LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One Michigan lawmaker want to decriminalize recreational wildlife and bird feeding, and it’s an issue that’s close to his heart.

This week, Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) testified before the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee in support of House Bill 4350. It would allow Michiganders to feed birds and wildlife recreationally without fear of prosecution.

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“Feeding wildlife should not be a prosecutable offense in Michigan,” said Borton. “We want our grandkids to sit by the window with bated breath when a blue jay or a black bear appears in the backyard. Those are core memories that help young people fall in love with the great outdoors. Yet, this is exactly what the DNR is taking away with their birdfeeder fear-mongering and clear abuse of law enforcement authority. They should be chasing down poachers, not little old women with an affinity for bird watching.”

Borton said he and his wife operate the Snowman Cam, a 24/7 livestream of the Borton’s backyard. People can access the camera and see birds, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and bears stopping by for a meal.

He said in 2010, conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued him a ticket. Borton could either take down his birdfeeders or take the DNR to court. So, he went to court where the judge dismissed the case.

Four months later, the DNR issued another ticket. That case was thrown out too.

“During this ordeal, I received dozens of heart-breaking letters and emails from people all over the state that had been fined for the same reason,” Borton said. “My attorney…said the only solution was changing state law. Fifteen years later, here I am still trying to do just that.”

Under Borton’s bill, wildlife and bird feeding would be allowed if feed is placed to view animals recreationally or to prevent them from starvation. In addition, the feed must be located within 300 feet of a residence. No more than two gallons of feed may be placed at one time.

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The plan is awaiting a vote in the Natural Resources and Tourism Committee.