Today, a Lansing judge issued an opinion on Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association’s (MTPCA) lawsuit against the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). 

Judge Cole ruled that the commission acted within their legal charge when they partially closed Michigan’s coyote season in March of 2024.  

The full order from Judge Cole can be found HERE.  

According to MUCC CEO Amy Trotter, the organization’s position remains unchanged, the 2024 closure was an illegal and irresponsible action by the commission, and MUCC’s work to reinstate the year-round coyote hunting season.  

“The facts remain unchanged. The commission violated their legal charge and responsibility when they partially closed the coyote season,” said Trotter. “By focusing on unsubstantiated social and political pressures they committed grave disservice to all the conservationists in the state and put us on the path of anti-hunting states like California and New Jersey.” 

MTPCA President Joe Velchansky says his group remains dedicated to the principles of sound scientific management, Proposal G, and that conservationists should not be dissuaded from their work despite this travesty coming at the hands of a tiny minority of hunters.  

“MTPCA will never stop fighting for Proposal G and the principles of sound scientific management,” said Velchansky. “It's a shame a tiny minority of hunters drove the future of Michigan’s outdoor heritage over this cliff. Our work remains more important than ever to ensure that hunting and trapping have a future in Michigan.”  

MUCC and MTPCA now have the option of an appeal, which would need to be filed in the coming weeks. 

This decision comes at the circuit court level and does not set a binding legal precedent; however, a potential decision from the appeals court would.  

Media Contacts: 

MUCC: jtomei@mucc.org 

MTPCA: merlejones336@gmail.com