Michigan House Bill HR0202

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/25
• Refer: 10/30/25

Caption

A resolution calling on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to temporarily extend the 2025 open firearm hunting season and set the dates to be November 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

Summary

House Resolution 202 is a nonbinding resolution that urges the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to temporarily extend the 2025 open firearm deer hunting season so it runs from November 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. The resolution ties that request to the state’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which allows hunters to donate venison to processors for distribution to food banks. It argues that an earlier and longer season would give processors more time to handle donated deer and increase the amount of venison available for food assistance. The resolution is framed as a response to a projected pause in federal SNAP benefits beginning November 1, 2025. It states that roughly 1.4 million Michiganders rely on SNAP, including children and veterans, and presents expanded hunting as one way to help offset the expected food insecurity. The resolution does not itself change hunting laws; instead, it asks the Natural Resources Commission to act and sends copies to the Department of Natural Resources and the Commission members.

Impact

Because HR 202 is a House resolution, it does not directly amend Michigan statutes, create new regulatory requirements, or change hunting season dates on its own. Its legal effect is limited to expressing the House’s position and requesting action from the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, which has authority over hunting season rules. If adopted by the Commission, the practical impact would be an expanded firearm deer season in 2025, potentially increasing venison donations to Hunters Feeding Michigan and food banks.

Sentiment

The resolution appears broadly supportive of using state wildlife policy as a short-term food security measure. Its tone is urgent and humanitarian, emphasizing the expected interruption of SNAP benefits and the number of Michiganders affected. No committee testimony or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of organized opposition or amendment activity.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely whether extending firearm hunting season is an appropriate or effective response to a federal SNAP disruption. Supporters, led by Rep. Rheingans in the resolution text, view it as a practical way to increase venison donations and help food banks. Potential critics could question wildlife management impacts, public safety, the Commission’s role, or whether the measure meaningfully addresses food insecurity compared with direct nutrition assistance. The resolution also relies on a future federal SNAP pause described in the text, which could be disputed if circumstances change.