Michigan

The Great Lakes State is, as the nickname would suggest, defined by its proximity to all but one of the North America’s vast inland seas. From the forests of the Upper Peninsula to the miles of coastline, opportunities are abound for anglers and hunters. Michiganders can look forward to swinging up lake-run steelhead, catching native brook-trout, and even hunting elusive elk. From the Huron-Manistee National Forest to the Porcupine Mountains, there is significant repose from the hustle and bustle of cities and suburbs. Michigan is home to healthy populations of whitetail, black bear, and turkey, and for those hearty enough to brave the elements, Michigan also offers a bounty of winter time activities.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Michigan, please contact: Bob Matthews

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Jack Bergman Representative Debbie Dingell Representative Bill Huizenga Representative Lisa McClain Representative John Moolenaar Senator Gary Peters Representative Tim Walberg

Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Senator Jon Bumsted Senator John Cherry Representative Sarah Lightner Representative Amos O’Neal

Michigan Policy Highlights

Hunter with arm around his son's shoulder

In 2025, Caucus leaders spearheaded and passed legislation that requires the Department of Education and Department of Natural Resources to create a curriculum to teach hunter education in schools, offering credit towards graduation and counting towards the state requirement for obtaining a hunting license.

In 2024, the Caucus was successful in creating a regulatory framework for commercial hunting and fishing guides that supplies the DNR with valuable population data and increased conservation funding, while improving consumer confidence afield and in the water.

Established the Michigan Wildlife Council, which exists to educate the non-hunting and non-angling public about the extensive benefits that sportsmen and women have on conservation funding and wildlife management.

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Paid Hunting License Holders

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Paid Angling License Holders

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Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Michigan Policy Briefs

Crossbows

Over the last decade, many states have expanded opportunities for archery hunters wishing to use crossbows. Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management may increase… Read more.

No-Net-Loss

“No-Net-Loss” of public lands has become increasingly important to ensure access to public lands and waterways for current and future generations of sportsmen and women.… Read more.
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Michigan Latest News

August 10, 2026

Dedicated Conservation Funding: Hunting for a Solution by Fishing in New Streams

Why It Matters: Although sportsmen and women have long carried the banner as the primary funders of conservation, supplemental revenue streams are needed in nearly every state to meet fish and wildlife management needs. Without alternative funding sources that complement the long-standing leadership of sportsmen and women, conservation programs, and associated outdoor opportunities, are likely to suffer.  Highlights:  Throughout the country, conversations in the halls […]

July 27, 2026

Michigan Legislature Adjourns for Summer Without Addressing Conservation Funding Needs 

Why It Matters: Hunters and anglers shoulder the costs of fish and wildlife conservation, but when their license dollars no longer adequately cover the costs of conservation, state agencies cannot deliver the quality hunting and fishing opportunities that keeps sportsmen and women afield. A modest license fee adjustment can address these funding shortfalls and better secure the longevity of […]

June 22, 2026

Spring and Summer Free Fishing Days Conclude in the Great Lakes 

Why It Matters: Although sportsmen and women are the backbone of conservation funding through their license and sporting gear purchases, states offer brief, limited opportunities to fish without purchasing a license in an effort to grow the base of anglers.  Highlights:  With summer officially upon us, almost all of the statehouses in the Great Lakes region have emptied their chambers of legislators while nearby […]

June 8, 2026

Harmful Bills that Would Expand Commercial Fishing Receive Hearing in Michigan 

Why It Matters: Expanding commercial fishing efforts that use indiscriminate gear such as gill nets stands to repeat the harm done by commercial overharvest in the Great Lakes during the twentieth century, damaging Michigan’s fisheries resources, its recreational fishing opportunities, and its outdoor economy.  Highlights:   If passed, Michigan House Bills 5801 and 5802 would expand commercial […]

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Michigan Reports

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