Michigan legislature considers officially opposing federal anti-bear hunting bill (6/27/2003)

The Michigan House of Representatives could soon show its support of sportsmen if it passes a measure that puts the state of Michigan on record in opposition to a federal bill to ban bear hunting.

Michigan House Resolution 82, sponsored by Rep. Dale Sheltrown, D-Gladwin, would ask the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose HR 1472, introduced in Congress on March 27. The federal bill would ban the use of bait to hunt black bears on federal land.

Several Michigan sportsmen's groups have joined the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance's National Bear Hunting Defense Task Force to stop the congressional bill. The task force's Michigan members include the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan Bow Hunters Association, Michigan Hunting Dog Federation and Michigan State United Coonhunters Association.

On June 12, members of the National Bear Hunting Defense Task Force testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans in opposition to HR 1472.

Take Action! Michigan sportsmen should contact their state representatives immediately and ask them to support Michigan HR 82. Sportsmen in Michigan should then join hunters nationwide in sending a message to their U.S. representatives, asking them to oppose U.S. House Resolution 1472. Congressmen must be informed that bear baiting is an effective wildlife management tool that is endorsed in nine bear hunting states. Remind them that wildlife management is the responsibility of state wildlife agencies. To find your state legislator and for contact information, call (517) 373-0135.

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

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