LANSING – State Representatives Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) and Steve Lindberg (D-Marquette) today praised the signing of a new law to create an early firearm deer season for disabled veterans, a move that will allow more veterans to participate in this Michigan tradition. The plan sets up a pilot program that enables disabled veterans to participate in a special two-day hunting season at the end of September.
"As we all know, navigating through the fields and woods of northern Michigan in November can be a challenge, especially for people with disabilities," Lahti said. "Anyone who wants to take part in Michigan's great tradition of hunting should be able to – especially disabled veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Disabled veterans with hunting licenses currently participate in the regular deer hunting season in November. Under the new legislation, disabled veterans could take part in a two-day hunting season that coincides with the special youth hunting season, which typically comes at the end of September. The pilot program would focus on certain parts of the state initially, including Marquette County.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan is among the top states in the nation in almost every hunting category with more than 800,000 licensed hunters contributing $2 billion annually to our economy.
"People come from around the country to hunt for that elusive Michigan buck, and contribute to the vitality of Michigan's tourism industry," Lindberg said. "By increasing hunter participation, this plan will benefit Michigan's sluggish economy and help get our state back on track."