Meeting on Proposed Southern Michigan Deer Antler Point Restrictions

GW:  This is the first I’ve heard about this proposal.  Sounds good!

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today advised the public that a local organization will hold an informational meeting regarding a proposed deer antler point restriction (APR) on June 4 at the East Lansing High School.

A group known as the Lower Peninsula Deer Management Initiative (LPDMI) has proposed a four-point APR for all of Zone 3 in southern Michigan. Read more

No Straight-Wall Rifle Cartridges in Zone III This Year

By Glen Wunderlich

After having the chance to participate in the legislative process on behalf of House Bill 5249 and giving testimony in its support, I really thought the bill would pass this year.  Being able to use straight-wall cartridges in rifles in the southern “shotgun” zone seemed to be a  no-brainer.  I know I am with thousands of ethical sportsmen who are disappointed in the news, but here is the latest status direct from Matt Lori’s (R-District 59) office based on my request for information:

Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your email to Representative Lori, which will be drawn to his attention.
 At this late stage in the Legislative Session, it does not seem likely that the Senate is going to move the bill forward.  The bill is not on the most recent agenda for the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism’s next meeting.  Without that movement forward it is unlikely that the bill will be back to the House for a final vote during “lame duck”.

 Representative Lori very much appreciates your support, and will likely re-introduce the bill next year.
 Sincerely
Susan Martin Chief of Staff District 59

1-877-262-5959

Michigan HB 5249 Falls Short of Meaningful Change in Firearms for Shotgun Zone

By Glen Wunderlich

When Michigan House Bill 5249 was proposed, this month by Representative Matthew Lori (R) District 59, it appeared as though Michigan’s Zone III (shotgun zone) deer hunters would be allowed a viable alternative to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. (This is a repeat of an identical proposal by Rep. Green in October of 2011 that went nowhere.) For years, I have wondered why straight-walled cartridges were not allowed in rifle configurations, as opposed to current regulations permitting handguns only. Now, I am wondering why anyone has bothered to open the dialogue with such a limited field of view. Read more

Centerfire Rifles for Shotgun Zone? Not so fast…

By Glen Wunderlich

When Michigan Senate Bill 775 was proposed by Senator Mike Green (R) of District 31 this past October, it appeared as though Michigan’s Zone III (shotgun zone) deer hunters would be allowed a viable alternative to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. For years, I have wondered why straight-walled cartridges were not allowed in rifle configurations, as opposed to current regulations permitting handguns only. Now, I am wondering why anyone has bothered to open the dialogue with such a limited field of view. Read more