Bill > HB4937

This bill amends Michigan's hunting regulations by updating provisions related to bear hunting licenses. The bill modifies existing rules by changing license fees and introducing a new "bear backup hunting license" for base license holders. Specifically, the bear hunting license fee is increased from $15 to $25, and the application fee is raised from $4 to $5. The most significant addition is the new backup hunting license, which allows a licensed individual to accompany a bear hunter and assist in specific scenarios: shooting a bear that has been wounded but not killed by the primary hunter, either when the bear is in a tree or after it has left a bait site. The backup license costs $50 for residents and $250 for non-residents, is valid for the entire bear hunting season, can be used with multiple hunters, and is applicable in all bear management units. However, the backup license explicitly does not permit shooting a bear while it is crossing a road. The bill maintains existing requirements that hunters must possess a valid base license to purchase a bear hunting license and provides specific rules for individuals using dogs to chase or locate bears during the hunting season.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4937