I wrote a post a few weeks back about the Michigan DNR’s supposed budget woes and what my thoughts were on that subject. I will admit that the DNR hasn’t been my favorite organization and I still think they have some questions that need to be answered. That being said I was glad to see the news that I found over on The Outdoor Pressroom site! In one of their posts they made reference to a story about the Michigan DNR’s denial to ban bowhunting in a certain Michigan township.

Clinton Township is located Northeast of Detroit and has had gun hunting banned since 1974. There are still some areas where people are allowed to bowhunt and apparently the local hunters do take advantage of the opportunity, and rightfully so. For some reason though, the township thinks that bowhunting in this area has become too dangerous. From the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle:

Because the township is so populated and developed, officials felt that hunting in any area of the township poses a safety hazard.

Now I can understand, since this is a very populated area, that you wouldn’t allow gun hunting, and I would totally stick behind that. Bowhunting however is a different matter. First off, there is already a law that prohibits hunting within 450ft of an occupied dwelling, and second the DNR held public meetings on the issue and 4 people showed up. Yeah a whole 4 people. After the public meeting, the DNR investigated whether there we any hunting related complaints or incidents in the last ten years and found no evidence to the fact. Again from the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle:

After that, the DNR investigates whether there have been any hunting-related complaints or incidents on record within the last 10 years. In Clinton Township, there were none.

You read that correctly. Bowhunting is so dangerous in the area, that in the last ten years there have been no reported hunting incidents. Even with these facts presented the township board still has it’s blinders on. From the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle:

Even though several trustees on the board are avid hunters themselves, they don’t feel Clinton Township is the place to do it.

“We believe that hunting in Clinton Township in any area is unsafe,” said Township Supervisor Robert Cannon. “The board is united and unanimous on that.”

I would love to sit down and have a conversation with the “hunters” on this board. With all the facts presented in front of them how could they possible still think that bowhunting in this area poses a threat to anyone. It just doesn’t make sense to me how an “avid hunter” could stand behind this ban. The information is right in front of them that points to exactly how dangerous bowhunting in this area is. Bottom line is that it is not dangerous. If it were, you would have incidents reported, and you would also have people showing up to voice their concerns. This is not an unpopulated area so for 4 citizens to voice their opinion (2 for, 2 against) proves to me that their is no concern amongst the residents of the township.

I am glad to see the Michigan DNR stand up for hunters, take a look at the facts, and make the right decision regarding this ban. I hope that they continue their stance on this issue as I’m sure things of this nature will come to light in other townships as well.

I tip my hat to the Michigan DNR for this one. I will keep everyone up-to-date on any other issues such as this.

Authors note: If you would like to read the entire article from the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle you can find it here!

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