Hamilton Reef
12-03-2003, 05:22 PM
House approves Tabor's lower hunting age bill
The House today approved legislation by state Rep. Susan Tabor lowering Michigan's minimum hunting age with firearms from 14 to 12.
"Hunters are a critical part of wildlife conservation and protecting our environment," Tabor said. "By educating our young people in the conservation ethic, we are protecting our precious natural resources for future generations to enjoy."
House Bill 4225 permits 12-year-olds and those who turn twelve in the calendar year who have passed hunter safety classes to participate in firearm hunting seasons for deer, elk and bear.
Young hunters must still be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or authorized adult.
DNR Director K.L. Cool said this legislation represents a strong, effective working partnership between the bill sponsor and the DNR.
"We commend Rep. Tabor for this effort to increase youth participation in deer hunting," said Cool. "This bill provides increased hunting opportunities, helping to ensure the future of Michigan's hunting heritage without jeopardizing our state's outstanding hunting safety record or overwhelming our statewide network of volunteer hunting safety instructors."
The measure now goes to the Senate.
The House today approved legislation by state Rep. Susan Tabor lowering Michigan's minimum hunting age with firearms from 14 to 12.
"Hunters are a critical part of wildlife conservation and protecting our environment," Tabor said. "By educating our young people in the conservation ethic, we are protecting our precious natural resources for future generations to enjoy."
House Bill 4225 permits 12-year-olds and those who turn twelve in the calendar year who have passed hunter safety classes to participate in firearm hunting seasons for deer, elk and bear.
Young hunters must still be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or authorized adult.
DNR Director K.L. Cool said this legislation represents a strong, effective working partnership between the bill sponsor and the DNR.
"We commend Rep. Tabor for this effort to increase youth participation in deer hunting," said Cool. "This bill provides increased hunting opportunities, helping to ensure the future of Michigan's hunting heritage without jeopardizing our state's outstanding hunting safety record or overwhelming our statewide network of volunteer hunting safety instructors."
The measure now goes to the Senate.