State Rep. Timmy Beson has introduced legislation that provides practical solutions to the state’s deer baiting ban.

“I’ve heard from many hunters on both sides of this issue,” said Beson, of Bay City. “Hunting helps with conservation and supports our local economies. The current ban actively discourages people from these things. At the same time, no one wants to see our state’s deer population wiped out by disease, and there are efforts in place to study diseases and impacts on wildlife to make sure that doesn’t happen. Those efforts must continue. My plan respects both aspects of this discussion, provides options for hunters, and is an effective way forward.”

House Bill 4191 allows for deer and elk baiting in some circumstances and offers clarity to existing law. Under the legislation, individuals must possess a valid deer hunting license as well as a baiting license while not distributing more than five gallons of bait per day at one bait site.

The annual $20 option for baiting licenses will go toward conducting research and surveillance on chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis, or other diseases in free-ranging deer or elk in Michigan so populations can be protected for wildlife and hunters alike. Beson said a separate plan under consideration that would allow hunters to take two does per season without having to pay for a $20 antlerless deer license, HB 4206, would make the baiting license in Beson’s bill cost-neutral for hunters who already have a base license and are looking to take does.

Except for hunters with disabilities who meet certain requirements, baiting and feeding are banned across the entirety of the Lower Peninsula. Baiting previously was also not allowed in certain counties in the U.P. where surveillance for infectious diseases was occurring. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed attempts to amend this rigid law, which comes with steep penalties.

Beson’s proposal also allows for feeding wild birds or other wildlife if it is done so in a matter that excludes free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk from gaining access to the feed. The added definition protects people who scatter feed in a way that does not constitute baiting but may lead to them being charged with a crime based on how the law is currently written. 

HB 4191 has been referred to the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee for consideration.