DNR Letterhead

July 9, 2003

1. Bill Number and Sponsor:

House Bill No. 4896

Representative Randy Richardville

Co-sponsor Representative Dianne Byrum

2. Purpose:

The Bill repeals the sunset clause on the Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) authority to establish rules allowing licensed falconers to take specific raptors from the wild for use in falconry.

3. How Does This Legislation Impact Current Programs in the Department?

The Department will continue to operate a permit system to issue permits and monitor the trapping of raptors within the State.

The Department will need to continue monitoring populations of raptor species approved for take from the wild by the Natural Resources Commission.

4. Introduced at Agency Request?

No.

5. Agency Support?

Yes.

6. Arguments Against the Bill:

(a) This Bill continues to allow the take of certain live wild animals for personal possession.

(b) The Bill continues the requirement of establishing protocols for monitoring raptor species approved for take and will require continued dedication of funding towards this activity.

7. Arguments For the Bill:

Michigan licensed falconers will not have to obtain wild birds outside of the State. Almost all other states allow falconers to take birds from their state. There would be no negative impacts to raptor populations.

8. State Revenue/Budgetary Implications:

The Bill will continue the dedication of Nongame Funds to support the population monitoring of raptors approved for take.

9. Implications to Local Units of Government:

None.

10. Administrative Rules Implications:

None.

11. Other Pertinent Information:

None.

12. User Groups/Customers that Support this Legislation:

Michigan Hawking Club

Michigan United Conservation Clubs

Michigan Audubon Society (supported original legislation establishing NRC authority)

K. L. COOL

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES