LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One Michigan lawmaker wants to move forward with a plan to allow Michigan bow hunters to carry a pistol with them for personal protection.

“Hunters can face many dangers in the woods, especially from close encounters with predator species like bears, wolves, and cougar,” said Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), who is backing the legislation. “Bow hunters are very limited in their ability to respond if one of these animals becomes aggressive and decides to attack them.”

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Currently, Michigan law only allows bow hunters to carry a pistol if they possess a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Prestin explained that “Gun owners who are otherwise legally able to open-carry their handguns are prohibited from doing so once they walk into the woods with a bow.”

Prestin explained that a black bear with three cubs attacked a young bow hunter last year. The hunter held the bear off but required 40 stitches in his leg from an injury sustained during the attack. He said Michigan hunters deserve safety in the woods.