CANADIAN GEESE: OPEN SEASON - S.B. 965 (S-3): FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 965 (Substitute S-3 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor: Senator Walter H. North

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to provide that, notwithstanding Section 40113a(2) of the Act, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would have to establish an annual open season for Canada goose hunting in the State beginning on the first Saturday of January and ending on the first Sunday of February. During this open season, the daily bag limit would be five Canada geese taken and 10 possessed. ("Open season" refers to the dates during which game may be legally taken and "bag limit" means the number of animals that may be taken and possessed as determined by the DNR.) The bill also would allow an individual to possess Canada goose feathers for the purpose of an art or craft. The bill specifies that it could not be construed so as to violate Federal law.

Section 40113a(2) of the Act gives the Natural Resources Commission the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game in the State. The Commission must, to the greatest extent practicable, utilize principles of sound scientific management in making decisions regarding the taking of game. Issuance of orders by the Commission regarding the taking of game must be made following a public meeting and an opportunity for public input.

Proposed MCL 324.40113b - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed: 4-29-98 - Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

FLOOR\SB965 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.