This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the definition of "game" to include the sandhill crane, while removing the sharptailed grouse from the list of designated game species. The bill specifies that the term "game" now encompasses a variety of wildlife species, including badgers, bears, deer, and others, while explicitly excluding privately owned cervidae species located on registered cervidae livestock facilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 40110c, which authorizes the establishment of an open season for hunting sandhill cranes. The commission is mandated to issue orders by April 1, 2026, to establish this open season, thereby formalizing the hunting regulations for this species. This legislative change reflects a shift in wildlife management practices and aims to regulate the hunting of sandhill cranes in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.40103