By Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph

Hunting has been a favorite tradition and pastime of many Southwest Michigan families.
With an abundance of game animals and birds, Michigan attracts more hunters than any other state because our great outdoors offer something to interest every hunter.
To honor our hunting heritage and support youth safety education, I recently attended the Dowagiac Conversation Club’s 16th annual Hunter’s Rendezvous.
The rendezvous is focused on young hunters by providing a low-key environment for them to learn from experienced hunters. The event also raises money for the club’s youth education fund, which supports a variety of activities.
The club uses the funds to bring live animals into local classrooms for education and interactive presentations and also sponsors area children who want to attend the Michigan United Conservation Club’s youth summer camp.
Due in part to the efforts of groups like the Dowagiac Conversation Club, Michigan’s hunting season in 2012 was the safest in the past several years.
In fact, during the past five years hunting incidents have been cut by more than half.
Law enforcement officials credit the “hunter orange” law, safe firearm handling and hunter education programs as important factors in having a safe season.
I am proud of organizations throughout Michigan who understand that the best hunting trip is a safe hunting trip. They respect the environment and Michigan’s great outdoors and are dedicated to passing down these traditions to the next generation.
For information on hunter education, visit www.michigan.gov/huntereducation.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.