HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Resolution No. 82

Offered by Representatives Sheltrown, Tabor, Rivet, Brown, Elkins, Gillard, Lipsey, Adamini and DeRossett

A RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES NOT TO ENACT ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BAN BEAR BAITING ON FEDERAL LANDS

      WHEREAS, Michigan, along with other states throughout the country, has been very successful in its wildlife management strategies.  While there is always more progress to be made, the increasing numbers of game animals and effective control of wildlife populations in Michigan and other states reflect the wisdom of local management of wildlife and hunting matters; and

      WHEREAS, Congress is considering legislation, H. R. 1472, that would require the adoption and enforcement of regulations that would prohibit the intentional feeding of bears on federal lands in order to end what is known as "bear baiting"; and

      WHEREAS, Of the states that allow bear hunting, Michigan is one of several that permit bear baiting.  The experience in Michigan and the other states that permit bear baiting is that this technique is a valuable and highly effective wildlife management tool.  The voters of Michigan overwhelmingly rejected a 1996 ballot proposal that included a ban of bear baiting.  Bear baiting is part of an overall strategy that effectively controls the bear population and does so more humanely than hunting techniques that may result in higher rates of injuries for the animals.  This mechanism has clearly allowed Michigan to keep the bear population at appropriate levels; and

      WHEREAS, Michigan is a state that includes extensive federal lands.  The citizens of our state have used these lands respectfully, and our state's hunting and fishing management efforts have enhanced these lands over the years.  Michigan's proven effectiveness in dealing with wildlife management challenges should not be negated by federal control of the matter of bear hunting; now, therefore, be it

      RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States not to enact any legislation that would ban bear baiting on federal lands; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

Adopted by the House of Representatives, July 15, 2003.

CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES