INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHOOTERS

UNDER A DEER DAMAGE SHOOTING PERMIT

Senate Bill 685

Sponsor:  Sen. John Proos

House Committee:  Agriculture

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Complete to 2-28-12

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 685 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 1-19-12

Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue permits for the taking of certain animals for various purposes, including to prevent or control damage and nuisance caused by the animals.

Senate Bill 685 would amend Part 401 to allow an individual holding a deer damage shooting permit to authorize up to 15 authorized shooters to implement the permit, unless the DNR authorizes otherwise.

Chapter 5 (Special Permit Regulations), Section 5.41, of the DNR Wildlife Conservation Order, allows the department to issue deer damage shooting permits statewide to owners of land with significant, documented agricultural or horticultural crop damage.  Permits authorize both the number of deer that can be taken and the time period during which the permit is valid.  Currently, the Order provides that it is unlawful for a permittee to designate more than three authorized shooters to implement the provisions of the permit, unless the additional shooters are approved by the wildlife management unit supervisor and district law enforcement supervisor.

MCL324.40114

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 685 would have no fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources or on local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ 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.