LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 2, 2024) — Yesterday, Senate Bills 803 and 860, sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), were favorably reported from the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. These bills aim to maintain huntable numbers of pheasants in game areas and increase the population of American Woodcock in Michigan. The bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration.
Senate Bill 803 extends the state pheasant license program, which was established in 2020 through a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and conservation groups. The program raises funds through license sales to support pheasant hunting by releasing birds into designated hunting areas on state land. Initially set to expire in January 2026, this bill proposes a five-year extension of the program.
“As an avid outdoorsman, I know how vital it is to protect our game species and hunting traditions for the future. These bills not only extend the successful pheasant license program, allowing us to continue releasing birds into our hunting areas, but they also ensure Michigan remains a key nesting state for the American Woodcock,” said Sen. Cherry. “Together, they enable more Michiganders to get outdoors and enjoy hunting — something many of us cherish deeply.”
Senate Bill 860, known as the American Woodcock Restoration Plan, directs the Michigan DNR to collaborate with stakeholders to set population goals and assess habitat needs to recover the American Woodcock, which has experienced a 50-year decline in Michigan.
“Michigan is blessed with an abundance of natural spaces that make our state a truly unique place to live and explore. It is our collective responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of the land and the wildlife that call it home,” said Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. “This means protecting our natural ecosystems, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Sustainable hunting also plays a critical role in this effort, helping to manage animal populations and maintain balance within our forests and fields.”
Sen. Cherry has been instrumental in protecting the woods and waters of Michigan throughout his tenure as a lawmaker. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, he has secured funds for wetland restoration, forest adaptation, and invasive species management. Earlier this year, the Ducks Unlimited organization selected Sen. Cherry to receive their 2024 National Wetland Conservation Achievement Award.
