There’s a good FAQ from a MA coyote hunting Facebook page.
Massachusetts Coyote Hunting
Q Can I use a rifle for Coyote?
A YES
Q What Caliber rifle is legal to use for coyote in Massachusetts?
A From ½ hour before sunrise till ½ hour after sunset there is NO caliber
restrictions (daylight hours).
** Rifles cannot be used during the 2 week shotgun season for deer
Q: Can I use an air rifle for hunting Coyote.
A: YES, only during daylight hours. During the period from 30 minutes past sunset till midnight only those air rifles that shoot 22 caliber or smaller. *** this will be updated after we receive the official word from the Mass Environmental Police since air rifles do not have a chamber.
Q What are the legal night time hunting hours for coyote?
A From ½ hour after sunset to midnight.
** There is no night hunting allowed during the shotgun deer season
and on State WMA’s where Pheasant and quail are stocked during the
open season for those species.
Q What caliber rifle can I use for nighttime hunting?
A Rifles chambered not larger than a 22 Long Rifle are permissible at
night.
** .17 HMR, 22 Magnum, 223 are Illegal calibers in Massachusetts at
night as the chamber size is greater than that of a 22 long rifle.
(CCI 22LR Stinger ammunition is highly recommended)
Q What is the largest shot I can use in my shotgun for coyote?
A Size FF shot is the largest, No Buckshot or slugs outside the 2 week
shotgun season for deer.
Q Can I use a handgun for hunting Coyote?
A Yes, must meet the same restrictions for a rifle.
Q Can I use a light at night for hunting Coyote?
A NO, the use of artificial light at night is illegal.
Q Can I use bait for coyote?
A YES
Q Can I carry more than 1 gun while Coyote hunting? ie: Shotgun & Rifle.
A It is legal to carry multiple guns that meet the MGL & CMR requirements.
Remember that if you do this to conform to the legal hunting hours ie: don't
be carrying a rifle at night or during the Shotgun season for deer.
Q Can I use an electronic varmint call?
A YES, except during the Shotgun season for Deer.
Q Do I have to tag and check in a coyote?
A Coyote pelts/carcasses must be checked/reported within 4 working days of the end of the season by either 1) checking them at an official check station or 2) reporting them online and writing the harvest confirmation number on a tag of your own making, then attaching the tag to the carcass or pelt. Confirmation numbers must remain attached to all pelts/carcasses, with the specific confirmation number issued for each particular pelt or carcass, until the carcass is prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the pelt is sold or tanned.
Q Can I use dogs to hunt Coyote?
A Yes, except during the Shotgun season for Deer.
Q Is there a Bounty on Coyote in Massachusetts?
A No
Q Is there a season for Coyote?
A Yes, check the current Massachusetts abstracts for season dates and
bag limits.
Q Do I have to wear hunter orange while hunting Coyote?
A No, ** during the 2 week shotgun season for Deer it is required.
When using a rifle it is extremely important to remember how far a projectile will travel and that it can ricochet in any direction. Do not take a shot if the area beyond the coyote does not provide a safe range.