Learn more about the program

How does the Predator Control Program work?

This year, in addition to maintaining an aggressive predator-management policy, the DWR has launched a predator control program that provides incentives for members of the public to remove coyotes. Participants in this new program will receive $50 for each properly documented coyote that they kill in Utah. For details, see the rest of this page or download the fact sheet (170 KB PDF) and the map (382 KB PDF).

How do I register for the program?

To register and receive compensation for coyote removal, you must follow the program rules and guidelines. Specifically, you must:

1. Complete the online training and registration course.
2. Submit the coyote’s lower jaw and either the full pelt or the scalp (with both ears attached). Also submit the properly filled out compensation form, which must include the GPS location where the coyote was taken, the identity of the person who took it and the date of removal.
3. Request compensation only at designated sites and on designated days and times. Coyote ears will be marked by the DWR to prevent double payments. Disposal of carcasses is the responsibility of the program participant.
4. Follow all rules and regulations related to trapping and firearm use, as detailed in the 2012–2013 Utah Furbearer Guidebook and the Predator Control Incentives Rule R657-64, Utah Code and local law.

When and where do I check in coyotes?

The DWR regularly updates the list of coyote check-in locations and times. When you visit a check-in site, you must bring proof that you completed the registration and training course and a filled out compensation form, including the GPS location where the coyote was taken.

How do I store coyotes before I bring them in for reimbursement?

The DWR requires all hunters to use one of the following storage methods:

• Place the scalp or pelt (with both ears attached) and the lower jaw (at least the front two-thirds of the jaw) into a paper bag so they can dry out. On the outside of the bag, please make a note of the coyote's gender and the coordinates and date of removal.
• Storage in a freezer is also acceptable, but the jaw and scalp must be sufficiently thawed so the ears can be notched and a tooth removed at the reimbursement location. Before freezing an entire head, place something in the mouth to prop the jaws completely open.

IMPORTANT: Frozen samples cannot be processed and may be rejected for payment. Proper disposal of carcasses is the hunter's responsibility.

Can I use spotlights to hunt coyotes at night?

Individual counties regulate spotlighting for coyotes and other nonprotected species in Utah. Contact the sheriff's department in the counties where you wish to hunt to find out if spotlighting is allowed.

Why is location important in removal efforts?

The recommended coyote removal zone is based on the boundaries of areas that are important to deer. Coyotes primarily kill fawns and can produce more than six pups per year. They have high reproductive potential and can be difficult to hunt. It will be impossible to remove all coyotes from Utah, even with a large effort by the public. Although any coyote taken in Utah can be submitted for compensation, the DWR is recommending specific areas and dates when coyote removal has the greatest potential for benefiting mule deer. A statewide map (382 KB PDF) identifies areas where control should be targeted to provide the most benefit to mule deer.

Why is timing important in removal efforts?

Coyotes mate during the winter, usually January and February. The most effective control efforts will remove coyotes after pair bonds and territories are set, and before pups are raised. Coyote removal is less effective in late summer. That is when coyotes typically wander and disperse, often dying of natural causes in their attempts to find new territories. Recommended removal dates (December through June) are timed so that the majority of removals are after coyotes have established territories but before pups can be raised, or when deer are fawning. It is during these periods that deer populations are most susceptible to coyote predation. For the greatest benefit to mule deer, coyotes should be removed in the recommended locations and season.

How will the Predator Control Program benefit mule deer?

The severity of weather and the amount of forage available are usually the most important factors that limit deer numbers. If the weather is mild and the habitat is good, then removing predators could increase the number of fawns that survive. More fawns could help to stimulate an increase in mule deer numbers. If there is not enough good habitat or there is a harsh winter, then fawns may die from other causes besides coyotes, and predator removal won’t help deer populations to grow.

How will the DWR evaluate the effectiveness of this program?

An assessment of the program is necessary to determine if the money spent compensating for coyote removal has resulted in lower coyote numbers, improved fawn-to-doe ratios and higher numbers of mule deer. The DWR will track locations where coyotes are being effectively removed and identify areas where additional removal is necessary.

Will the DWR protect my privacy?

Utah has privacy-protection laws that the DWR will follow in implementing this program.

I've heard rumors about targeted contracts to remove coyotes. Does this option exist?

Not yet. The Mule Deer Protection Act also calls for the DWR to create a more targeted program that uses contractors to remove coyotes from areas where it may help deer. The DWR will use information gathered during the first year of the program to identify areas where additional coyote removal is needed. Then, the DWR will use reports of coyotes taken by individuals to identify a list of preferred vendors who can be contracted to remove coyotes from targeted areas. Clear and accurate reporting is essential.

What happens if the program's funding runs out?

The DWR expects to have enough funding to provide reimbursement for all coyotes. However, a finite amount of money has been appropriated. If reimbursements deplete all of the funds, the program will be suspended unless alternative funding is found or until the next fiscal year. Notices will be posted online if the program has to be suspended for any reason.

How can I learn more about this program?

If you have questions or comments about how the program will work, please send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What predator-related legislation passed in 2012?

The Utah Legislature passed two predator-related bills in 2012. The first bill, Predator Control Funding (Senate Bill 87), added a $5 fee to all Utah big game hunting permits. The money funds a program to control populations of predatory animals that endanger the health of Utah's non-predatory wildlife.

The second bill, Mule Deer Protection Act (Senate Bill 245), allocated general funding to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources ($500,000) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food ($250,000). The legislation directed our agencies to work together — and with other government entities — to administer programs that reduce and control coyote populations, particularly in areas where predation of mule deer occurs.