HOUSE BILL NO. 5168

October 29, 2019, Introduced by Reps. Howell, Cherry, Brixie, Leutheuser, Lasinski, Sabo, Sneller, Brenda Carter, Cambensy and Love and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

by amending sections 43528 and 43529 (MCL 324.43528 and 324.43529), as amended by 2013 PA 108, and by adding section 43529a.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 43528. (1) An individual shall not hunt bear unless the individual possesses a bear hunting license. However, an individual who goes on a bear hunt with a licensed hunter is not required to possess a bear hunting license if the individual does not carry a firearm, bow, or crossbow, or bow and arrow and does not own dogs used to chase or locate bear during the hunt. Beginning March 1, 2014, only Only an individual holding a valid base license is eligible to purchase a bear hunting license, pursuant to current regulations.

(2) The fee for a resident bear hunting license is $15.00. The fee for a nonresident bear hunting license is $150.00. Beginning March 1, 2014, the The fee for a bear hunting license is $25.00.

(3) The department may issue a kill tag with, or as a part of, a bear hunting license. The kill tag shall must bear the license number. The kill tag may also include space for other pertinent information required by the department. The kill tag, if issued, is part of the license.

(4) In addition to the license fees in subsection (2), the department shall charge a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $4.00 for each individual who applies for a bear hunting license. Beginning March 1, 2014, in In addition to the license fees fee in subsection (2), the department shall charge a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $5.00 for each individual who applies for a bear hunting license.

(5) Beginning March 1, 2014, the The following individuals chasing or locating bear with dogs during the open season for that game and who hold a valid base license are eligible for the purchase of a bear participation license for a fee of $15.00:

(a) Any individual possessing a firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow.

(b) The owner, when present, of any dog chasing or locating bear.

(6) If the department issues a bear hunting license using a preference point drawing system, the department shall allow an individual to purchase a preference point at any time during the licensing year.

Sec. 43529. (1) A resident shall not hunt elk during the elk season without an elk hunting license. Beginning March 1, 2014, only Only a resident holding a valid base license is eligible to purchase an elk hunting license, pursuant to current regulations. The fee for an elk hunting license is $100.00. The department may establish a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $4.00 for each individual who applies for an elk hunting license. Beginning March 1, 2014, the The department may establish a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $5.00 for each individual who applies for an elk hunting license.

(2) The department may issue a kill tag with, or as a part of, an elk hunting license. The kill tag shall must bear the license number. The kill tag may also include space for other pertinent information required by the department. The kill tag, if issued, is part of the license.

(3) If the department issues an elk hunting license using a random weighted drawing system, the department shall allow an individual to purchase a chance in the random weighted drawing system at any time during the licensing year.

Sec. 43529a. If the department issues a hunting license under this part using a preference point drawing system, a random weighted drawing system, or some other weighted lottery system, the department shall allow an individual to purchase a preference point, a chance in the random weighted drawing system, or a chance in the weighted lottery system at any time during the licensing year.