Bill
HB 4937
Creates a bear backup hunting license allowing licensed hunters’ companions to dispatch wounded bears under specific conditions.
Status: Passed House (Nov. 12, 2025); transmitted to Senate
Sponsor: Rep. Parker Fairbairn (primary); 9 cosponsors
Companion bill: SB 1506
Purpose
- Establish a new bear “backup” hunting license to allow licensed-hunter companions to legally dispatch a wounded bear in specific circumstances, addressing safety and assistance concerns for hunting groups.
Key provisions
- Creates a bear backup hunting license (amendment to MCL 324.43528).
- Eligibility: purchaser must hold a valid base hunting license.
- Fees: $50 for Michigan residents; $250 for nonresidents.
- Permitted uses:
- Shoot a bear being harvested from a tree if the bear was wounded by the licensed hunter and has not died when it reaches the ground.
- Shoot a bear wounded by a licensed hunter at a bait site that has left the bait site and requires tracking to locate.
- Prohibitions and limits:
- Does NOT authorize shooting a bear while it is crossing a state or county road.
- License is valid for the entire bear season, valid in all bear management units, can be used an unlimited number of times, and may accompany an unlimited number of licensed hunters.
- Other existing bear-license provisions (kill tags, participation licenses, application fees) remain part of the statute.
Who is affected
- Primary: hunters and hunting companions in Michigan — especially licensed hunters who hunt with dogs, and companions who assist due to age, disability, or for dog handling.
- Department of Natural Resources (DNR): will administer and sell the new license.
- Indirectly: wildlife management funded through the Game and Fish Protection Account.
Rationale, background, and positions
- Supporters cite a long bear-license waiting list (5–10 years) and safety risks when nonlicensed companions cannot legally shoot a wounded bear; groups testifying in support included the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation and Michigan Bear Hunters Association.
- Opponents argue only licensed hunters should take part in bear dispatching or that backup licenses should be more narrowly restricted; opponents included Michigan Bow Hunters Association and Human World Animals.
- DNR took a neutral position.
Fiscal impact
- Expected to increase revenue to the Game and Fish Protection Account (exact amount depends on sales). The account funded an estimated $63.7 million in FY 2023–24. The DNR likely can implement sales with existing infrastructure; direct department and local government costs are expected to be minimal.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
