State Rep. Timmy Beson is reminding hunters to secure their licenses for the fall season prior to the Oct. 1 state budget deadline.

“As the DNR has continued pushing for things like massive increases to hunting and fishing licenses and mandatory recreation passports for every vehicle, the House continues to advocate for a responsible, balanced budget plan that doesn’t raise taxes and provides people with the best value for tax dollars,” said Beson, of Bay City. “The issuance of hunting and fishing licenses would be disrupted if an agreement is not hammered out before Oct. 1, and even if a deal is reached there may be some delay in getting licenses to hunters.

“The state says it wants more people to hunt deer, but the fact is we’ll have far less people who are able to legally take deer if they can’t get a license and some will just skip the season altogether. I’ll continue fighting for our hunters and the many men and women across our communities and state who enjoy our great outdoors.”

Bow season for deer in Michigan runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, 2026. Designated hunting seasons for other species like pheasant and grouse also begin shortly after Oct. 1.

Beson represents the 96th House District, which includes the cities of Bay City and Essexville and the townships of Bangor, Beaver, Frankenlust, Fraser, Garfield, Hampton, Kawkawlin, Merritt, Monitor, and Portsmouth.