Archives for March 2024

MUCC filed legal action against the Natural Resources Commission

The NRC oversees the management of fish and wildlife in the State of Michigan.

Now they are being swayed by special public opinion instead of sound science. They have totally abandoned, remember this goes for fishing to. 

Concerned Conservationist,

Today, MUCC filed legal action against the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to challenge the partial closure of the coyote hunting season.

The commission relied on unsubstantiated claims of negative public perception, social pressures and perceived potential loss of management control.

After reviewing the options, MUCC’s executive board authorized legal action against the commission and filed suit against the NRC.

You can view a press release on the filing HERE

MUCC was founded on the belief that game management decisions be insulated from social and political pressures to the greatest extent possible. Michigan voters agreed, passing Proposal G overwhelmingly in 1996. 

PROPOSAL G

A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 377 OF 1966-AN AMENDMENT REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF MICHIGAN’S WILDLIFE POPULATIONS

Public Act 377 of 1996 would:

1. Grant the Natural Resources Commission the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game including bear hunting. (Currently under the authority of the director of the Department of Natural Resources.)

2. Require the Natural Resources Commission to utilize “principles of sound scientific management” in making decisions regarding the taking of game and to minimize human/bear encounters.

3. Require that a public meeting be held prior to the issuance of any orders by the Natural Resources Commission regarding the taking of game.

MUCC believes the commission illegally closed Michigan’s coyote season in violation of their responsibility and legal charge to “the greatest extent practicable, utilize principles of sound scientific management in making decisions regarding the taking of game.” 

The process is expected to take months to complete, and we can only succeed with your help.

 

New Commercial Bill HB 5553

This is good news for sportfishermen HB 5108 would have allowed commercial netting operations to take game fish

Recently, Rep. Amos O’Neal (Lake Erie walleye fishing charterSaginaw) introduced HB 5553, a bill that would modernize the commercial fishing industry and keep gamefish out of commercial nets

Rep. O’Neal introduced this bill after months of work with MUCC. 

This bill contrasts with HB 5108, which would set minimum quotas for state-licensed anglers to take gamefish. 

MUCC supports HB 5553 and looks forward to working with legislators over the remainder of the session. 

The legislature goes on spring break next week before returning after Easter to finish the budget.