This week Kevin and Josh sit down for fireside chat and a discussion of "hot topics" We talk about recent hunting experiences, Josh with deer and coyote and Kevin with lack of deer. Then get into talking about some "Hot Topics" for Michigan folks. We discuss several bills and changes that have been proposed and some voted on already. 1st one is the license fee increases. HB 6229: The bill would raise the license to fish from $25 to $38 for residents and from $78 to $88 for nonresidents. It also lower the age requirements for acquiring a fishing license from 17 to 16 years old. Hunting licenses would be changed as follows, Wild Turkey - from $15 to $23, Waterfowl - from $12 to $18, Pheasant - from $25 to $38,Deer - from $20 to $30, Bear - from $25 to $38, Elk - from $100 to $150, Residents wishing to get a combined hunting and fishing license would pay $113. It's currently $75, For out-of-state residents, fees climb from $265 to $273, For a resident adult, from $10 to $15, For a resident minor, from $5 to $8, For a nonresident, from $150 to $163. (source https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2024-HB-6229). During a time when hunting numbers are declining, it seems the state wants to mess with the sportsmen we have left. Then we have firearms related bills, starting with the ludicrous ban on "colored guns" Senate Bill 1134 would apply to firearms which have any colors other than black, brown, dark green, silver, or similar colors. Polehanki also created the exception for already possessed “deceptively colored” firearms before the effective date of the bill, if passed. For those who possess such “deceptively colored” firearms may face a $500 fine or a year in prison. Next would be Senate Bills 1149 & 1150: Propose restrictions on "home built" firearms and the raw materials used to make them. Even though it is legal, under federal law, for a person to make a firearm for their personal use using non serialized components, and selling them is already illegal. This would affect the sale and or possession of 80% lowers and other similar components. Senate Bill 942: would ban bump stocks, making them illegal to own, sell, or possess in Michigan—imposing stricter regulations than those governing machine guns. This comes despite the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the federal ban on bump stocks earlier this year. House Bills 6183, 6184, and 6185: Directly undermine the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act by abolishing immunity for firearm manufacturers and opening them up to frivolous lawsuits and vastly increased liability exposure. These bills also mandate the purchase or offer for sale of a trigger lock or secure storage container when transferring a firearm, which again, is already a requirememt. House Bills 6144, 6145, and 6146: Require law enforcement agencies to destroy any firearm that has been confiscated or returned during a "gun buy-back". (source https://www.nraila.org/articles/20241213/michigan-take-action-against-anti-gun-legislation-today) There are more as well, including House Bills 6222 and 6223: Require anyone selling a firearm to report any attempt by a prohibited person to acquire said firearm to law enforcement within 24 hours. Failure to do so would be a FELONY. SB 857 and SB 858: Expand "gun-free zones" in Michigan by prohibiting gun owners from carrying a firearm in the Michigan State Capitol Building, the Binsfeld Senate Office Building, and the Anderson House Office Building, with an exception for legislators. The Capitol Commission in recent years banned both open and concealed firearms carry in the Capitol and Democrat leadership restricted citizens' rights to carry in legislative office buildings by rule. This legislation would expand and codify those restrictions into state law, making it near impossible for citizens to regain the right to carry in these areas. House Bills 5450 & 5451: Mandate public schools annually post and distribute information regarding the state’s mandatory storage laws to the parents and guardians of every enrolled student. (source https://www.nraila.org/articles/20241213/michigan-take-action-against-anti-gun-legislation-today) It really seems that during this lame duck session the democrats are trying to ram through a lot of restrictions. As we have said before, you voice is the sword we need to wield in these battles. Contact your reps, make you voice heard. If you don't do your part, you can't complain when your rights and lifestyle are affected. As always, THANK YOU for listening. Predator Thermal Optics code "ptothermal" for 10% off all Predator Thermal Optics brand Scopes and Monoculars www.predatorthermaloptics.com www.predatorhunteroutdoors.com code: tripod for 10% off tripods and mounts code: light for 20% off lighting products Predator Hunter Outdoors www.huntwise.com code: OVERDRIVE20 for 20% off an annual membership HuntWise Oak Ridge Customs ATN Prym1
