deer hunting update - Michigan Senate Republicans
2013 MICHIGAN HUNTING AND TRAPPING DIGEST Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest for major regulation changes (new antler point restrictions), seasons, license information and more. This guide, along with other specialized hunting digests, is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests.
S TAT E S E N AT O R
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
JOHN PROOS
PA ID
LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 1200
2013
P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536
HUNTING UPDATE
S TAT E S E N AT O R
JOHN PROOS SENATE DISTRICT 21
TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
DEER HUNTING UPDATE • DUCKS UNLIMITED PLATE • GAME MANAGEMENT
2013
HUNTING UPDATE DEAR FRIEND:
As the days get shorter and the leaves rustle underfoot, it’s time to plan for one of our state’s most time-honored traditions – a fall hunting trip! Whether you hunt deer, turkey, small game or waterfowl, Michigan has some of the best hunting opportunities around. Michigan’s hunting heritage is deep and enduring. Yet, increasingly, there are some who want to infringe on this great outdoor tradition. That’s why I recently supported a resolution to add the right to hunt, fish and trap to Michigan’s Constitution. Along with news on this issue and other legislation, I want to send along some hunting information, including season dates, the Pure Michigan Hunt and more. I hope it is useful to you. I will continue working to protect our hunting, fishing and other sporting rights. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns – I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes for a safe and successful hunting season! Sincerely,
Serving Southwest Michigan S TAT E S E N AT O R
JOHN PROOS
ENJOYING MICHIGAN’S BOUNTY When enjoying Michigan’s abundance of wild game, it is important to follow some simple guidelines in order to ensure that the meat is safe and healthy to eat.
• Big game animals should be field dressed immediately.
• Hunters should not handle or consume deer or other wild animals that appear sick or act abnormally, regardless of the cause.
SENATE DISTRICT 21 TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected]
• Always wear heavy rubber or latex gloves when field dressing deer or other wild game.
• Keep a separate set of tools to use only for butchering deer.
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling meat. Clean equipment and work areas with a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water.
• Thoroughly cooking meat is important to reduce the likelihood of any bacterial disease. All meat, including venison, should be cooked until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
Use the QR reader on your smartphone to go directly to
www.SenatorJohnProos.com
For information on venison field dressing, meat preparation and recipes, see How to Field Dress a White-Tailed Deer, available at www.michigan.gov/deer.
2013
HUNTING UPDATE
NEW DUCKS UNLIMITED LICENSE PLATE
Waterfowl hunters will soon have another opportunity to help support wetland conservation. Under a new law, a Ducks Unlimited specialty license plate will be developed and added to the state’s fund-raising plate collection for special causes. Proceeds from the plate will be dispersed to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore and manage wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl and wildlife, and increased recreational opportunities. Michigan now joins 17 other states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania to have this special plate.
HUNT The 2014 Pure Michigan Hunt package provides the opportunity to obtain licenses for elk, bear, antlerless deer and turkey, along with first selection of hunting sites during the reserved hunt period at any managed waterfowl area. In addition, each winner receives a fantastic prize package. The $4 applications are available at all license agent locations and online. Hunters can apply as many times as they wish until December 31. Three lucky hunters will be selected by a random drawing in January 2014. Find more information at www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.
DEER HUNTING UPDATE A LOOK AT LAST YEAR
A LOOK AHEAD – 2013 SEASONS
In 2012, an estimated 654,100 hunters spent more than 9 million days afield. Those hunters harvested about 418,000 deer.
EARLY ANTLERLESS FIREARM............................ Sept. 21-22
Statewide, 46 percent of hunters harvested a deer; about 15 percent harvested two or more deer. Nearly 12 percent of the license buyers were younger than 17 years old. About 142,500 hunters used a crossbow during the archery season and 36% of those hunters harvested a deer.
LIBERTY HUNT
(Youth, 100 percent disabled veterans, legally blind hunters*).......... Sept.
INDEPENDENCE HUNT
(special disabled firearm hunter)
21-22
... Oct. 17-20
ARCHERY......................Oct. 1-Nov. 14 & Dec. 1-Jan. 1 REGULAR FIREARM......................................... Nov. 15-30 MUZZLELOADING Zone 1 (UP)
(10 days starting 1st Friday in December)...............Dec.
Zone 2 (NLP)
(10 days starting 2nd Friday in December)......... Dec.
Zone 3 (SLP)
(17 days starting 1st Friday in December)............. Dec.
6-15
13-22 6-22
LATE ANTLERLESS FIREARM......................... Dec. 23-Jan. 1 *Consult the 2013 Hunting & Trapping Digest for restrictions, major changes, areas and more information.
SERV ING SOU THWES T MIC HIG A N
BOLSTERING THE SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT OF GAME I supported a new law to strengthen the scientific management of Michigan’s game and fish resources. In 1996, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum requiring the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to manage our state’s wildlife according to sound scientific principles. That’s the way it should be – our valued natural resources should be managed and guided by science rather than special interests! Public Act 21 of 2013 now expands the authority of the NRC to add species to the game list. This summer, the NRC named the wolf a game species and authorized a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of the Upper Peninsula to manage the state’s wolf population. You can find more information about the Wolf Management Plan by visiting www.michigan.gov/wolves. The law also gives the NRC the authority to regulate the taking of fish as they regulate the taking of game. Another important part of the law allows active military members, who were Michigan residents at the time they enlisted, to obtain hunting and fishing licenses free of charge. It’s a small way to say thank you to the men and women who serve our country and defend our freedom.
PROTECTING MICHIGAN’S HUNTING HERITAGE This spring, I voted in support of a resolution to add the right to hunt, fish and trap to Michigan’s Constitution. Senate Joint Resolution S received the required 2/3 support in the Senate. If the measure is considered and receives 2/3 support in the House, the proposed language would be put before the voters at the next general election. Speaking with members of the Dowagiac Conservation Club at their annual Hunters Rendezvous. The family organization promotes respecting the environment and Michigan’s great outdoors and is dedicated to passing down these traditions to the next generation.
TRANSPORTING FIREARMS, CROSSBOWS, AND BOWS AND ARROWS IN MICHIGAN
SAFE HUNTING IS NO ACCIDENT
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped, moving or is on private or public property. Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel, and all arrows must be in a quiver when a hunter is afield outside the legal hunting hours.
Michigan’s 2012 hunting season
At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles:
was one of the safest in the past
• Rifles, shotguns, muzzle loading and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel
several years. There were 15 incidents with 1 fatality. Let’s set a new record! Remember to hunt with safety in mind and follow all firearm safety rules.
and magazine and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle. • Crossbows, slingshots, and bows and arrows must be enclosed in a case or unstrung or carried in the trunk of a vehicle These rules do not apply to a pistol carried under authority of a concealed pistol license. Check the Hunting & Trapping Digest at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests for other rules.
STATE SENATOR JOHN PROOS • Toll-Free: 866.305.2121 • Visit: www.SenatorJohnProos.com
S TAT E S E N AT O R
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
JOHN PROOS
PA ID
LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 1200
2013
P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536
HUNTING UPDATE
S TAT E S E N AT O R
JOHN PROOS SENATE DISTRICT 21
TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
DEER HUNTING UPDATE • DUCKS UNLIMITED PLATE • GAME MANAGEMENT
2013
HUNTING UPDATE DEAR FRIEND:
As the days get shorter and the leaves rustle underfoot, it’s time to plan for one of our state’s most time-honored traditions – a fall hunting trip! Whether you hunt deer, turkey, small game or waterfowl, Michigan has some of the best hunting opportunities around. Michigan’s hunting heritage is deep and enduring. Yet, increasingly, there are some who want to infringe on this great outdoor tradition. That’s why I recently supported a resolution to add the right to hunt, fish and trap to Michigan’s Constitution. Along with news on this issue and other legislation, I want to send along some hunting information, including season dates, the Pure Michigan Hunt and more. I hope it is useful to you. I will continue working to protect our hunting, fishing and other sporting rights. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns – I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes for a safe and successful hunting season! Sincerely,
Serving Southwest Michigan S TAT E S E N AT O R
JOHN PROOS
ENJOYING MICHIGAN’S BOUNTY When enjoying Michigan’s abundance of wild game, it is important to follow some simple guidelines in order to ensure that the meat is safe and healthy to eat.
• Big game animals should be field dressed immediately.
• Hunters should not handle or consume deer or other wild animals that appear sick or act abnormally, regardless of the cause.
SENATE DISTRICT 21 TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected]
• Always wear heavy rubber or latex gloves when field dressing deer or other wild game.
• Keep a separate set of tools to use only for butchering deer.
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling meat. Clean equipment and work areas with a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water.
• Thoroughly cooking meat is important to reduce the likelihood of any bacterial disease. All meat, including venison, should be cooked until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
Use the QR reader on your smartphone to go directly to
www.SenatorJohnProos.com
For information on venison field dressing, meat preparation and recipes, see How to Field Dress a White-Tailed Deer, available at www.michigan.gov/deer.
2013
HUNTING UPDATE
NEW DUCKS UNLIMITED LICENSE PLATE
Waterfowl hunters will soon have another opportunity to help support wetland conservation. Under a new law, a Ducks Unlimited specialty license plate will be developed and added to the state’s fund-raising plate collection for special causes. Proceeds from the plate will be dispersed to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore and manage wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl and wildlife, and increased recreational opportunities. Michigan now joins 17 other states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania to have this special plate.
HUNT The 2014 Pure Michigan Hunt package provides the opportunity to obtain licenses for elk, bear, antlerless deer and turkey, along with first selection of hunting sites during the reserved hunt period at any managed waterfowl area. In addition, each winner receives a fantastic prize package. The $4 applications are available at all license agent locations and online. Hunters can apply as many times as they wish until December 31. Three lucky hunters will be selected by a random drawing in January 2014. Find more information at www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.
DEER HUNTING UPDATE A LOOK AT LAST YEAR
A LOOK AHEAD – 2013 SEASONS
In 2012, an estimated 654,100 hunters spent more than 9 million days afield. Those hunters harvested about 418,000 deer.
EARLY ANTLERLESS FIREARM............................ Sept. 21-22
Statewide, 46 percent of hunters harvested a deer; about 15 percent harvested two or more deer. Nearly 12 percent of the license buyers were younger than 17 years old. About 142,500 hunters used a crossbow during the archery season and 36% of those hunters harvested a deer.
LIBERTY HUNT
(Youth, 100 percent disabled veterans, legally blind hunters*).......... Sept.
INDEPENDENCE HUNT
(special disabled firearm hunter)
21-22
... Oct. 17-20
ARCHERY......................Oct. 1-Nov. 14 & Dec. 1-Jan. 1 REGULAR FIREARM......................................... Nov. 15-30 MUZZLELOADING Zone 1 (UP)
(10 days starting 1st Friday in December)...............Dec.
Zone 2 (NLP)
(10 days starting 2nd Friday in December)......... Dec.
Zone 3 (SLP)
(17 days starting 1st Friday in December)............. Dec.
6-15
13-22 6-22
LATE ANTLERLESS FIREARM......................... Dec. 23-Jan. 1 *Consult the 2013 Hunting & Trapping Digest for restrictions, major changes, areas and more information.
SERV ING SOU THWES T MIC HIG A N
BOLSTERING THE SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT OF GAME I supported a new law to strengthen the scientific management of Michigan’s game and fish resources. In 1996, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum requiring the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to manage our state’s wildlife according to sound scientific principles. That’s the way it should be – our valued natural resources should be managed and guided by science rather than special interests! Public Act 21 of 2013 now expands the authority of the NRC to add species to the game list. This summer, the NRC named the wolf a game species and authorized a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of the Upper Peninsula to manage the state’s wolf population. You can find more information about the Wolf Management Plan by visiting www.michigan.gov/wolves. The law also gives the NRC the authority to regulate the taking of fish as they regulate the taking of game. Another important part of the law allows active military members, who were Michigan residents at the time they enlisted, to obtain hunting and fishing licenses free of charge. It’s a small way to say thank you to the men and women who serve our country and defend our freedom.
PROTECTING MICHIGAN’S HUNTING HERITAGE This spring, I voted in support of a resolution to add the right to hunt, fish and trap to Michigan’s Constitution. Senate Joint Resolution S received the required 2/3 support in the Senate. If the measure is considered and receives 2/3 support in the House, the proposed language would be put before the voters at the next general election. Speaking with members of the Dowagiac Conservation Club at their annual Hunters Rendezvous. The family organization promotes respecting the environment and Michigan’s great outdoors and is dedicated to passing down these traditions to the next generation.
TRANSPORTING FIREARMS, CROSSBOWS, AND BOWS AND ARROWS IN MICHIGAN
SAFE HUNTING IS NO ACCIDENT
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped, moving or is on private or public property. Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel, and all arrows must be in a quiver when a hunter is afield outside the legal hunting hours.
Michigan’s 2012 hunting season
At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles:
was one of the safest in the past
• Rifles, shotguns, muzzle loading and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel
several years. There were 15 incidents with 1 fatality. Let’s set a new record! Remember to hunt with safety in mind and follow all firearm safety rules.
and magazine and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle. • Crossbows, slingshots, and bows and arrows must be enclosed in a case or unstrung or carried in the trunk of a vehicle These rules do not apply to a pistol carried under authority of a concealed pistol license. Check the Hunting & Trapping Digest at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests for other rules.
STATE SENATOR JOHN PROOS • Toll-Free: 866.305.2121 • Visit: www.SenatorJohnProos.com
