In the Field: Furbearer Management

lschultz • January 29, 2019

This time of year, many hunters switch gears and focus on furbearer management. This closely regulated opportunity offers many benefits to hunters and other wildlife. Michigan has 17 species that are classified under the ‘furbearer’ category. These include badger, bobcat, fisher,
marten, fox (red and gray), coyote, weasels (least, ermine, and long-tailed), mink,
raccoon, muskrat, beaver, otter, skunk, and opossum.

Michigan’s hunting and trapping is an important piece of outdoor heritage. As noted in the 2018 Fur Harvester Digest, “Sustainable harvest of furbearers helps maintain these recreational pursuits while also maintaining the link to our past and retention of the fur harvesting aspect of our culture.”

Dogs can be used in the field but reference the Fur Bearers Digest for a full breakdown of regulations.

From an ecological standpoint, people that hunt and trap these fur-bearing species aid in the natural system of predator/prey relationships. Regulations are set based on furbearer populations that are monitored by the Department of Natural Resources. Each species plays a role in the ecosystem and is granted that respect. Regulations are put in place to ensure that the population of each species remains sustainable.

Engaging in either trapping or hunting of a furbearing species is a great way to dive deeper into the true process of nature. There are many lessons to be learned when you find your boots on the ground thinking like one of these species. You discover the meaning of their existence and how their surroundings affect them, and how they affect others.  You find yourself thinking like them in the same fashion as when you hunt deer, turkey and other species we would consider the norm.

Another notable feature – trapping and hunting these species seems to bring people together of all ages. Furbearer harvesting not only figuratively connects us to our past, it literally unites the young, old and everyone in between.

A coyote hunting group in Shiawassee County after a successful hunt.

Trapping is an activity that requires attention to detail and an incredible amount of responsibility. Anyone interested in hunting and/or trapping activities should review the most current Fur Harvester Digest before participating.

Some wildlife cooperatives have included predator hunting in their annual plans as comradery opportunity along with its benefit to the wildlife community. Harold Wolf, President of the Southern Mecosta Whitetail Management Association (SMWMA), says that these hunts serve as a chance to hunt with low stress, remember the common ground that the group was built on and get kids out in the field.

SMWMA hosts approximately 5 events a year that do not surround deer hunting but aim for community engagement within the cooperative. This year, a coyote hunt was held. 10 adults and 5 youth participated. While not a fundraiser, the group had some fun by collecting money for a 50/50 drawing, had various door prizes for participants, and enjoyed a chili lunch. Harold said that events such as the coyote hunt keep the cooperative interactive and enjoyable.

SMWMA after completing their 2019 coyote hunt.

What do you look forward to doing in your ‘offseason?’ Whether it’s habitat work or hunting another species, it’s never a bad thing to be active in the outdoors and wildlife management.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts