Michigan Pro-Hunting Reform Clears The State House of Representatives, Goes to Governor Snyder

Thanks to your calls and e-mails, an important pro-hunting reform has been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives and has made its way to Governor Rick Snyder for his consideration.  Senate Bill 288, introduced by state Senator Tom Casperson (R-38), passed in the state Senate by a 25 to 1 vote last week and received a 72 to 38 vote yesterday in the state House.  SB 288 would improve the scientific management of wildlife and ensure that hunting rules and regulations are based on verifiable biological evidence – not a political agenda. 

Fanatical anti-hunting extremists have been bombarding Governor Snyder for weeks urging him to veto SB 288 despite its overwhelming approval in the state legislature.  For the future of Michigan’s rich hunting heritage and the state’s thousands of active hunters, it is imperative that you contact Governor Snyder TODAY and politely ask him to sign SB 288 into law.

In addition to other small technical fixes, Senate Bill 288 would make the following pro-hunting improvements: 

• Grant the Natural Resources Commission the authority to add species to the game list and establish hunting seasons while retaining the Legislature’s authority to add and remove species from the list;
• Authorize the Natural Resources Commission to regulate fishing and the species of fish taken as they regulate the taking of all other game;
• Expand hunting opportunities for members of the U.S. military;
• Empower the Department of Natural Resources to develop a number of programs for the scientific management of fish and game animals such as hunter education, outreach and research related to hunting, fishing, game animals, predators and prey.  This would include hunter/angler recruitment and retention and wildlife population surveys.

Since the scientific management of wildlife in Michigan results in such numerous advantages, it is no surprise that there is a consensus emerging that we should manage wildlife in this way.  This common-sense approach will ensure that hunters in Michigan will continue to enjoy the state’s hunting heritage for generations to come.

Governor Rick Snyder

PHONE: (517) 373-3400 or (517) 335-7858

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