The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, specifically sections 40113a and 41103, to enhance the management and conservation of fish and wildlife populations in Michigan. It emphasizes the importance of sound scientific management in regulating hunting and fishing activities, particularly concerning bear populations, to minimize human encounters and ensure public safety. The bill grants the commission exclusive authority to regulate game taking and mandates public input before issuing orders related to hunting and fishing. Notably, if the commission does not issue orders by August 15, those orders will not be valid until the following year's hunting or trapping seasons.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedures for the Department of Natural Resources when it comes to protecting fish and game species that are at risk of depletion. It requires that any orders issued must clearly specify the conditions and duration of the regulations, which cannot exceed five years. The department is also tasked with notifying the public about changes to hunting, fishing, and trapping rules through annual guides and other means, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information. The amendments include several insertions and deletions to clarify the language and improve the regulatory framework surrounding wildlife management in the state.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.40113, 324.41103