By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

In year 2016, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) requested the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop a recommendation to expand the coyote hunting season. Subsequently, the coyote hunting season was changed from July 15 to April 15, to year-round.  At the time, the DNR did not expect a year-round season to have a significant biological impact at the statewide level and all indications are that it did not.

However, at the March NRC meeting, closure of the season was adopted on a 4-2 vote, and it takes effect April 15.  So, why the about face?

Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ Policy and Government Affairs Manager Justin Tomei spoke at the meeting and said the science on coyote management is clear.

“Today, we laid out a clear scientific argument for the use of lethal coyote management, via hunters, during the spring and summer months,” said Tomei. “Coyote management is most effective in the spring when you can actively control local predator populations, limit depredation and increase deer densities.”

“The first question during the first DMI [Deer Management Initiative] meeting was about predator management,” Trotter said. “The DMI will inevitably make some recommendation regarding predator management, and the commission should wait to ensure all stakeholder opinions are considered.”

The vote came after commissioners rejected attempts from NRC members Nyberg and Walters to remove the closure from the wildlife conservation order and table the vote.

Since Proposal G of 1996 was passed by a whopping 69 percent of Michigan voters, it granted the NRC exclusive authority over the taking of game and required the commission, “to the greatest extent practicable, to use principles of sound scientific management in making decisions regarding the taking of game.”

“No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC had an obligation to oppose this part of the order per Proposal G and the authority it provides to them,” Amy Trotter of MUCC said. “Now enacted, it will make the fight to defend lethal wildlife management that much harder.”

However, concern exists and has resurfaced about social perception and future loss of management tools, if the open season continues to allow coyotes to be taken when there are dependent young present. The proposed change will result in not allowing coyote harvest while female coyotes have dependent young. Additionally, coyotes will still be able to be taken year-round on private land if a coyote is doing damage or physically present where it could imminently cause damage.

But an animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says that while shortening the hunting season is a step in the right direction, banning coyote hunting altogether is a better solution.

It appears that our NRC has supplanted science for emotional rhetoric, and accordingly, owes Michigan voters an explanation relative to its betrayal of the peoples’ trust.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program is offering a Beyond BOW Turkey hunt workshop for women.

Scheduled for the weekend of May 10-11, 2024, the program is for women with no previous experience or would like to expand on or learn new skills and abilities. Space is limited to seven participants.

This free Beyond BOW event will be held in Cass City and is sponsored by The National Wild Turkey Federation, Cabela’s and Ben’s Great Outdoors. The BOW program greatly appreciates the continued support of these sponsor organizations.

Ammo, shotguns and lunch will all be provided. However, overnight lodging will be the responsibility of the participants. Read more

Michigan’s NRC has been considering partially closing year-round coyote hunting since early 2024. In a unanimous vote on Saturday, MUCC members made clear that the organization does not support closing the season and that there is no biological evidence to support such a closure.

MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter said the organization’s stance on closing the coyote season is “abundantly” clear.

“No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC has an obligation to oppose this part of the order in accordance with Proposal G and the authority it provides to them,” Trotter said. “If enacted, it will make the fight to defend lethal wildlife management that much harder.”

Check your drawing results for the spring turkey hunting season today. Find results at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, on the DNR Hunt Fish App or by calling 517-284-9453 (WILD).

If successfully drawn, licenses can be purchased online, over the counter at a license agent or in the app.

Applied for a license but were not drawn? Mark your calendars! Hunters who were unsuccessful in the drawing can purchase a leftover license on Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m.

Remaining leftover turkey licenses will go on sale to everyone Monday, March 25, at 10 a.m. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit.

If you’re looking for a license that provides flexible hunting options, Hunt 0234 might be for you. Learn more about this hunt and season dates in the 2024 Michigan Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary.

Hunters know how good it feels to plop onto the ground after hours of trekking through the wild lands. They also know that it doesn’t take long for that relaxing sit to become irritating as the hard ground, rocks, sticks, and dampness put a crimp in the comfort. That’s why ALPS OutdoorZ, the premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, developed the all-new Summit Trail Seat. Read more

Thursday, March 28 at 8 a.m. and noon

Rooster Ranch in Ubly

This pheasant hunt is open to any teacher or school district employee. Participants can choose to hunt the morning session (8 a.m.-noon) or the afternoon session (noon-3:30 p.m.).

The day will start with an introduction to shooting safety and end with a guided, three-bird pheasant. Participants are required to have ammo (two boxes of target loads) and hunter orange (at least a hat) and be appropriately dressed for the weather. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotgun (no hammer guns, please).

Cost is $65, which includes experienced guides and dogs, a meal and an annual Pheasants Forever membership.

Register for 3/28 Hunt