State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, today introduced a plan that would halt the overregulation of deer or elk hunting activity by state regulators.

Hoitenga said she felt compelled to introduce the plan after the state’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC), which sets policy on game species for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), issued a ban on baiting or feeding deer and elk in 2018 amid concerns about the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The NRC has since reconsidered the issue but has not lifted the ban.

“This ban does more harm than good and puts an unnecessary restriction on hunters based on little evidence,” Hoitenga said. “This disease is believed to be transferred through animals’ interaction with each other. This interaction would happen regardless of whether or not hunters used bait piles.”

The plan, House Bill 4687, would permit an individual to engage in deer or elk baiting during open seasons.

“We need to protect and encourage hunting activity here in Michigan,” Hoitenga said. “The sale of hunting and fishing licenses play an important role in supporting our state’s conservation activities. Furthermore, sports men and women play a crucial role in supporting our state’s northern rural economies.”

Last year, hunting and fishing license sales made up 20 percent of the DNR’s entire annual budget, equal to $83.5 million. These funds were used to pay for game and fish protection activity carried out by the DNR. According to one recent study, 171,000 jobs are created and supported annually across Michigan by hunting and fishing activity. Hunting, specifically, generates around $8.9 billion in economic impact, the study said.

HB 4687 was referred to the House Committee on Government Operations for further consideration.