Richardville legislation to restore the practice of falconry in Michigan signed into law
LANSING-Legislation sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville that would allow licensed falconers in Michigan to use wild raptors while hunting was recently signed into law.
Senate Bill 10, now Public Act 36 of 2009, permits the sport of falconry, which is the use of specially trained birds of prey in hunting small game.
“Falconers promote both conservation and protection of the raptors,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “There are more than 4,000 highly skilled individuals who practice this majestic sport with 100 in Michigan. As a guest of falconers at several events in the past, I have witnessed this remarkable sport firsthand.”
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.
For more information about falconry, visit the Michigan Hawking Club Web site at www.mhcwebsite.macwebsitebuilder.com.
Posted: Friday, June 05, 2009
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