Jess Edberg, information services director — International Wolf Center
As Wisconsin and Minnesota experience their first regulated wolf hunting and trapping seasons, Michigan legislators ponder the idea of hosting their own in 2013.
In August, Michigan State Representative Matt Huuki, R-Atlantic Mine, introduced House Bill 5834, which establishes the gray wolf as a game species, authorizes the establishment of an open season for the gray wolf and sets the resident and non-resident fees for a gray wolf hunting license. The bill would amend the existing Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451).
Unlike the legislation in Minnesota and Wisconsin, this bill does not establish hunting or trapping season dates or methods of harvest. This would allow the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Commission to subject those details to a public process and provide some opportunity for citizens to be involved in shaping the state’s wolf management of wolf hunting and trapping.
Both Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s legislatures included specific language regarding season dates and methods of harvest, which the states’ DNRs were required to implement.
Michigan Senator Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, stated that he supported the bill and hoped it would pass and allow the state to develop and implement a regulated wolf harvest season by next fall.
Rep. Huuki and Sen. Casperson believe that passing the bill will benefit livestock producers experiencing losses due to wolves when the wolf population is reduced.
Opponents of wolf hunting and trapping have been vocal in Wisconsin and Minnesota, going as far as threatening the federal government with litigation over delisting. The implementation of wolf hunts in those states remains extremely controversial.
At the time of publication, HB 5834 had not moved beyond the Michigan House.
How can you be involved?
Learn more about HB 5834 using the resources below and take part in the legislative process. Public input is a staple of any lawmaking venture. Learn how you can be a part of this process and be empowered. The link to HB 5834 will take you to the Michigan Legislative Web site where you will find resources on how the legislative process works, where meetings are held, how to provide input and who represents Michigan.