The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, Nov. 15

Firearm season for deer begins this weekend. I want to wish all our hunters across Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties good luck and safe hunting.

As we find ourselves in the middle of hunting seasons for several game breeds big and small over the next few months, it is important to re-affirm and protect a critical piece of our state’s heritage and our culture of outdoor recreation.

Data shared by the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources disclosed that over the past 20-25 years, roughly 200,000 fewer hunting licenses have been purchased. Just in a five-year period from 2013-18, Michigan lost almost 20% of its licensed hunters. Fewer hunters mean less conservation. Animal populations dramatically increase as a result, which causes increased damage for farmers and to landscaping, a higher risk of vehicle collisions that threaten our safety, disrupted ecosystems, and spread of disease.

There are a few different reasons for this drop in participation. Costs and regulations have increased, and there are fewer new hunters who get involved as older hunters leave their blinds for the last time. In many cases, this amounts to cause and effect. As elected leaders, we must consider how pieces of legislation will impact hunters — not government’s bottom line — as we review them. We also must have state departments that have sound solutions to address this steep drop-off.

The Michigan Senate recently voted to raise hunting and fishing license fees after the state’s Dept. of Natural Resources pushed for the hikes during the state budget process. The House has not voted to increase those fees, and the increases were ultimately not included in the signed budget.

In total, the bills would increase fees on 20 Michigan hunting and fishing licenses and cost those seeking the licenses over $29 million. In addition, nonresident deer hunting licenses would jump from $20 to $150. These increases would cause participation numbers and economic activity in many communities to suffer — all at a time when the state seeks more help with conservation and is asking hunters to take more deer. While license revenue helps wildlife management efforts, so does having hunters!

The department has also made headlines recently for issues involving private property rights. I recently voted for a pair of bills that require agents of the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to obtain a warrant or the landowner’s consent before entering private property. The legislation clarifies that the DNR and EGLE should not be able to violate people’s personal property rights and should go through the same process as other government agencies, such as law enforcement, to enter their property.

These plans were inspired by concerns legislators have consistently heard from residents across Michigan, including hunters, who feel their property rights have been ignored by state officials. The bills preserve reasonable exceptions, allowing officers to enter when they have the owner’s permission, are in hot pursuit, need to protect life or property, are witnessing a crime, or must act to preserve evidence. Less infringement from government will lead to more confidence among outdoor recreationalists, and participation will see a positive impact.

Hunting is a time-honored tradition in our state with so many tangible benefits. It teaches values like self-discipline, resilience and preparation. It gives families cherished time and memories together. It supports livelihoods and provides people with a sustainable way to put food on the table for themselves and their families. Disruptive measures and overregulation should be out of season in Michigan, and I will continue to prioritize our hunters in Lansing.