The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the regulations surrounding pheasant hunting licenses in Michigan. It establishes that individuals aged 18 and older must obtain a current annual pheasant hunting license, which costs $25, in addition to a base license. Certain exemptions are provided, including individuals hunting on licensed game bird preserves, private land (with some restrictions), public land in the Upper Peninsula, and those holding specific lifetime licenses. The bill also outlines the requirements for affixing the license to the base license and allows collectors to purchase a license without the same restrictions, although such licenses are not valid for hunting.

Additionally, the bill creates a pheasant subaccount within the game and fish protection account, where fees collected from pheasant hunting licenses will be deposited. The state treasurer is responsible for managing this subaccount, including its investments and ensuring that funds do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The department will administer the subaccount and can only use the funds for costs related to the purchase and release of live pheasants on state-owned land suitable for pheasants. Notably, the previous provision that would have transferred funds from the subaccount to the game and fish protection account on January 1, 2026, has been deleted, as has the repeal of this section effective on that date.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.43525
As Passed by the House: 324.43525