LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 29, 2025) — Last week, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation to boost needed revenue to support Michigan wildlife and natural resources by making updates to hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in over 10 years. Spearheaded by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) and in collaboration with Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Norton Shores) — both avid hunters and sportsmen — this new plan would provide nearly $30 million in crucial new resources for the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) to maintain fish stocking, invest in habitat, improve deer management, and increase hunter education and recruitment efforts — all while keeping the state’s fees the lowest in the Great Lakes Region.
“Conservation is a Michigan matter. Regardless of your zip code or where you stand politically, Michiganders — including the hunters and fishers I know — deeply value our state’s rich natural resources and recognize the need to conserve them,” said Sen. Cherry. “Taking this balanced approach to updating our fee structure for the first time in over 10 years will ensure our woods, waters, and wildlife are protected, our hunting and fishing heritage preserved, and our recreational spaces are around for Michiganders to enjoy for generations to come. And we’re doing all this while maintaining the lowest costs in the region for hunting and fishing. I am deeply grateful to the conservation organizations and stakeholders who have helped shape this proposal, along with my colleague Sen. Jon Bumstead, for his valuable partnership.”
Through modest bumps in license fees, Senate Bill 276 aims to address the DNR’s revenue challenges stemming from inflation-induced cost increases and a loss in resources from fewer people taking up hunting and fishing — a trend seen at both local and national levels. Notably, this plan also lowers costs by continuing a license discount for seniors, adding a similar discount for youth, and reducing the cost for an antlerless deer license to $5 helping to mitigate the state’s growing deer population, an issue threatening the safety of Michigan drivers and posing challenges for Michigan farmers dealing with crop damage. The package also requires the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to reexamine baiting and allows for new management tools like earning a second buck.
“As an avid sportsman, I believe that we should protect our natural resources for current residents and for future generations,” said Sen. Bumstead. “Michigan’s hunting and fishing fee structure last underwent major changes in 2013 when I led the effort to pass House Bill 4668. Since then, years of inflation have eaten away at our state’s ability to effectively manage wildlife. Senate Bills 276 and 277 will fund our hatcheries, support wildlife management, enhance hunter education efforts, and much more. I want to thank Senator Cherry and the hunting and fishing groups for working together over the course of many months to create this bill package.”
To replace lost revenue from discounted licenses, Senate Bill 277 would ensure that the same total amount is credited to the Game and Fish Protection Account, further boosting funds for conservation efforts.
The revenue generated from this new fee structure would support the DNR’s work to:
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Invest in hunting and fishing recruitment and education, like classes and mentoring programs;
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Stock Michigan’s fisheries, including inland lakes, rivers, and streams; current funding levels threaten to restrict the DNR’s ability to stock fish by up to 50%;
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Improve habitat across the state;
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Enhance the state’s wetland and waterfowl areas;
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Boost funds for hunger relief programs that connect hunters with wild game processors to provide food to the community; and
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Support the operations and maintenance needs of state shooting ranges.
“Thanks to the Michigan Senate for passing SB 276 and 277 to the Michigan House of Representatives for consideration. Specifically, we want to thank Senators John Cherry and Jon Bumstead for their commitment to conversation and leadership. The increased funding for the MDNR Wildlife and Fishery Divisions will add value to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts’ experiences across our great state for years to come,” said Todd Johnson, spokesperson for the Michigan National Deer Association.
Along with these proposed fee changes, this legislation would eliminate the sunset on the pheasant stamp program, create a new “Complete License” to have the ability to hunt and fish multiple species with just one transaction at a lower cost, and require the Natural Resources Commission to examine baiting while removing the existing prohibition for deer and elk in April 2026.
This legislation now heads to the House for further consideration.