Michigan is home to a rich variety of wildlife, and hunting is a popular activity for many residents and visitors. While most hunting seasons in Michigan are limited to certain times of the year, there are some animals that you can hunt year-round. Whether you’re looking to protect your property or enjoy the outdoors, Michigan offers opportunities for hunters even outside of the traditional hunting seasons. Here’s a look at five animals you can hunt all year long in Michigan.
1. Coyotes
For many years, coyotes have been a constant presence in Michigan’s wilderness and even suburban areas. Although coyotes are beneficial in controlling the populations of smaller animals, they are also known to pose a risk to livestock and domestic pets. Due to their overpopulation, hunting coyotes year-round has become necessary to keep their numbers in check.
While it’s been announced that the hunting season for coyotes will now end in February, hunters can still hunt them for the rest of the year. Whether you’re hunting for sport or to reduce their presence in your area, the coyote population continues to be a target for year-round hunting.
2. Wild Pigs
Though wild pigs were once a rare sight in Michigan, their numbers have grown rapidly over the years, causing severe damage to both crops and natural habitats. These invasive creatures are destructive and pose a danger to both agriculture and the environment. As a result, wild pigs can be hunted year-round without specific season limitations.
Hunters are encouraged to keep their numbers under control, as wild pigs are known to breed quickly and cause long-term damage to the environment. Whether it’s for pest control or the challenge of hunting these tough animals, you can hunt wild pigs whenever you like in Michigan.
3. Squirrels
Squirrels may seem small and harmless, but they can cause significant damage to crops, trees, and homes. They are known for chewing through wires, damaging gardens, and even getting into attics. In Michigan, squirrels are abundant, and you can hunt them year-round.
While hunting squirrels isn’t always about big-game hunting, it’s an excellent way to manage their populations and prevent the damage they cause. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, squirrel hunting is a fun and rewarding activity that can be done year-round.
4. Raccoons
Raccoons are another species that can be hunted throughout the year. These clever creatures are often seen rummaging through trash cans and causing trouble in backyards. In addition to their mischievous habits, raccoons can also transmit diseases such as rabies.
Michigan hunters have the option to hunt raccoons any time of year to control their population. This not only helps reduce the spread of disease but also minimizes damage caused by these nocturnal animals as they search for food. If you’re dealing with raccoons on your property, hunting them might be an effective solution.
5. Woodchucks
Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are common in Michigan and can be a nuisance for farmers and homeowners. These animals create burrows that can damage lawns, gardens, and farm fields. With their burrowing habits, woodchucks can destabilize the soil and even cause harm to structures like fences or foundations.
If you are dealing with woodchucks on your property, hunting them year-round can help alleviate the problems they cause. These animals can be hunted during any time of the year, making it easier for hunters to keep their numbers in check.
Why Hunt Year-Round?
Hunting year-round in Michigan can help balance the local ecosystems by managing the populations of these animals. Many of the animals on this list are considered nuisance species, meaning they are overpopulated and cause significant harm to crops, homes, and other wildlife.
By hunting these animals, hunters not only enjoy the challenge of the sport but also contribute to keeping the environment healthy. It’s essential, however, that hunters follow the rules set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which ensures that hunting is done ethically and legally.
In addition to benefiting the environment, year-round hunting also offers the opportunity for those who enjoy hunting as a sport to stay active throughout the year. Whether it’s hunting for food or controlling pest populations, Michigan offers a variety of animals that can be hunted all year.
Conclusion
While Michigan has specific hunting seasons for most animals, the state does provide year-round hunting for certain species that are considered pests or cause significant damage. Coyotes, wild pigs, squirrels, raccoons, and woodchucks can all be hunted at any time of the year. These animals, while part of Michigan’s natural landscape, can cause problems for residents, farmers, and the ecosystem, making year-round hunting a useful tool in managing their populations. Always be sure to stay informed about regulations from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to ensure that your hunting practices are legal and sustainable.
(Source : wjimam.com)
