LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Coyotes can now be hunted in Michigan year-round. While two state lawmakers are commending the Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) announcement, State Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) and State Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs) say Thursday’s decision needs to coincide with permanent policy changes.
“A step in the right direction.”
“The Natural Resources Commission’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but it was not the final decision we were hoping for,” said Hoitenga. “Its original repeal lacked any scientific basis and essentially opened the floodgates for coyotes — which can reproduce at an extremely fast rate — to wreak havoc on farmers and landowners, spread disease and harm the natural balance across Northern Michigan and throughout the state.”
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Hoitenga and Fairbairn previously partnered and introduced Senate Bill 366 and House Bill 4554 to allow for year-round coyote hunting and override a 2024 NRC decision to close off the season between mid-April and mid-July each year.
“Though coyotes are a natural part of Michigan’s ecosystem, they proliferate incredibly quickly, and their numbers need to be aggressively managed to keep them from negatively impacting deer, turkey, hare, rabbit and other game and non-game species throughout the state, not to mention predation of pets and livestock,” said Fairbairn. “Returning to a true year-round season is the right thing to do, and now we need the Natural Resources Commission to listen to our call and reverse its previous action in full.”
We must “hold them to their word.”
The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association (MTPCA) filed a lawsuit after the commission closed part of the season in March of 2024. MUCC CEO Amy Trotter said the decision is a win for scientific management but echoed Hoitenga’s concerns.
“We all obviously would have preferred a resolution to the issue today,” said Trotter. “The commission has made clear to the conservationists of Michigan that they will fix the 2024 commission’s error, and the responsibility now rests with all of us to hold them to their word.”
In addition, MTPCA President Joe Velchansky said this week’s win is not a final victory.
“We are closer to righting this wrong today than we were yesterday,” said Velchansky. “We will continue to work with the commission to ensure the commission makes the best decision for the resource, scientific management, and our outdoor heritage.”
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Coyotes are abundant in all 83 Michigan counties. It is estimated that a single female coyote is able to give birth to more than 100 pups in her lifetime.
