S.B. 965 (S-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY - CANADIAN GEESE: OPEN SEASON

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

Date Completed: 3-9-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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. Further, the bill provides that 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 specifies that it could not be construed so as to violate Federal law.

Currently, 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.

- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

S9798\S965SB

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.