Bill
HB 4206
HB 4206 lets Michigan base deer-license holders get up to two free antlerless permits per year, while setting the standard deer license at $20 and adding a $5 application fee.
Status / Procedural history
- Bill introduced March 10–11, 2025; electronically reproduced 03/11/2025. Read a first time and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism. Companion bill: SB 1743.
- Primary text amends section 43527a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, MCL 324.43527a).
Note on source documents
- The packet supplied also included an unrelated Illinois draft ("Charitable Organization Beneficiary Act"). That text is not part of Michigan HB 4206. This summary addresses the Michigan statutory amendment concerning deer licenses.
Main purpose / intent
- To amend MCL 324.43527a to (1) set the standard license fees and (2) explicitly allow holders of a valid base license to obtain up to two antlerless deer licenses each year at no cost. The change is intended to modify the fee structure for antlerless deer permits and clarify related license‑administration provisions.
Key provisions and changes
- Fee structure
- Except as otherwise provided, fee for a deer license or an antlerless deer license is set at $20.00.
- An individual who holds a valid base license may obtain two antlerless deer licenses each year at no cost.
- Application fee
- The department may charge a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $5.00 for each individual applying for an antlerless deer license.
- Kill tag
- The department may issue a kill tag with or as part of each deer license; the tag must bear the license number and may include other required information.
- Additional licenses and pricing
- Where authorized, a resident may purchase a second deer license for the applicable fee; senior discounts do not apply to a second deer license.
- Where authorized, a nonresident may purchase an additional deer or antlerless deer license for $170.00.
- Management authority
- The department may issue orders designating the kind of deer that may be taken and the geographic area in which licenses are valid for deer management purposes.
Who is affected
- Hunters: resident and nonresident deer hunters, especially those who hold a base license (they would be eligible for up to two free antlerless licenses annually).
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (or analogous department): implements fee collection, application processing, and issuance of kill tags and management orders.
- Vendors and license-processing systems: must adjust to the free issuance of up to two antlerless permits per eligible base license and to any application‑fee collection.
- State finances and wildlife management: potential reduction in fee revenue from antlerless licenses, offset partially by application fees; potential changes in antlerless harvest rates affecting deer population control.
Potential impacts / considerations
- Fiscal: Forgoing the $20 fee for up to two antlerless permits per base license could reduce license revenue. The bill retains a modest (≤ $5) nonrefundable application fee.
- Wildlife management: Easier access to antlerless permits may increase antlerless harvest and aid population management, depending on program design and department orders.
- Administrative: Departments will need to ensure systems and rules accommodate free permits, nonrefundable application fees, kill‑tag procedures, and limits on senior discounts for second licenses.
Effective/timing notes
- The statutory text references provisions “Beginning March 1, 2014” (reflecting language in the existing statute). The bill as introduced updates the statutory section but does not specify a new delayed effective date in the included excerpt. Legislative progress and any enacted effective date would be set by the final statute.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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