Can I legally shoot a coyote in my back yard that is showing growing interest in my chicken coop (we have 5 chickens in the backyard that we keep for eggs)?
We live in Washoe County (unincorporated part of Reno).
It seems like it may be OK since I am protecting my property:
50.092 Unlawful discharge of firearms; exemption.
1. It is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Discharge any gun, pistol, rifle, shotgun or other firearm
in, on or across any county road or highway.
(b) Discharge in the unincorporated area of the county, any
gun, pistol, rifle or other firearm, with the exception of
shotguns, air rifles or B-B guns, within 5,000 feet of any
dwelling occupied by another person or persons.
(c) Discharge in the unincorporated area of the county, any
shotgun, air rifle or B-B gun within 1,000 feet of any dwelling
occupied by another person or persons.
(d) Discharge any gun, pistol, rifle, shotgun or other firearm
within any congested area of the county.
2. This section does not apply to:
(a) Peace officers in the lawful discharge of duty;
(b) To persons shooting in any regularly established and
lawfully authorized and licensed rifle range, gun club or
shooting gallery;
(c) To any person lawfully discharging a firearm in protection
of life or property.
[§2, Ord. No. 136; A Bill No. 296; A Ord. No. 1180]
We have had the coyotes actually in the yard a few times this summer and deer as well. The coyotes have actually done me a huge favor by culling the cottontails this year but I don't want them going after the chickens regardless. I just want to know if I am in my rights to stop a coyote in my backyard.