Coyotes, trapping, and the U.P.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hi Boehr;
I was wondering if you could give some clarification re: the taking of coyotes during the rifle deer season in the U.P. According to the law, it is illegal to "hunt" (i.e. shoot) a coyote during the rifle deer season in the U.P.--I realize this to be to protect the wolf ppopulation. However, trapping for coyotes is allowed, and you are allowed to carry a .22 rimfire while checking your trap line to dispatch trapped animals. My question is: if you shoot a coyote with a .22 to dispatch it after catching it in a foothold trap during the rifle deer season, are you in violation of the "hunting" law, since you shot the animal? I am talking about someone with a valid furharvesters license here.
Thanks

[boehr]

No, you are still trapping and trapping is open then. Dispatching a animal in a foothold trap with a .22 is not what the intent of hunting coyotes is under the law.

[This message has been edited by boehr (edited 02-01-2001).]

[trappercarl]

also traps aren't a threat to the wolves because most coyote traps would be busted all to #$@%%!$^# if a wolf got into them. carl