By Glen Wunderlich
As a wordsmith and professional communicator, I can’t help but notice when the English language is used incorrectly. For example, if you’ve ever watched and/or listened to political debates, invariably you’ll notice an indefensible misuse of the word “podium.” Some smartly dressed talking head displays his or her ignorance with a comment such as this: “Senator Sam is now getting behind the podium, so let’s listen.” Students of our language cringe, knowing that Sam is actually getting behind the lectern. The podium – if it’s even present – is the platform on which the lectern is placed. It baffles me as to why the higher-ups never seem to catch on but at least that’s off my chest now.
For some time, language in Michigan’s Hunting Digest has seemed ambiguous to me relative to certain rules governing coyote hunting and trapping. The rules indicate, there is no limit, coyotes can be hunted statewide, year-round. However, reference to note #1 indicates coyotes may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year, if they are doing or about to do damage on private property. A license or written permit is not needed.
Not wanting to get on the wrong side of the law, I contacted Rebecca Benedict of the Public Outreach and Engagement Unit, DNR Wildlife Division. I asked if damage to other wildlife, such as deer, would qualify under the definition. Furthermore, how’s a person to know if a coyote is about to do damage?
Here is her response: “Coyotes that pursue natural prey such as deer and small game are not considered to be doing or about to do damage. The coyote must be doing or about to do damage to your personal property (pets, livestock, privately owned cervids, private buildings, etc.) to be able to be lawfully taken outside of the trapping season.
Raccoons, skunks, and coyotes may be taken year-round, using otherwise lawful hunting or trapping methods, on private property and with landowner permission when doing or about to do damage. A snare would be lawful year-round to take coyotes doing or about to do damage on your private property as long as the rules outlined in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest are followed; see page 50 for more information.
If questioned by a law enforcement officer, you would need to provide an explanation of how the coyote was doing or about to do damage. Contact the Law Enforcement Division at 517-284-6000 for more information. ”
Still confused, I asked how a coyote could be shot on sight without all this proof. The simple answer follows:
“A Michigan resident may hunt coyote year-round if they have a Base License. Coyotes are in the category of small game, so you can use your base license to hunt them. You must follow the rules for hunting coyotes, same as you have rules for any other game species you hunt, like deer. You can find more information on hunting coyotes in the Hunting and Trapping Digest on pg. 48 & 49. Coyotes do not have to be doing or about to damage to be hunted.
The rule you are referring to allows a property owner (or someone designated by the property owner) to take coyote on private property if they are doing or about to do damage without a license or written permit. This would not be hunting. For example: if on your property you see a coyote going toward your chicken coop you would be able to shoot it if you did not have a base license. (Please check and make sure you are in an area where you can legally discharge a firearm).
I hope this clears up the confusion.”
It certainly did and I hope we can all sleep better now.
