Hunter Heritage Bill Passes Committee in Michigan

On May 3, the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee passed Senate Bill 207.  Sponsored by state Senator Joseph Hune (R-22), SB 207 would establish a mentored youth hunting program allowing parents to determine at which age their children are ready to hunt. 

Also known as the Hunter Heritage Bill, SB 207 would not negatively impact Hunter Safety nor would it degrade existing requirements.  Since Familes Afield efforts were set forth in 2005 on a nationwide campaign, there have been approximately 600,000 hunters safely added to the field.  In fact, studies have shown that mentored hunters are one of the safest groups in the field.   Michigan ranks last in the nation when it comes to the recruitment and retention of hunters, and SB 207 could improve Michigan’s status.  Senate Bill 207 is modeled after a Pennsylvania law that has succeeded in getting tens of thousands of youth involved in hunting with a mentor while learning proper safety and ethics at a young age.

Please contact your state Representative today and urge him or her to SUPPORT SB 207.  Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.