LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) proposed vital wildlife feeding legislation last spring to safeguard the rights of private citizens. In a recent press release, Borton, who sponsors House Bill 4593, emphasized that the legislation currently under consideration by the House Natural Resources Committee aims to permit residents to feed small animals for recreational viewing.
Additionally, Borton is a co-sponsor of HBs 5298 and 5299, seeking to repeal the ban on feeding deer. Presently, feeding deer is prohibited in the Lower Peninsula and certain parts of three Upper Peninsula counties.
Feeding deer is no different than having them graze on farmland.
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Borton argues, “There is no difference between private citizens feeding wildlife in their backyards and wildlife grazing on farmland.” He goes on to say, “We’ve been told small feed sites would cause widespread disease. But deer gather in cornfields, and no one bats an eye.”
Expressing skepticism about concerns regarding disease transmission, Borton adds, “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.”
Additionally, Borton sees this legislation as a measure to restrict the ability of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to overstep legal authority by imposing severe penalties on well-meaning citizens.
Michiganders have been hit with fines and court battles.
Highlighting the issues faced by Michiganders, Borton has been sharing stories of people hit with steep DNR fines and enduring lengthy court battles after putting feed out to attract small wildlife to their properties. In one instance, he says the DNR seized someone’s cellphone as part of their investigation.
Borton insists, “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.”
The citizens of Michigan shouldn’t have to fear the DNR.
Continuing his argument, 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.”
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HBs 4593, 5298, and 5299 are under consideration by the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee.
