CROSSBOW/MODIFIED BOW HUNTING H.B. 5741 (S-3):
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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House Bill 5741 (Substitute S-3)
Sponsor: Representative Joel Sheltrown
House Committee: Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources
Senate Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Date Completed: 12-1-08
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following:
-- Allow a person to take game with a crossbow during any season in which a firearm may be used for that game, if the person had a license.
-- Require the establishment of a crossbow deer season corresponding to the archery deer season.
-- Revise provisions related to hunting with a modified bow.
Under the bill, any person could take game with a crossbow during any open season in which a firearm may be used for taking that game, if he or she held a license to take it and complied with all other laws and rules for taking that game.
The bill would require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a crossbow deer season corresponding to the State's archery deer season. An individual who took deer during this season would have to possess a combination deer license and a crossbow deer stamp issued by the Department. The DNR could charge a maximum fee of $5 for the stamp. The DNR would have to limit the number of crossbow deer stamps issued each year to not more than 20% of the combination deer licenses sold during the previous year.
Under Part 401, the DNR may issue a permit to a person who is permanently disabled and who has full use of only one arm and is unable to hold, aim, and shoot a bow. The permit authorizes the person to take game during the open season for that game with a bow that has been modified so that it may be held, aimed, and shot with one arm, if that person holds a license to take that game and complies with all other laws and rules for its taking. The bill would refer to a modified bow that may be held, aimed, and shot with one arm or foot.
MCL 324.40114 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would raise an indeterminate amount of revenue depending on the number of crossbow deer stamps sold. Based on the number of combination deer licenses purchased in 2007, if the maximum number of crossbow deer stamps were sold, then approximately $390,000 would be collected from the $5 fee. Revenue from the fee would be deposited into the Game and Fish Protection account of the Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund. This account is used for game and fish management programs.
Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. 5741/0708