BEAR AND BOBCAT HUNTING

Senate Bill 483

Sponsor:  Sen. Jason E. Allen

House Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 6-22-09

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 483 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 6-18-09

Last year, in Public Act 347 of 2008, the Legislature revised provisions relating to participation licenses (or "no kill tag" licenses) for bear and bobcat hunting found in Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural resources and Environmental Protection Act.  As amended, Part 435 currently allows an unlicensed hunter to accompany a licensed hunter on a bear or bobcat hunt so long as he or she does not carry certain weapons (a firearm, bow, or crossbow) or own or possess dogs used to chase or locate the bear or bobcat.  

Senate Bill 483 would delete the current restriction on possessing a dog used during such a hunt if the person wants to participate in it without purchasing a license. In other words, the bill would allow an unlicensed hunter to accompany a licensed hunter on such a hunt so long as the unlicensed hunter does not carry a proscribed weapon or own the dogs being used.  Mere possession of a dog during the hunt would not trigger the need for a participation license.  So long as the person did not carry a proscribed weapon or own the dogs, he or she could handle and possess dogs used in the hunt without purchasing a participation license. 

MCL 324.43523; 324.43528; 324.43531

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not have a fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.