House approves Richardville legislation to restore the practice of falconry in Michigan
LANSING - The House today 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 time-honored and majestic sport,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “This legislation will restore the practice of falconry in Michigan to allow highly trained individuals to use falcons as a hunting aid to catch small animals, such as rabbits, pheasants, ducks or squirrels.”
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 am pleased that the bill is moving through the legislative process this term and hope that it will soon become state law,” Richardville said. “Falconry promotes conservation and protection of the raptors. It’s important for the 100 licensed falconers in Michigan to continue participating in this remarkable sport.”
For more information about falconry, visit the Michigan Hawking Club Web site at www.mhcwebsite.macwebsitebuilder.com.
The bill now goes to the governor’s desk.
Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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