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.
[1] More information on hunting wild turkeys can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79147_81580---,00.html.