LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today announced that Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has signed into law a plan to create an early firearm deer season for disabled veterans, a move that will allow more veterans to participate in this Michigan tradition. The plan sets up a pilot program that enables disabled veterans to participate in a special two-day hunting season at the end of September.
"Hunting is an important part of our Michigan heritage," Ebli said. "I am proud to have supported this legislation, because I strongly feel that anyone who enjoys hunting – especially our veterans – should have the opportunity to take part in the sport. This law establishing a pilot program for an early firearm deer season for disabled veterans makes Michigan a leader when it comes to promoting hunting accessibility."
Ebli is Vice-Chair of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee, the panel that last week sent the legislation to the full House for a vote. The legislator – who is the daughter of a World War II veteran and married to a Vietnam veteran – is a member of VFW Post 1138, Ladies Auxiliary.
Disabled veterans with hunting licenses currently participate in the regular deer hunting season in November. Under the plan signed into law on Tuesday, disabled veterans will be able to take part in a two-day hunting season that coincides with the special youth hunting season at the end of September. The pilot program would initially focus on certain parts of the state.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan is among the top states in the nation in almost every hunting category, with more than 800,000 licensed hunters contributing $2 billion annually to our economy.
"Establishing this early firearm deer season for disabled veterans is more than just the right thing to do for the men and women who have fought for our county," Ebli said. "Because hunters pump much-needed dollars into our communities, this law also benefits all state residents by increasing hunter participation and providing a boost to our state's economy."