MUCC Supported House Bill 5737 Passes Senate, Providing Hunting Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs 

Justin Tomei • June 27, 2024

Lansing, MI – On Wednesday, the Michigan Senate passed Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) supported House Bill 5737 on a 38-0 vote following its unanimous passage in the House of Representatives. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to enable minor and adult individuals with certain disabilities to hunt in the presence of a mentor.  

The legislation adapts the successful Mentored Youth Hunting Program to a broader Mentored Hunting Program to provide supervised hunting opportunities for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities that prevent the individual from completing a hunter’s safety course.  

Under current law, the Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows individuals under the age of 10 to hunt with a guardian or authorized individual of at least 21 who holds a valid hunting license, excluding apprentice licenses. At that point, a hunter can hunt on an apprentice license for two years before state law mandates they take hunters’ safety allowing them to purchase a standard hunting license.  

The legislation allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to distribute mentored hunting licenses to minors and adults with special needs, allowing them to hunt under the conditions specified in the Mentored Hunting Program.  

This legislation will not affect a large number of Michigan’s hunters but will mean the world to those that it does, said Justin Tomei, MUCC’s Policy and Government Affairs Manager.  

“Often, we work on regulations or laws affecting hundreds of thousands of Michigan’s hunters, anglers, and trappers. This legislation is vastly different in terms of scope,” said Tomei. “To those hunters who will soon be able to pursue their outdoor dreams, and to their families, this legislation means everything.”  

The legislation now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. Once signed, the DNR can begin implementation and the program should be in place before the 2024 deer season.  

About MUCC: Michigan United Conservation Club is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation. Founded in 1937, our mission is to unite citizens to conserve, protect, and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.  

Justin Tomei    

Policy & Government Affairs Manager   

jtomei@mucc.org  

###  

Recent Posts

June 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • June 12, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today in Bay City. There were no orders for information or action on the agenda. The big news was the commission brought back up the order to reinstate the year-round coyote season, and a vote will happen in August to satisfy posting and notice requirements. MUCC created the Coyote Coalition to put pressure on the NRC, and with today’s inaction, we know that it’s working. With the continued support of the coalition, we will continue fighting to protect proposal G. Consider joining the Coyote Coalition , and let the commission know that inaction is not acceptable, and to follow their legal charge and responsibility. Chair Becky Humphries announced new committee memberships. Wildlife Committee will be chaired by Commissioner John Walters, Governance, Finance and Policy will be chaired by Chair Humphries, Fisheries will be chaired by Commissioner Dave Anthony. There were no other orders for information or action. The next meeting returns to Lansing on July 10.

Conservation Cohort: Training Young Conservationists

By Olivia Triltsch • June 12, 2025
Last week on June 3rd and June 4th, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) hosted a two-day training for young professionals.

PlayCleanGo Awareness Week: Taking Action on Invasive Species

By Katelyn Helsel • June 11, 2025
This week marks the annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week , taking place from June 7-14. Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), this week encourages outdoor enthusiasts to help stop the spread of invasive species through simple actions. This year’s theme, “Partnering Together to Protect Our Favorite Places”, focuses on the importance of collaboration with Invasives Canada and CONABIO to illustrate how actions can create meaningful change across North America.
More Posts