Senate approves Richardville legislation to restore the practice of falconry in Michigan
LANSING-The Senate today unanimously approved legislation that would allow licensed falconers in Michigan to use wild raptors while hunting, said Sen. Randy Richardville, sponsor of the measure.
Senate Bill 10 would permit the sport of falconry, which is the use of specially trained birds of prey in hunting small game.
“Falconry is a remarkable sport,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “I have had the opportunity to attend events hosted by the Michigan Hawking Club to see the practice in action. The sport is conducted by more than 100 highly trained individuals throughout Michigan, but their ability to engage in falconry is in limbo because they are not currently authorized under law to take part in it.”
Falconry had been allowed in Michigan for approximately 10 years, but it became illegal on Jan. 4, 2009 when the state law allowing the practice expired. In 2007, Richardville sponsored legislation to permit the sport of falconry indefinitely, but the measure was not taken up by the House before the end of 2008, when the session concluded.
“I urge the House to take up this important legislation soon,” Richardville said. “Falconry is not simply just about hunting, as it promotes conservation and protection of the raptors. Failure to act by the House will prevent this time-honored sport from continuing and could halt conservation efforts practiced by falconers.”
For more information about falconry, visit www.mhcwebsite.macwebsitebuilder.com.
The bill has now been sent to the House for consideration.
Posted: Thursday, February 05, 2009
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