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Committee hears bill to let bowhunters carry sidearm without concealed-pistol license
Summary
Representative Drew Preston introduced House Bill 4855 to allow bowhunters to open-carry a sidearm for personal protection without obtaining a concealed pistol license (CPL). Supporters cited wolf and bear encounters and the financial and time burdens of CPL training; opponents warned of safety concerns and uneven impacts across hunting methods.
Lansing — The House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism on Tuesday heard testimony on House Bill 4855, sponsored by Representative Drew Preston, which would permit law-abiding bowhunters to openly carry a sidearm for personal protection while hunting without holding a concealed pistol license (CPL).
Preston told the committee the bill aims to resolve an inconsistency in Michigan law that allows open carry in many public places but effectively bars carrying firearms in some wildlife areas unless the weapon is used for hunting under a valid license or the person holds a CPL. "This legislation is straightforward. It permits bow hunters to carry a sidearm for personal protection while hunting," Preston said, adding that many hunters are unaware of the restriction and that requiring…
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