North Michigan News

State Representative Ken Borton has voiced his support for wildlife feeding legislation currently being reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee. The proposed House Bill 4593, which Borton sponsors, aims to permit residents to feed small animals for recreational viewing. Additionally, Borton has cosponsored HBs 5298 and 5299, which seek to repeal the ban on feeding deer.

In defense of the legislation, Borton argues that there is no discernible difference between private citizens feeding wildlife in their backyards and wildlife grazing on farmland. He questions the rationale behind the current ban on feeding deer in certain parts of Michigan, stating, "We’ve been told small feed sites would cause widespread disease. But deer gather in cornfields, and no one bats an eye. Call me crazy, but I’m starting to wonder if some folks downstate believe deer lose their immune systems when they cross from a field into a backyard."

Borton sees the proposed legislation as a means to curb what he perceives as overreach by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and protect well-meaning citizens from facing severe penalties. He highlights instances where individuals have been subjected to hefty fines and prolonged legal battles after legally providing feed to attract small wildlife onto their properties. In one case, the DNR even confiscated someone's cellphone as part of their investigation.

"People should be able to put some corn out and watch the squirrels or birds in their backyards without fear the DNR will hunt them down and force them into expensive, drawn-out legal battles," Borton asserts. "The DNR has shown they are too willing to take anyone to court over the smallest amounts of corn. This legislation would protect private citizens' ability to feed wildlife on their own properties without fear of the DNR."

The House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee are currently evaluating the proposed bills, including HBs 4593, 5298, and 5299.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-borton-wildlife-feeding-legislation-necessary-to-protect-private-citizens