September 22, 2005
September 22, 2005
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will protect the spirit of Michigan’s rich outdoor and hunting traditions. The five-bill package prohibits computer-assisted shooting and establishes a new program to encourage sportsmen to help fight hunger.
“Michigan is blessed with unmatched natural beauty and a rich tradition of enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer,” said Granholm. “As elected officials, we have a responsibility to protect both our natural resources and the integrity of our traditions. The legislation I am signing today will do both.”
Public Acts 110, 111, and 112 will prohibit computer-assisted shooting with a crossbow or firearm. Recently, a series of websites have been created that allow anyone with access to a computer to pay for the opportunity to shoot at fenced animals with computer-controlled weapons. True sportsmen criticize the practice as contrary to the sport of hunting. Remote shooting removes the art of tracking and the connection to nature. Safety concerns have also been raised since the remote shooter cannot see outside the gun’s scope to determine if other animals or people are in harm’s way.
“Using computer technology to shoot at caged animals from a distance is a corruption of our proud hunting traditions,” said Granholm. “This practice is nothing more than a live-action video game, and I am proud to stand with Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts in opposing it.”
Public Acts 116 and 117 create the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program through the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program will encourage sportsmen and women to donate legally taken wild game for use in local soup kitchens and food banks. A voluntary $1.00 donation, collected at the time a person applies for a hunting license, will fund the new program.
The five bills signed by the Governor are: Senate Bill 373 sponsored by Senator Michelle McManus (R-Leelanau); Senate Bill 620 sponsored by Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton); House Bill 4465 sponsored by Representative Glenn Steil, Jr. (R-Cascade); House Bill 4145 sponsored by Representative Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights); and House Bill 4071 sponsored by Representative Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell).
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