THE SITUATION
Michigan’s hunting and fishing license fees have not been updated in more than a decade. During that time, the cost of managing fish, wildlife, habitat, and public lands has risen sharply. Participation in outdoor recreation remains strong, and millions of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts depend on the DNR to steward Michigan’s natural resources at the highest professional standard.
THE CHALLENGE
The DNR’s ability to maintain that standard is now at risk. Without a revenue update, core conservation programs will be forced to scale back or shut down — threatening not only the health of our natural resources, but also access, opportunity, and the long-term stability of Michigan’s outdoor heritage.
The stakes extend beyond the state’s own budget. Michigan’s conservation investments are matched by federal dollars tied to license revenue. Allowing that revenue base to erode means losing a multiplier that has supported fish and wildlife management for generations.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Without action, Michigan will face immediate and measurable consequences:
▸ Hatchery closures that reduce statewide fish production
▸ Severely reduced or eliminated inland fish stocking
▸ Weakened invasive species control across lakes, rivers, and forests
▸ Potential closure or reduced access to State Game and DNR-managed lands
▸ Loss of critical habitat restoration and maintenance that supports game and nongame species
These outcomes would directly diminish the outdoor experiences relied upon by Michigan’s sportsmen and women — and put federal matching funds at risk.
THE SOLUTION
Senate Bills 276 and 277 and House Bill 5093 provide a comprehensive, bipartisan framework to modernize Michigan’s hunting and fishing license structure. These bills would:
• Update outdated license fees to reflect current management costs
• Stabilize long-term conservation funding
• Protect access and opportunity for future generations
• Ensure the DNR can continue delivering high-quality management across all resource areas
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Passage of this legislation requires sustained, visible support from the sporting community. The Legislature must hear clearly and consistently that hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists across Michigan stand behind this effort. Advisory Council members are asked to take the following steps:
• Contact your legislators. Reach out directly to your State Representative and Senator to express support for SB 276, SB 277, and HB 5093. Personal outreach from constituent organizations carries significant weight.
• Mobilize your membership. Use your organization’s communications channels — newsletters, emails, social media, and chapter meetings — to inform members about the legislation and encourage them to contact their own legislators.
• Amplify the message. Share information about the bills and their importance to conservation funding with your networks. Broad, visible support strengthens the case for legislative action.
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