MICHIGAN — A new coyote management season will begin in Michigan on March 2 to address animal overabundance and interspecies conflict. The season is scheduled to run for more than seven months, concluding on Oct. 14.
The statewide management season was approved earlier this year by the Natural Resources Commission. The initiative applies to both public and private lands, though trapping is restricted to certain areas and specific license requirements remain in place for all participants.
Coyote hunting is permitted on both private and public lands, although certain restrictions apply during the seven-month management window. Trapping is strictly prohibited on public lands and commercial forest lands that are open to general public hunting. Additionally, the take of coyotes is prohibited in all state parks and recreation areas from April 1 to Sept. 14.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has also established limitations on hunting methods and the use of dogs. Hunting coyotes with dogs is prohibited from April 16 to July 7. While most current hunting and trapping methods are allowed, the use of nonlethal cable restraints is prohibited throughout the management season. All participants must follow existing regulations, including requirements for checking traps.
Licensing requirements vary based on the participant’s residency and the type of activity. All hunters are required to hold a base license. Resident hunters only need this base license to participate. However, all trappers and nonresident hunters must also possess a fur harvester license.
The state has also issued specific guidelines for the use and disposal of coyote carcasses. Carcasses must either be used or disposed of by being buried completely or wrapped and placed in a landfill. Private landowners are allowed to compost carcasses on their own property, provided the practice is permitted by local authorities.
Hunters or trappers who intend to purchase a 2025 fur harvester license in March or April 2026 must purchase their 2025 base license before Feb. 28, 2026. The Natural Resources Commission will continue to accept questions regarding the management season at NRC@Michigan.gov.