The Natural Resources Commission approved changes to furbearer regulations for the 2007-2008 seasons at its June meeting recently held in Lansing.

Changes to furbearer regulations for the 2007-2008 seasons include allowing the use of elevated platforms for the taking of fox and coyote during daylight hours during the specific seasons, and giving the Department of Natural Resources director the authority to extend certain furbearer trapping seasons on some managed waterfowl areas.

"These changes increase the recreational opportunities for both hunters and trappers," said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Bill Moritz.

In addition, other regulations changes approved are: beaver and otter management unit designations were changed from numbers to letters; marten trappers will only be required to submit a skull at registration rather than the entire carcass; trappers will be allowed to use legally taken and possessed game animals as bait during the open trapping seasons; and the use of traps with teeth or serrations is no longer permitted during the recreational trapping season.

"These changes will allow for consistent regulations between hunters and trappers regarding the use of bait and will also simplify present trapping rules," said Doug Reeves, DNR Wildlife Division assistant chief.