© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wolf hunt supporters deliver their petition signatures Tuesday

USFWS Midwest

After spending months collecting signatures, hunting groups plan to deliver their petitions to the Secretary of State’s office tomorrow.

The petition is aimed at cementing a wolf hunt in Michigan law.

In November, voters will decide two ballot questions challenging state laws allowing the state to authorize a wolf hunt. Last year, nearly two dozen wolves were shot and killed by hunters in the Upper Peninsula during a state sanctioned wolf hunt.

Wolf hunt opponents say the hunt is unnecessary for a species just recently removed from the endangered list.

But hunting groups disagree.

Their petition would create the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The act gives the legislature and Natural Resources Commission the authority to name ‘game’ species. The commission would have sole authority to set a hunting season. The act also calls for specific funding, which would mean anti-wolf hunt groups couldn’t challenge it with a ballot question.

If there are enough signatures on the hunters’ petition, the legislature could vote to approve it without the need of a vote of the people.

The same legislative maneuver was used last year for a new state law about insurance for abortions. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content