Hunters took slightly fewer deer during Michigan’s firearm hunting season than last year.
LANSING, Mich. (WJRT) – The Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation to increase hunting and fishing license fees, aiming to generate nearly $30 million for wildlife and natural resources.
Senate Bill 276, led by Sen. John Cherry of Flint and Sen. Jon Bumstead of Norton Shores, addresses revenue challenges faced by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources due to inflation and declining participation in hunting and fishing.
“Conservation is a Michigan matter. Regardless of your zip code or where you stand politically, Michiganders — including the hunters and fishers I know — deeply value our state’s rich natural resources and recognize the need to conserve them,” Cherry said.
The plan includes Michigan’s first hunting and fishing license fee increases in 10 years while maintaining the lowest costs in the Great Lakes. It also offers discounts for seniors and youth, and reduces the cost for an antlerless deer license to $5.
The bill requires the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to re-examine the state’s deer and elk baiting ban and allows for additional deer management tools, such as earning the chance to take a second buck.
Sportsmen also may be able to purchase a new Complete License, that allows them to hunt and fish multiple species with a single transaction.
“As an avid sportsman, I believe that we should protect our natural resources for current residents and for future generations,” said Bumstead.
The revenue will support DNR efforts in fish stocking, habitat improvement, deer management and hunter education. Additionally, the legislation proposes new management tools and eliminates the sunset on the pheasant stamp program.
“The increased funding for the MDNR Wildlife and Fishery Divisions will add value to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts’ experiences across our great state for years to come,” said Todd Johnson, spokesman for the Michigan National Deer Association.
The legislation now moves to the Michigan House for further consideration.
