My Dad and I are thinking about making a trip up there to do some dog hunting sometime either this winter or next.BUT,we are having trouble trying to figure out if our varmint rifles are legal or if we have to carry our shotguns? Also IF we get to make it,what part of the state would you recommend or would even know of some farmers that would allow a couple of hardcore predator hunters to take out a few of their calf killers? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Might even be interested in swapping a coyote hunt for a spring turkey hunt in East Tn. if your interested.
So long as you are not hunting during a firearm deer season (closed to all except for deer hunters with an unfilled deer tag), coyotes are considered a varmint, and may be hunted with any weapon (except for shotgun slugs - only used during deer season), may be spotlighted, baited, etc.
Spotlighted as long as the spotlight is not attached to a vehicle. Can't shine anything from vehicle here in IL.
Best month is February. Pack your favorite varmint round and also bring your shotgun. I've had instances where they were on me in seconds and only 20 yards away hunting the heavily wooded southern part of the state.
