House Approves Wolf Legislation

The Michigan House of Representatives gave final approval on Wednesday to a bill titled the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. In a 65-to-43 vote, the measure would put decisions on game species in the hands of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. The voter initiated proposal would also effectively keep the door open for wolf hunting seasons in the state. Anti-wolf hunting organizations have opposed the proposal. The bill also renders as moot, two ballot proposals that would let voters decide on wolf hunting. And the bill is also immune from rejection by referendum since it includes a small appropriation. The Michigan Constitution prohibits ballot proposals that change appropriations bills. The appropriation in question is designed to help fight the Asian carp, and not related to wolves. The group “Keep Michigan Wolves Protected” opposed the measure, saying not only that wolves should not be hunted in the U-P, it’s also not fair to voters since it prohibits using the referendum procedure to throw the law out. The new law will take effect 90-days after the legislature adjourns for the year.