New Coyote Management Season Begins in Michigan March 2

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created a new management season for coyotes which goes into effect on March 2, 2026.

Why It's Important to Manage the Population of Coyotes

Coyote populations in Michigan have grown significantly and now span the entire state. Their success is largely due to their remarkable adaptability to urban and suburban environments, the loss of natural habitats that has pushed them into developed areas, and their ability to take advantage of human-provided food sources such as pet food left outdoors.

Managing coyotes in Michigan is necessary to address their growing population, which have increasingly become a public concern due to conflicts with people, pets, and livestock. Effective management helps reduce heavy predation on deer, turkey, and other small game species, safeguards farmers’ animals, and supports efforts to maintain ecological balance.

Read More: Michigan Cougar Sightings Soar in 2025

Michigan hunters have long argued that stronger coyote management measures are needed, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has now responded by introducing updated year-round hunting and trapping seasons.

Michigan’s New Coyote Rules Take Effect March 2

According to the DNR, the new coyote management season begins Monday, March 2, 2026. The new season will last through October 14. Hunting is allowed on private and public lands, with some restrictions.

A base license is required to hunt coyotes. In order to trap coyotes you must also have a fur harvester license. For more details about the coyote management season, click here.

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