Michigan Predator Hunting
Michigan, a land of diverse natural environments, is a wonderland for hunters pursuing predators. From the virgin forests of the Upper Peninsula, teeming with bear, wild swine, and no end of wolves, to the more populated Lower Peninsula's wildlife, with foxes, coyotes, and even cougar wandering the state (once considered extinct, they have reemerged, like the wolves--although neither are subject to hunting) a challenging hunt is never far away.
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Fox
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Foxes are prized for their fur. Close relatives to coyotes, wolves, and even domesticated dogs, red and gray foxes are nocturnal creatures and solitary hunters. The gray fox, less common than red foxes, is also the only canine able to climb trees. Trapping and hunting season is October 15 through March 1. Fox may be hunted at night, and hand-held lights are permitted, as are night-vision goggles; vehicle-mounted lights, however, are illegal. Additionally, you cannot use rifles or handguns from November 15 to November 30 in a shotgun zone, and the gun may only be loaded or arrow-nocked while using a game or predator call.
Coyote
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Coyotes can be difficult to distinguish from dogs. Coyote, natural predators of Michigan's foxes and prime competitors for their prey, are typically solitary creatures and hunt mainly at night. Described as "difficult to distinguish from a medium-sized German shepherd dog from a distance," according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), they are especially plentiful in the northern woods of Michigan. Trapping season is the same as fox, but hunting season is July 15 through April 15, and again November 15 through 30th in some areas. Night hunting allowed, and the same light and weapon regulations exist as for fox. Additionally, coyote may be taken year-long on private property if there is risk of or existing property damage.
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Bobcat
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The bobcat gives a piercing, eerie cry during mating season. Bobcats, native wild felines, are prospering in Michigan. Looking much like a small tiger with a bobbed tail (to be distinguished from the larger lynx, less common in Michigan) bobcats are territorial, mainly solitary, and nocturnal in nature. Strict meat-eaters, bobcats are exciting game for hunters from January 1 through February 1 in most areas, extending to March 1 in some areas. There is a bag limit of two per person, with certain restrictions.
Feral Swine
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When challenged, a wild pig can be dangerous. Feral swine have proved an increasing problem in Michigan, especially Russian boars. Imported and established at hunting preserves in the Upper Peninsula, where, for a fee, you can hunt any time of year, some have since escaped and thrived in the wild. "Wild swine pose a threat to domestic livestock, wildlife, the environment and individuals," comments Michigan DNR. As of 2010, if you have a hunting license for any animal, a wild pig is fair game.
Bear
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Bear hunting regulations are complex and involve a lottery. Perhaps the ultimate in predator hunting, black bear in Michigan are plentiful in the northern regions and the Upper Peninsula. Regulations of bear hunting are complex, as a part of the DNR's "Black Bear Management Program." To maintain a balance in bear populations, Michigan is divided into 10 bear management areas. Each section is analyzed yearly to determine a desired population quota and a hunting quota. Applications for bear hunting must be submitted between May and June each year, and a certain portion are picked, by lottery, in late June. Only one bear may be killed by a hunter, per year.
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References
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Nighttime Raccoon and Predator Hunting
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Bear Hunting in Michigan
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Fox & Coyote
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Feral Swine
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Gray Wolf
Resources
- Photo Credit un ours noir se promène image by MONIQUE POUZET from Fotolia.com red fox,fox,mammal,animal,big bear,big bear lake,c image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) image by Steve Byland from Fotolia.com bobcat spring image by Kolett from Fotolia.com wild boar image by McDanny from Fotolia.com The Bear goes where the Bear wants to go image by Ian Shorr from Fotolia.com
