By Glen Wunderlich

One thing I’ve learned over the years is how difficult it can be to regain certain rights that have been taken away by lawmakers.  Most of us may be eager to bellyache about politicians’ tone-deaf ears; some may even write an opinion editorial to the local newspaper.  I was that guy back in year 2012.

When I read about a proposal by Matt Lori, of the Michigan House of Representaives (R – District 59) to allow the use of certain straight-wall cartridges in rifles for deer hunting in Zone III (our “Shotgun” zone), I retorted with a scathing column, which indicated the proposed legislation didn’t go far enough.  My perspective was based on the science of ballistics, and I was prepared to back up my claims.

I did just that, when Mr. Lori telephoned me about my position, never attempting to persuade my thinking otherwise.  In fact, he asked if I would testify at a hearing in Lansing.  I agreed and did so over 2 years ago.

He also encouraged me to discuss the rationale of the bill with its author, Craig Larson of Niles, Michigan, who had worked for several years on the matter, but would not be able to attend the hearing.

Mr. Larson was well-versed on all aspects of the debate and convinced me that expanding the bill to more allowable cartridges would have the effect of defeating it entirely.  His pitch was to take a small step now, and after having implemented the rules, analyze results and amend it later, if concerns did not materialize.  It made sense to go along.

At long last, HB 4283 has become law.   Under the proposal, which will be on a trial basis until 2017, rifles that take .35 caliber or larger ammunition can be used in the southern zone as long as the cartridges used are straight walled with a case length of 1.16 and maximum of 1.80 inches. (Understand that these measurements are that of the metallic cases only and not a measurement of the overall cartridge lengths.)

“I am elated that the NRC took the initiative and established the new rule based on legislation I introduced last year,” Lori said. “Communities in southern Michigan are losing hunters to Indiana, making those small businesses, sporting goods stores and lodging accommodations miss out on economic opportunities during hunting season.  This is a victory for deer hunters in Southern Michigan and the communities that serve them during the hunting season,” continued Lori.

Representative Ben Glardon of District 85 (R-Owosso) had this to say about the legislation:  “There are some excellent deer-hunting opportunities in southern Michigan, and this legislation will give rifle hunters additional options to hunt closer to home. We need to do all we can to allow more people to take part in Michigan’s great hunting heritage.  I’ve heard from many constituents who support this legislation, and believe hunters in Shiawassee and Saginaw counties will enjoy the benefits this bill provides.   I’m happy to vote in favor of the bill and others that promote hunting in Michigan.”

Although there would be no increased cost to the state, additional firearms sales in the newly configured rifles using pistol cartridges, would funnel more funds into wildlife conservation through additional hunting license sales and excise taxes imposed on firearms and ammunition.

It just may be time to dust off an old lever gun and prepare it for action, because common sense is on the march in Michigan.