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HB 5307

Natural resources: hunting; certain penalties for failing to report a deer harvest or retain a deer harvest confirmation number; modify. Amends sec. 40118 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.40118).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Bohnak and 10 co-sponsors

Michigan bill increases penalties for hunters failing to report deer harvests or retain confirmation numbers to strengthen wildlife population monitoring and compliance enforcement.

referred to second reading
#naturalresources:hunting
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Bill Summary · HB 5307

Legislative bill overview

HB 5307 modifies Michigan's deer hunting regulations by establishing or adjusting penalties for hunters who fail to report their deer harvest or do not retain their deer harvest confirmation number. The bill appears to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within the state's existing deer harvest reporting system.

Why is this important

Accurate deer harvest reporting is critical for wildlife management, allowing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to monitor population health, set sustainable hunting quotas, and prevent overhunting. Strengthening penalties incentivizes compliance with reporting requirements, which directly affects conservation data accuracy and the long-term viability of deer populations across Michigan.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Hunters may view increased penalties as excessive, particularly if fines are substantial or if the penalties disproportionately affect casual versus experienced hunters
  • Compliance burden: Questions may arise about whether the reporting process is user-friendly and accessible, especially for hunters in rural areas with limited technology access
  • Enforcement capacity: Critics might question whether the DNR has adequate resources to actually enforce these penalties consistently across the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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