MUCC Praises Michigan Legislature for Passing Wolf Bill
OutdoorHub 12.14.12
SB 1350 Promotes Sound Science for Wolf Management
The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1350 on Wednesday, which designates wolves a game species in Michigan. The bill authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to create a wolf hunting season and establishes an advisory board to examine wolf management options. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.
“This bill confirms our state’s commitment to the scientific management of our natural resources and to the North American model of conservation, which has successfully employed hunting to manage wildlife for more than a century,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “This bill would not have passed without the strong support of MUCC members and partners, who made phone calls and sent e-mails to their legislators to ensure its passage.
After SB 1350 becomes law, the advisory board it creates will convene to review management options before the NRC can establish a wolf hunting season. Under Proposal G of 1996, the NRC is required to use sound science in making wildlife management decisions, including whether to establish hunting seasons.
The state acquired management authority for its wolf population from the Federal government in 2011 based upon its Wolf Management Plan, which listed hunting as an acceptable management tool. Michigan wolves were delisted from the Endangered Species Act after more than tripling the original population goals established for delisting.
