HB-4225 Minimum Hunting Age (Update)

[Neal]

The good news is Senator Birkholz has assured Rep. Tabor that she would bring the bill up for a vote in the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs this Fall. The bad news is it probably won't be in time to utilize in this years deer season.

Since it looks like it will be voted on, we need to start contacting those member of the committee and let them know we support the passing of this bill.

This bill will lower the big game hunting age from 14 yrs old down to 12 yrs old. The rule that all hunters under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult, will still stand.

Please contact the Senators listed below and forward this message to your friends and family.

COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Senator Patty Birkholz
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
By Phone: (517) 373-3447
By Fax: (517) 373-5849
Email: senpbirkholz@senate.michigan.gov


Senator Bruce Patterson
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
By Phone: (517) 373-7350
Toll Free: 866-262-7307
By Fax: (517) 373-9228
Email: senbpatterson@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Jerry Van Woerkom
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
By Phone: (517) 373-1635
By Fax: (517) 373-3300
Email: gvanwoerkom@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Liz Brater
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: 517-373-2406
Toll Free: (866) 305-0318
Fax: 517-373-5679
Email: SenLBrater@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Raymond Basham
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: 517-373-7800
Fax: 517-373-9310
Email: SenRBasham@senate.michigan.gov

[Randy Kidd]

It's about time they are starting to move on this. Thanks for posting Neal, I'll get a letter and e-Mails out to them.

[huntinjoe]

neal,

updated your animal rights senator list, Wellstone died in a plane crash 2 years ago

[Neal]

The Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs will be meeting this Tuesday 9/14/04, 3:00 pm, in room 110 of the Farnum bldg. to vote on this bill. GET YOU PHONE CALLS, LETTERS AND FACTS TO THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS BEFORE THIS DATE.

Neal

[Little Roober]

im 13 so its probably too late for me :mad: :banghead3

[jk hillsdale]

This is a copy of what I sent to each of the senators:


Dear Senator _______,

I’m writing to voice my enthusiastic support for House Bill 4225.

Since a young age, my two oldest sons have expressed a strong interest in hunting. They’ve spent many hours over the years tagging along with me.

Unfortunately, at the point where I determined that my ten year old son was mature enough to begin hunting, the only possible way for him to do so was to hunt out of state, due to the existing minimum age requirements in Michigan. In 2003, at the age of ten, my son Robbie went deer hunting (under my direct supervision) a total of nine different times in Indiana and Ohio, because neither of these states have a minimum age requirement for small or big game hunting. We spent in excess of $900 for hunting leases in Indiana and Ohio, and an additional $250 in out of state license fees. We’re both eagerly anticipating the upcoming seasons in Indiana & Ohio, but are both disappointed that it may be an additional three years before we’ll be able to firearm deer hunt together here in Michigan on my father’s farm near Eaton Rapids.

Our family lived for approximately five years in Wisconsin. In my estimation, Wisconsin is very similar to Michigan in terms of hunter density, availability of public lands, etc. For many years Wisconsin has had a minimum age requirement of 12 for all hunting seasons, including firearm deer season. Many Michigan residents, including myself, hunt in Wisconsin. I’ve never heard a Michigan resident express any increased safety concerns about hunting in Wisconsin. The fact that Wisconsin permits 12 year olds to firearm deer hunt is simply not a point of concern. On the other hand, I’ve often had friends in Wisconsin express surprise upon learning that Michigan requires a higher minimum age than 12, as they know from experience that permitting 12 year olds to deer hunt has proven to be very safe.

What I believe we can learn from Wisconsin, as well as from the many other states that have no minimum age requirement, is that lowering the minimum age requirement for firearm deer hunting to 12 years of age is not risky, but is instead an excellent opportunity to increase participation and interest in hunting amongst young people.

It’s my hope that you’ll vote in support of House Bill 4225.

Sincerely,

[Neal]

The committee only took public comments yesterday and tabled the vote to probably Tuesday next week.

Please keep the calls and mails coming.

Neal

[Neal]

Tabor criticizes DNR opposition to lower hunting age

State Rep. Susan Tabor today criticized the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for changing its position and opposing legislation lowering Michigan’s minimum hunting age with firearms from 14 to 12.
“DNR was on board with this since its introduction well over a year ago right up until moments before the Senate committee hearing on the bill,” Tabor said. “They owe an explanation to the sportsmen of Michigan for this sudden flip-flop.”
In December the House passed House Bill 4225, sponsored by Tabor, permitting 12-year-olds and those who turn 12 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.
At the time, then-DNR Director K.L. Cool said the legislation represented 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 in December. “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.”
DNR has yet to explain its sudden reversal.
“I am very interested in what the DNR has learned since winter that would cause such a radical change of position,” Tabor said. “Gov. Jennifer Granholm needs to explain why her administration has reversed course on this.”
The measure is now before the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee.
#####
For the latest news and information about Rep. Tabor, please visit her online office at http://www.gophouse.com/tabor.htm.

[mecheadSR]

Just a update, heard this morning on b-93 radio station that the bill for hunting age has stalled in the senate, the gov did not like something but could'nt remember the rest.

[Hamilton Reef]

Bill changing hunting age for youths hits snag in Michigan

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040924/NEWS08/409240383/-1/NEWS

LANSING, Mich. - A bill that would lower the legal age from 14 to 12 to hunt deer, elk and bear in Michigan using firearms has stalled while sponsors seek a version that could win support from Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
The state Department of Natural Resources, which originally supported the bill, now is opposed because of safety concerns.

Granholm sees "no compelling reason to change" the age requirement, spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said yesterday. That has sponsors seeking an option that could win Granholm's support.

The bill would allow 11-year-olds to get licenses if they turn 12 during the calendar year when the license is issued. Applicants must complete a 10-hour course that includes hands-on firearm instruction. Children still would be required to have adults accompany them.

"We are among the leading deer-hunting states in the nation, and we are also one of the safest places in the nation to hunt," DNR spokesman Brad Wurfel said. "Deer season, because of the number of hunters afield and the caliber of weapons employed, is the most dangerous time of year."

Twelve and 13-year-olds now are restricted to bow-hunting.

[Neal]

Looks to me like the Gov. is throwing her anti-hunting friends a bone to make up for the dove bill.

Neal

[Pinefarm]

My guess is the compromise will be that a 12 or 13 year old can deer gun hunt, but will have to be accompanied by an adult. I think we'd all think that's a good compromise.

[markbouman]

The requirement to "be accompanied by an adult" was always part of the bill (as it should be!).

I have a son that will turn 12 next November so I'm VERY interested in this.

[Neal]

Mark, I think Bob was reffering to the "loophole" that would allow 11 year olds to hunt if they turn 12 within the year the license is issued.

Neal

[Pinefarm]

No, my bad. I thought that that was the hang up. If it was always that they had to be accompanied, then the bill shouldn't get hung up at all. I thought the people against it were against because 12-13 year olds could hunt alone. If not, then there should be virtually no hold up IMHO.

[markbouman]

.... what would they do? Test it in 6 southern counties and re-evaluate after 3 years? :bash: