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Now it’s Coyote Season
By Glen Wunderlich
Spooky barks, yips, and howls of a nearby coyote interrupted the deer-hunting stillness, as sunlight descended into low light. Across the swamp the song dog taunted me, as I strained to get a glimpse of the critter. Even though deer season was in full swing, there’d be no hesitation to take out the vociferous carnivore, if given a chance. I even had a custom hand call in my pocket for the occasion, but I couldn’t bring myself to actually using it. I was torn between spending the best part of the day actively pursuing this fawn killer and waiting out prime time for a whitetail buck. Neither materialized.
With deer hunting seasons behind us, coyote hunting is at the top of the agenda now. Although a predator hunter can spend a small fortune on an electronic caller and a suitable firearm, chances are that any deer hunter already has the requisite equipment. Yes, that deer gun may render a pelt worthless from the accompanying damage, it’s really of no significant consequence when one considers the relative low value of our Eastern-variety skins in good condition; they’re not worth the trouble of skinning to begin with.
With that mentioned, a hunter is able to use the same ammunition that was used for deer hunting. However, if shots are to be in more open areas, high-stepping centerfire rifles may be in order to hunt longer ranges effectively.
But, what happens when a wily coyote presents itself for a moment at 50 yards or less? That fancy, high-magnification scoped rig is about as useful as a club. Things just happen too fast, and if you’ve ever seen a coyote hit the nitrous button, you know how fruitless it is to bring one down on the run.
Enter the shotgun. No special-purpose smooth bore is required, but relatively heavy shot is best. Some hunters prefer #4 buckshot, but any larger shot size can be problematic, because there is not enough shot to consistently hit the small vitals. Besides that, I haven’t found good patterns with larger buckshot, either.
Winchester’s Varmint X shotshells are truly worth considering for a number of reasons: 1) Patterns are unsurpassed with typical shotshell offerings, 2) The ammo is relatively inexpensive compared to other premium shells, and 3) Recoil is less than loads using more shot.
Although some hunters may opt to carry two firearms afield – a rifle for longer shots and a shotgun for closer-up work – just try to grab the right one in the heat of the moment. And, make sure to practice kicking yourself, while you are at it.
It’s probably best to take one firearm and hunt terrain accordingly. Better yet, a friend toting a shotgun as backup (or you with the shotgun), can make for a combination well-suited for different possibilities.
Next week, we will visit with a hunter/trapper who has been quite successful over the years to learn how he was able to take over 100 coyote pelts to market last year alone. Although he’s not from Michigan, many of his tips and techniques are universally applicable.
Final Season for Michigan Whitetails
By Glen Wunderlich
With the closing of Michigan’s muzzleloading season – one that has permitted the use of all firearms that are legal in the regular firearms deer season – another season is slated to begin Monday, December 23rd through January 1, 2020. This late antlerless firearms season is open on private lands only in most of the Lower Peninsula (check the regulations for specifics) and closed to all of the Upper Peninsula. There are extended antlerless opportunities, as well, for those hunting south of M32 in Alpena County, private land only, Jan. 2-5 and Jan. 9-12, 2020. Additionally, archery season will extend until January 31 for Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
All of this means Michigan has too many deer. So, if you still have freezer space, opportunities abound. At the same time, hunters can perform the duties of scientific wildlife managers in efforts to balance the buck to doe ratio in the herd, and to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). There is no discount on these antlerless tags at $20 each but the good news is that 10 private-land antlerless licenses per hunter in the CWD Management Zones are available.
The CWD Management Zones include Barry, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lenawee, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa, and Shiawassee counties.
The Natural Resources Commission has requested that the DNR evaluate the impact of antler point restrictions within the five-county Core CWD Area on prevalence and spread of chronic wasting disease, increasing antlerless harvest, and decreasing deer population beginning with the 2019 deer season. The data collected will be used to provide estimates on deer abundance and sex/ age ratio changes – factors that are likely to contribute to the overall CWD spread.
Additionally, deer harvest, hunter numbers, and hunter perceptions of APRs will be assessed. The DNR has partnered with the Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center at Michigan State University to conduct this research. At the end of the project (Fall 2023), the results along with conclusions and management recommendations will be presented to the Commission. Recommendations will include the efficacy of APR regulations as a tool for managing the prevalence and spread of CWD.
Finally, here are a few statistics from the DNR deer check station at Rose Lake. The goal in testing for CWD in Shiawassee County was to check a total of 113 deer and so far some 375 have been tested with no positives. Gratiot County is well below the goal of 1277 tests yet has found 3 cases of CWD.
The oldest doe checked was aged at an astounding 13 ½ years and the oldest buck was 6 ½ years of age. And, some fortunate hunter bagged a buck with 16 antler points according to Rose Lake information.
For those hopeful hunters that are still pursuing the low-fat venison alternative to supermarket mystery meat, you’ll find the remaining deer to be in a more normal mode of survival without the hunting pressure of last month. However, those adult whitetail does have become educated, having survived the traditional seasons. Good optics are essential to identify bucks with shed antlers from females, although antlerless bucks are still legal (Ouch!). Also, make sure to avoid hanging deer in freezing conditions (or warmer weather, if applicable).
White River Knife & Tool Rough and Tough
White River Knife & Tool, Fremont, MI – White River Knife & Tool produces affordable knives of custom quality with an emphasis on functionality, design, fit, finish and edge worthiness with every part and piece including manufacture all American made.
White River responds to customer requests demands and this year the company has had many black or natural color Micarta handle of burlap cloth to augment their current linen Micarta handle knives. Read more
RMEF Grants Enhance Michigan’s Wildlife Habitat, Hunting Heritage
MISSOULA, Mont.— The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners awarded $87,630 of grant funding to benefit conservation and hunting heritage efforts in Michigan. RMEF directly granted $29,425 and leveraged an additional $58,205 in partner funding.
“Michigan sports a strong and vibrant hunting lifestyle. This grant funding assists a number of different programs and events around the state that opens up many opportunities for youth to enjoy the outdoors. A chunk of it also goes toward a project aimed at improving habitat for elk, deer, turkeys and other wildlife,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We are grateful for our dedicated Michigan volunteers who generated these funds by hosting banquets and other activities.”
There are 15 RMEF chapters and more than 6,300 members in Michigan.
Since 1990, RMEF and its partners completed 161 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Michigan with a combined value of more than $5.4 million. These projects protected or enhanced 5,977 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 877 acres.
Below is a listing of Michigan’s 2019 projects, shown by county. Read more
Michigan Deer Baiting Ban Upheld through Veto
MUCC and conservation organizations throughout the state and country commend Gov. Whitmer for vetoing HB 4687 — a bill that would allow the baiting of white-tailed deer — earlier today.
Since 2007, Michigan United Conservation Clubs has been opposed to baiting and recreational feeding of cervids due to the concerns with it as a vector in disease transmission. The organization does not oppose baiting on ethical grounds, and MUCC supports it as a legal method of take for species such as bear where no disease risk has been found.
In August of 2018, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved the order banning baiting in the entire Lower Peninsula and in the CWD Core Zone of the Upper Peninsula. The NRC was provided, through legislative referendum (Proposal G) in 1996, the authority to determine the manner and method of take of game using sound science. Read more
Michigan Awards $3.6 Million for Invasive Species Projects
The state of Michigan today announced the 32 projects that will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – addresses prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species in Michigan through four key objectives:
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- Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
- Strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network.
- Limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species.
- Managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.
Michigan: three more elk poached in northern Michigan; DNR seeks information
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in Gaylord are seeking tips from the public regarding three adult cow elk poached in Otsego County – the third elk poaching case in northern Michigan in roughly a month.
“This is the worst year we’ve had as far as elk poaching,” said Lt. Jim Gorno.
Area residents found the three elk about 50 yards north of Hardwood Lake Road near Bobcat Trail, in the Pigeon River State Forest, east of Vanderbilt. Officers believe that the three elk were shot either Saturday or Sunday while they were bedded down near each other.
“This is a loss for everyone who appreciates our state’s natural resources. It’s a true shame,” said Gorno. “If you or anyone you know has information that can help us solve this crime, we want to hear from you.”
Gorno said that the public tips received regarding a bull elk poached in November helped identify a suspect in that case.
Anyone with information regarding this poaching incident can contact the DNR Law Enforcement Division at the DNR Customer Service Center in Gaylord at 989-732-3541, or call or text the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800, available 24/7 year-round. Information can be left anonymously; monetary rewards are available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of violators.
Contact: Lt. James Gorno, 989-732-3541
SIG SAUER Introduces CROSS Rifle
SIG SAUER Introduces CROSS Rifle: The First SIG SAUER Precision Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle Manufactured in the USA
NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the CROSS Rifle. The first SIG-built precision bolt-action hunting rifle is designed by SIG SAUER engineers, completely manufactured and machined at the SIG SAUER facilities in New Hampshire, and tested by premier competitive shooters, the world’s best long range shooters, and a team of professional hunters that the CROSS is built for.
“When our product management team and engineers researched developing a bolt-action rifle, they looked at what was missing from the market, and what new innovation SIG could bring to hunters and precision shooters,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Hunting rifles are typically focused on less weight, and accuracy is secondary. Precision rifles are designed for extreme accuracy, with no weight limitations. What was missing from the market was a true crossover. Our product management team and engineers took the best of both worlds and developed the CROSS featuring the characteristics of a hunting rifle, with the accuracy of a precision rifle.”
The CROSS Precision Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle is a lightweight precision rifle with a push button, foldable SIG precision stock, a one-piece aluminum receiver that eliminates the need for bedding the action, and AI magazines for creating the most accurate precision hunting platform. The CROSS features a stainless-steel rifled barrel with a free-float M-LOK handguard, a 2-stage match-grade trigger externally adjustable from 2.5 – 4 lbs., ambi-safety, a three-lug bolt design with a 60-degree throw and interchangeable bolt handle. The precision stock is spring-loaded for one handed operation and can be fully adjusted in the field for length of pull and comb height with no tools. The rifle has a full-length replaceable picatinny rail that allows for direct optics mounts, 20 MOA, and O MOA. The CROSS is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 WIN, and the soon-to-be-released 277 SIG Fury Hybrid Ammunition with a black anodized or First Lite camo finish.
“Right out of the box the CROSS comes loaded with new innovation and features that hunters and precision shooters will appreciate at a very affordable $1,779.00 MSRP price point,” continued Taylor. “The CROSS delivers on all fronts, and we are especially proud that everything about the CROSS from concept to completion is 100% SIG SAUER and comes directly from our U.S. operations here in New Hampshire.” Read more
SIG SAUER Releases M17 Military Surplus Handguns Commercially
NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to bring authentic, M17 Military Surplus handguns to the commercial market. The M17 Military Surplus handguns were manufactured under contract with the U.S. Army according to the original specifications of the Modular Handgun System (MHS). This is an exclusive, limited availability offering from SIG SAUER and the condition of the handguns will vary based on field use.
“The M17 Military Surplus handguns are a very special release from SIG SAUER, that gives consumers the opportunity to own a piece of history, and includes a certificate of authenticity,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “These handguns were originally issued by the U.S. Army and fielded during the initial domestic and in-theater deployment of the Modular Handgun System. The unique, one-of-a-kind, features of the M17 Surplus handguns include coyote controls, the original government-issue markings and serial numbers, and orange rear and green front SIGLITE Night Sights, which will make them coveted by both military and firearms collectors alike.” Read more