AB 53

This bill prohibits the Department of Natural Resources from limiting the use

of shot shells based on shot size for the hunting of fur-bearing animals, which

current law defines to include otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, woodchuck, marten,

fisher, skunk, raccoon, fox, weasel, opossum, badger, wolf, coyote, bobcat, cougar, and

lynx.

Under current law, DNR is required to regulate the hunting, fishing, and

trapping of wild animals. In general, a person may hunt, fish, or trap a wild animal

only during the open season for that animal and only with the appropriate approval

issued by DNR. However, current law provides that a landowner or occupant may

hunt or trap beaver, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels

(commonly referred to as nuisance wildlife) on the land at any time and without a

DNR approval.

Under current rules promulgated by DNR, no person while hunting may use,

possess, or have under the person's control shot shells containing shot larger than

T. Under the bill, DNR may not limit the use, possession, or control of shot shells on

the basis of the size of the contained shot for the hunting of a fur-bearing animal

during an open season established for that animal by the department or for the

hunting of nuisance wildlife as provided under current law.