Changes to 2007 Hunting Season

New changes in Michigan hunting laws have been announced by the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They are as follows:

• The application period for bear and elk will change next year. Beginning in 2008, the application period for bear and elk will be May 1 through June 1.

• The use of traps with teeth or serrations is illegal.

• Hunting fox and coyotes from elevated platforms is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

• Youth hunters may take an anterless deer on a firearm or combination license during the youth firearm deer season.

• Beaver and otter management unit designations have changed, as well as bait rules for trapping. Go to "Beaver and Otter Trapping Regulations" on the DNR's Web site, www.michigan.gov/dnr, for more information.

• Two pending bills in the Michigan Legislature would phase in an increase in hunting and fishing license fees over a six-year period. If approved, the increases are not retroactive to hunters and anglers who already purchased their licenses for the 2007-08 license year.