Non-lethal snares may be used from Jan. 1 through Mar. 1 to take fox and coyotes, provided:

• Snares are not placed on publicly owned land or commercial forest lands.
   
• All snares in possession or carried afield must have a metallic identification tag attached which is affixed with the owner's or user's name and address or Michigan Driver License number.
   
• Steel cable 1/16 - inch or larger is used.
   
• The snare loop does not exceed 15 inches in diameter.
   
• The top of the snare loop is not placed more than 24 inches above the ground (In snow, 24 inches is measured from the compacted snow in a trapper's footprint established by the full body weight of the trapper.)
   
• Snares must be equipped with a relaxing lock. A relaxing lock is defined as a snare lock that allows the snare loop to loosen slightly to reduce the possibility of strangulation. Snares must also be equipped with a stop to prevent the loop from closing to a diameter less than 4-1/4 inches. Regulations on snare loop size and relaxing lock are designed to prevent the accidental loss of domestic animals and other non-target species.
   
• Snares are equipped with a break-away locking system with a breaking point not greater than 285 pounds. The breakaway device must be attached to the relaxing lock.
   
• Snares are affixed to a stake or object sufficient to hold a fox or coyote. (It is illegal to use any type of drag.)
   
• Snares are equipped with two swivels, including one swivel at the anchor point.
   
• Spring poles, counter-balanced weights, springs or other similar devices are not used to close the snare.
   
• Snares may be up to 60 inches in length, not including a cable anchor extension. The cable anchor extension may be up to 36 inches in length.
   
• Snares are not attached to a fence or set in a manner that would allow an animal to become entangled in a fence.
   
• Snares may be anchored to woody vegetation provided that the stem is free of branches and stubs to a height of 5 feet above the ground or compacted snow. Branches and stubs must be cut flush with the outer bark of the stem.
   
• Snares may not be set in a manner that would allow a snared animal to be suspended two or more feet off the ground.

Note: Dogs and other domestic animals caught in snares, body-gripping or conibear type traps should be reported to the DNR Report All Poaching hotline at (800) 292-7800. See How to Release Dogs from Traps .