Representative Tim Fairbairn introduced House Bill 49 37 to allow a licensed backup shooter to accompany a licensed bear hunter and legally shoot a bear that has already been legally shot but has not yet expired. "This legislation would allow a Michigan resident such as a hunting guide or dog handler who holds a valid base license to purchase a bear backup hunting license," Fairbairn told the committee, describing proposed fees of $50 for residents and $250 for nonresidents.

Sponsors and witnesses from the Michigan Bear Hunters and Michigan Hunting Dog Federation emphasized safety as the bill's central purpose. Keith Schafer, president of the Michigan Bear Hunters, told the committee that wounded bears emerging from trees or during long tracks can remain dangerous and that allowing a designated backup shooter at the base of a tree or on a track could prevent injured people and dogs from being harmed. "It is strictly a matter of safety," Schafer said, describing instances where wounded bears have charged people after being shot.

Supporters also said the backup-license model would help hunts involving elderly, youth or disabled participants who cannot safely pursue or dispatch a wounded bear on their own. Witnesses said the proposal is limited to bears already legally shot and is not intended to give hunters a competitive advantage.

Opposition testimony came from Bob Jones, president of the Michigan Bow Hunters Association, who said many bow hunters hunt alone or on small-group bait hunts and that the backup-shooter rule is unnecessary for most participants. Jones said safety can be achieved by established practices (for example, spectators remaining behind the shooter) and cautioned against changing harvest rules that currently require the shooter to hold the harvest tag. He did acknowledge limited exceptions for disabled hunters where assistance to dispatch a wounded animal may be appropriate.

Committee members asked for context on annual bear-license numbers and whether the measure would produce revenue. Witnesses estimated roughly 8,000 bear licenses issued annually, and that applications substantially exceed available tags; the panel discussed that a backup-license fee could provide additional revenue to the Department of Natural Resources. Members also debated whether the proposal would alter harvest patterns; witnesses said the license would be exercised only in support of an already-legal harvest.

No committee vote on HB 49 37 was recorded during the session; testimony was taken and the bill remained before the committee for further consideration.

Provenance: First related remarks began at 00:36:34 when the chair introduced HB 49 37. Final related remarks on this bill occurred at 00:59:22 when the committee concluded testimony and moved to the next item.