MI HR0389

Encourages the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to eliminate the wild turkey hunting license lottery system and allow licenses to be sold over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis.

Notes that Michigan's wild turkey population has recovered to historic high levels of approximately 200,000 birds, with over 30,000 harvested annually and turkeys now present in every Lower Peninsula county and many Upper Peninsula areas.

Cites that the MDNR regularly has leftover licenses after the drawing is complete, indicating sufficient availability to eliminate the application process and provide more convenient license purchases for hunters.

Highlights that over-the-counter sales would reduce administrative burden by eliminating one step in the licensing process and streamlining hunter access to wild turkey permits for specific hunting units.

Directs copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the chief of the Wildlife Division, the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Commission.