By Staff
LANSING – In this week's radio address, special guest Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), kicked-off the opening of firearm deer season in Michigan by discussing the important role hunting plays in Michigan's heritage and economy.
Humphries also highlighted recent legislation signed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm that will help insure the next generation of conservationists is introduced to the sport.
"Deer hunting in our state is part of our rich natural heritage," Humphries said.
"This late fall ritual in our state brings hundreds of thousands of outdoorsmen and women into the woods and puts millions of dollars into our state's economy."
Humphries said deer hunters will spend more than $500 million for food, lodging, transportation and equipment to pursue deer in Michigan this year.
Biologists from the DNR are predicting another strong hunting season, with 400,000 deer expected to be taken.
An estimated 725,000 individuals will purchase at least one deer license this year.
License fees are put back into the wildlife and habitat conservation projects that the DNR works on every day across the state.
In July, Gov. Granholm signed two new laws to promote hunting across the state.
Public Act 280 of 2006 lowers the hunting age for bear, elk and deer season.
Public Act 282 of 2006 creates an apprentice hunting program to pair novice hunters with more experienced hunters so they can build their outdoor skills and develop an appreciation for Michigan's great outdoors.
"Nearly everyone in Michigan knows someone who is out trying to bag a buck," Humphries said.
"On behalf of myself and Gov. Granholm, I wish you a safe and successful hunting season."
The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
The address will also be available on the Governor's Web site on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.