OC and Bow-hunting in MI.

Here is the official stance on bow hunting and a handgun. MOC, Inc. disagrees with this stance. You are free to contact the DNR with your opinions.

Good afternoon Mr. Jeffs:

I am responding to your e-mail below on behalf of Chief Hagler.

Sgt. Wood’s responses to your previous questions, both written and over the phone, regarding open carry of handguns while bow hunting are an accurate representation of the Department’s official position on this matter.

While it is accurate that MCL 28.422, which addresses the license to purchase, falls within the range of laws referenced in 324.504 (6), the intent of the reference was specific to the license to carry a concealed pistol.

It is not uncommon to find areas in Michigan Law that leave room for interpretation. In these instances, and certainly in this case where you disagree with the Department’s interpretation, it may be helpful to review the legislative analysis documents that were created when the law was enacted to find clarification. These documents, which are a permanent part of the record related to this laws’ enactment, refer extensively to the license to carry a concealed pistol and the conflicts that existed relative to Michigan’s hunting laws. There is no reference in these documents to the license to purchase. This leaves no doubt as to the intent of the legislature when they enacted this law.

Sincerely,

Lt. Andrew Turner
Recreational Safety, Enforcement and Education
Law Enforcement Division
Michigan DNR

So they're saying you can't carry a pistol while bow hunting, unless you have a CPL?

Legislative intent tends to not mean much. How the law is written does. Michigan Supreme Court tends to agree. Unfortunately for the guy who was improperly charged under a hacking law, he recieved no relief even though the law he was charged under was not written for a case such as his.

"In an order last week, the Supreme Court said it wouldn’t step in before Walker’s trial. Justice Marilyn Kelly wanted to hear the appeal, saying she doubts the hacking law was aimed at a case such as Walker’s."

http://m.oakpress.com/oaklandpress/pm_108920/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=9Yr5Dye8

Michigander said:

So they're saying you can't carry a pistol while bow hunting, unless you have a CPL?

Click to expand...

Yes.

I wonder how they will handle a person CCing on their own property while bow hunting without a CPL?

I agree with you, their take on it is nonsense, and they need to be called out on it.

It's really amazing to me, how much the DNR likes over exerting its power, and yet they always seem to crave more of it.

The DNR is a sick joke. IMO it should be hung from a tree, its throat cut, and gutted on the spot.