The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to introduce significant changes to hunting and fishing regulations in Michigan. It establishes a new section, 503d, requiring individuals to possess specific licenses or pay a recreation passport fee to use state-owned shooting ranges. Additionally, it creates a "shooting and education fund" to support these ranges and related educational programs. The bill modifies existing hunting license regulations, increasing fees for various licenses, including mentored hunting and wild turkey licenses, and introduces a nonrefundable application fee for hunting licenses. It also specifies that only individuals with a valid base license can purchase certain hunting licenses, with increased fees for elk and other licenses.

Moreover, the bill renames the "sportsmen against hunger" program to "hunters feeding Michigan," detailing the department's responsibilities in distributing wild game to those in need and allowing for donations during license applications. It creates a cold-water subaccount within the game and fish protection account to fund habitat improvement and monitoring. The bill also outlines the department's authority to purchase and manage lands for wildlife propagation, with specific funding conditions and approval requirements. A new "hunting and fishing education and recruitment fund" is established, mandating that at least 50% of the funds be allocated for education programs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wildlife management, increase conservation funding, and improve access to hunting and fishing opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-3) AND AMENDMENT(S): 324.43520
Substitute (S-3): 324.43520
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.43520
As Passed by the Senate: 324.43520