MI HB5226

Amends MCL 324.40114 to add bear damage shooting permits as an authorized permit type under the natural resources and environmental protection act

Allows the department to issue bear damage permits when bears cause damage to emerging, standing, or harvested crops or properly stored feed, with the department required to respond within 4 days and issue a decision within 10 days

Restricts bear damage permits to individuals with valid bear hunting licenses for the specific bear management unit and calendar year, prohibits use of bait, and prevents individuals from taking another bear under a regular hunting license that same year

Limits bear damage permits to no more than 5% of bear hunting licenses issued per management unit (or 1 license in units with fewer than 20 licenses) and prohibits taking of cub bears or female bears with cubs

Requires the department to submit a report to the legislature within 3 years on the number of permits issued, bears taken, and recommendations for changes to the bear damage shooting permit program