Fox And Coyote Trapping Survey

The trapping of foxes and coyotes in Michigan was studied to determine the number of trappers that use foothold traps and snares and assess their trapping activities. During the 2003-2004 season an estimated 2,906 trappers engaged in this activity, catching 7,763 coyotes and 8,049 fox in foothold traps.

This survey was done to estimate the number of trappers that used foothold traps and snares to catch fox or coyotes and determine their trapping effort and harvest of fox and coyotes. In addition, trappers were asked to report the types and number of animals besides coyote and fox that were captured in foothold traps and snares. An estimated 2,906 trappers attempted to capture fox or coyotes with foothold traps or snares during the 2003-2004 season.

Most trappers used foothold traps (92%), while 50% of the trappers used snares. An estimated 2,665 trappers caught an estimated 7,763 coyotes and 8,049 fox in foothold traps. About 70% of these trappers caught an animal besides fox and coyote in their foothold traps that were set for fox or coyote. The most common animals other than fox and coyote caught in foothold traps were opossums (10,546), raccoons (7,618), and skunks (4,506).

About 1,447 trappers used snares and caught 3,028 coyotes and 1,298 fox. About 17% of these trappers caught an animal besides fox and coyote in their snares that were set for fox or coyote. The most common animals besides fox and coyote caught in snares were raccoons (248) and domestic dogs.