LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today announced that the House has passed a plan to create an early firearm deer season for disabled veterans, a move intended to allow more veterans to participate fully 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.
"This pilot program makes Michigan a leader in this country when it comes to ensuring hunting accessibility for disabled veterans," Ebli said. "Navigating through Michigan's woods and fields in November can be difficult for people with disabilities. Hunting is an important part of our heritage in Michigan, and anyone who loves hunting – especially our veterans who have sacrificed so much for this country – should have the opportunity to participate in our state's hunting seasons. Designating a two-day hunting season for disabled veterans at the end of September is the right thing to do."
Ebli is Vice-Chair of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee, the panel which earlier in the 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 that Ebli supports, disabled veterans could take part in a two-day hunting season that coincides with the special youth hunting season, which typically comes at the end of September. The pilot program would focus on certain parts of the state initially.
"Hunters contribute to the vitality of Michigan's tourism industry," Ebli said, "and by increasing hunter participation, this plan will also benefit our state's economy."
The plan now heads to the Senate.