Head Hunter

NRC meeting update

Unfortunately we were unable to stream today's NRC meeting but I did want to give an update from info provided by Amy Spray, one of our policy staffers.

There were two issues of keen interest to Michigan hunters on the docket: antler restrictions in the TB area and the possible expansion of crossbow use in Michigan.

The antler point issue was up for action. The original proposal was to establish minimum antler point restrictions on all bucks in DMU 487 in an effort to put more focus on doe harvest in the area. The NRC did not feel that there was enough scientific evidence that such regulations would increase the doe kill in that area and instead Commissioner JR Richardson offered an amnendment that would implement the same regulations in place in the U.P. -- you can shoot one buck of your choice or two bucks, one of which must have three points on a side, the other four points on a side.

On the crossbow issue, the measure was up for discussion with action coming next month. There are three options on the table:

Option 1 would expand crossbow use in northern Michigan., Option 2 would maintain existing regulations and Option 3 would be full inclusion of crossbows throughout the state during all archery seasons. At this point, it's really anyone's guess as to where that one will end up.

So the August NRC meeting should be interesting -- and we will try to have the live stream going for that one but the location could hinder that.

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