Resident Commercial Live Coyote and Fox Trapping: Privileges, Seasons, Methods, Requirements

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the seasons, methods, and requirements for taking, holding, possessing, and selling live coyotes, red fox, and gray fox by the holder of a Resident Commercial Live Coyote and Fox Trapping Permit. (1) Coyotes, red fox, and gray fox may be taken, possessed, and held alive in confinement by the holder of a valid Resident Commercial Live Coyote and Fox Trapping Permit. Coyotes, red fox, and gray fox may be taken in any number during the season dates and methods prescribed for these species by Chapter 8 of this Code and by cable restraint from November 15 through the last day of February. All coyotes and foxes taken or possessed in accordance with this rule shall be individually marked with an ear tag purchased from the department. Ear tags shall be affixed immediately to each animal taken at the time and location where each coyote, red fox, or gray fox is captured. (2) Coyotes, red fox, and gray fox taken in accordance with this rule may not be exported and may only be sold or given away to the holder of a valid Hound Running Area Operator and Dealer Permit. Live coyotes, red fox, and gray fox may not be transported or possessed after March 7 of each year. These animals shall be sold or given to the holder of a valid Hound Running Area Operator and Dealer Permit on the day of capture or confined in facilities and cared for as specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220. These confinement facilities must have an onsite inspection prior to holding live coyotes and foxes and shall be approved annually by an agent of the department. Approved confinement facilities and wildlife held under this permit are subject to inspection by an authorized agent of the department at any reasonable time. (3) The resident commercial live coyote and fox trapper shall keep an up-to-date and accurate permanent record on forms provided by the department of all coyotes, red fox, and gray fox taken alive that includes the county of origin, species, ear tag number, date captured, date of transfer, and the name, address, and permit number of the hound running area operator/ dealer receiving each individual animal. All records shall be made available for inspection by an authorized agent of the department at any reasonable time. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed March 2, 2020, effective Aug. 30, 2020. Amended: Filed May 16, 2025, effective Jan. 1, 2026. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.