On Dec. 19, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation that allows younger hunters to harvest deer, bear and elk on public land. This is great news for Michigan and the many youth hunters who have been denied access to public land for big game hunting.
The new law, which was introduced by Rep. Triston Cole (R-Antrim County), permits Michigan youth, ages 10 and older, to hunt Michigan’s big-game species on public land. Under previous law, a person had to be at least 14 years old to hunt deer, bear and elk on public land. Those under the age of 14 could only hunt deer, bear or elk on private land.
Access to quality hunting areas is crucial to maintaining hunter participation. By allowing parents to take their child hunting on public land for big game, this new law will make it easier for parents to get their children more involved in hunting. More importantly, it will help in the retention of these new young hunters as more big-game hunting opportunities will exist.
“We would like to thank Representative Cole for his hard work and leadership on this legislation, which will help in the recruitment and retention of new hunters and open more access for big-game hunting opportunities for Michigan’s youth,” said Luke Houghton, associate director of state services. “We also applaud Governor Rick Snyder for recognizing the importance of access to quality hunting land for all hunters and signing the legislation into law.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.