WILD TURKEY AS OFFICIAL STATE GAME BIRD

House Bill 4589 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary Howell

Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 6-2-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4589 would create an act to designate the eastern wild turkey as Michigan’s official game bird. It would take effect 90 days after enactment.

BACKGROUND:

Michigan holds two hunting seasons for wild turkey, one in the spring and another in the fall.[1] According to the Department of Natural Resources, turkeys can be found in all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula and most counties in the Upper Peninsula.[2]

Michigan currently has several other state symbols, including the following:

·         Bird: American robin

·         Fish: brook trout

·         Flower: apple blossom

·         Game mammal: white-tailed deer

·         Reptile: painted turtle

·         Stone: Petoskey stone

·         Tree: eastern white pine

·         Wildflower: dwarf lake iris

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

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

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