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.

By Glen Wunderlich

The sights and sounds of spring are upon us, no matter what Punxsutawney Phil has indicated.  Back are the sandhill cranes, redwing blackbirds and others such as the robins – all of which must wonder the efficacy of the early-bird adage of getting the proverbial worm.  No doubt Old Man Winter’s not done with us yet.

Regardless, some of our most resilient, non-migratory game birds – the wild turkeys – are just as anxious to bid farewell to the persistent snow, as they get in gear for their annual mating rituals in the coming weeks.  It’s easy for us humans to forget, as we man the snow shovels week after week, but the early spring hunting season begins in about a month – ready or not.

Here are a few suggestions to pass the time for those with visions of drumsticks dancing in their heads.

·        There are about as many turkey calls as turkey hunters themselves and now’s the time to see how they’ve held up.  Box calls may need a bit of light sanding on the friction surfaces, along with some chalking to finish the job.  Pot calls such as slate or glass may need similar attention such as light sanding of the surfaces including that of the striker.  Diaphragm calls can get funky, too, and rather than mess with old ones, they’re inexpensive enough to simply replace; just don’t forget to sing a few practice tunes with them before heading afield.

·        Check the function of shotguns – especially if they’ve seen use from last season during upland game or wildfowl seasons.

·        Patterning the smoothbores should also be on the checklist.  Most turkey loads pack a wallop at both ends – downrange and squarely on the shoulder.  Consider using light target shells, if you are concerned about your point of aim; they are inexpensive and are less likely to produce the dreaded flinch.  Once you get on target, it’s time for the serious stuff.

·        If you’ve yet to select any particular brand of shotshells, I’ve yet to find a better one for the money than Winchester’s Long Beard XR shells.  They come in 12 and 20-gauge configurations and pattern better than shells costing much more.  Although XR stands for extended range, make sure to limit shots to a distance whereby the pattern is tight enough to produce about 10 pellets in the head and neck region of the turkey.  If you don’t have store-bought turkey targets, make your own.

·        Camo gloves, facemasks and insect repellant should be packed.  Forgetting any one of these essentials can spoil a hunt.

·        Decoys are big business but they don’t have to be expensive.  I’ve had the same old rubber hen for years and that’s all I’ve ever used.  Although many decoying theories prevail, I’ve never found any need for elaborate setups.  But, if you are a run-and-gun hunter, a turkey fan-tail decoy can provide cover and deception.

·        Finally, if you are taking a youngster along, strongly consider a portable blind.  It can keep hunters dry, while concealing inevitable movement from within.  And, unlike whitetail deer, turkeys pay no attention to them – even if you’ve set them up immediately before turkeys are present.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers remind new hunters that it’s not too early to sign up for safety classes.

All first-time hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, must successfully complete a hunter safety course. Read more

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The TurkeyPro remote features an elastomeric keypad for effortless use, even with gloves. It also has category files for easy navigation through sounds. The remote has a power on/off switch, volume up/down buttons, scroll up/down buttons, a mute, and much more. Read more