Why It Matters: Hunting and fishing are societal pillars in Michigan that have significant economic impacts. This legislative package serves to increase consumer confidence when contracting a hunting or fishing guide to pursue the State’s storied fish and wildlife species, while simultaneously increasing revenue and reporting data for the state’s fish and wildlife agency.
Highlights:
- After a late-night vote on November 9th, the Michigan Senate gave final approval to a bill package that will improve the commercial hunting and fishing guiding industry in Michigan.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has supported the passage of this guiding framework alongside in-state partners in a coordinated, multi-year effort, providing written and oral testimony to policymakers throughout multiple legislative sessions.
- Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator John Cherry, sponsor of one of the bills in the package, was instrumental in getting the legislation across the finish line.
After nearly a decade of work, a regulatory framework for commercial hunting and fishing guides in the Great Lakes State now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting a signature. The legislative package, Senate Bills 103, 104, and 105, would create new revenue streams and install reporting requirements designed to better fund and inform the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to carry out its mission of managing the State’s public trust fish and wildlife resources.
Under the framework, commercial hunting and fishing guides will be required to purchase a three-year guiding license for a total of $150, which will provide additional support for the Michigan DNR through the unique “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding. The legislation’s reporting requirements will supply the DNR with critical data on harvest success and will allow the agency to make better science-based management decisions.
Michigan enjoys a robust hunting and fishing tradition, and according to recent in-state estimates released by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), hunting and fishing in Michigan generate more than $11.2 billion annually from gear purchases, lodging, dining, and more – all while simultaneously supporting more than 171,000 jobs. CSF and its partners, including MUCC, contend that this guiding framework will serve to improve the experience delivered by guides, increase consumer confidence, and thereby strengthen the state’s hunting and fishing industry.
CSF is proud to have supported this package of bills throughout the legislative process and will continue to support legislative opportunities that benefit hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers.
Bob Matthews, Senior Coordinator of Great Lakes States for CSF, testifying in support of the commercial guiding package in the Michigan House Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation in September.
Bob Matthews, Senior Coordinator of Great Lakes States for CSF, testifying in support of the commercial guiding package in the Michigan House Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation in September.
