Rep. Thomas Albert today helped lead the Michigan House’s efforts to block the implementation of burdensome reporting requirements scheduled to take effect with the upcoming deer hunting season.

A bill approved by the House would block the unelected Natural Resources Commission from requiring hunters to report how and where they have harvested a deer. The legislation advances to the Senate for further consideration.

“The NRC adopted requirements that went too far – it’s an unjust policy created by a handful of unelected bureaucrats who aren’t accountable to the people of Michigan,” said Albert, R-Lowell. “Many people across the state harvest deer to feed their families. They shouldn’t be required to self-report a bunch of information that is none of the state’s business. Under the NRC’s policy, deer processors would be required to act as law enforcement agents. If we don’t draw a line on this right now, God only knows what will be next.”

Albert sponsored the amendment to House-approved legislation that would prevent the NRC from requiring a hunter to report the harvest of a deer, except for deer damage shooting permits and disease control permits.

The NRC approved the new requirements to start with the upcoming fall deer hunting season. Hunters would have 72 hours to file online reports after taking a deer – including exact location of the hunt and other personal information. In some cases, hunters would be asked what kind of hunting device they used. Failure to comply could result in a misdemeanor charge under terms of the NRC order.

The legislation that would block the NRC’s order is House Bill 6354.

###