalize on the nighttime activities of these nocturnal canines, catching them on the outer edges of their hunting excursions. But by stretching those hours into the dark of night, hunters stand a good chance of putting even more fur in the truck.

The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes. For more details, visit www.ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations.