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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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Proposed changes to hunting, fishing fees
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Michigan’s hunting and fishing fees and license structure last underwent major changes with Public Act 108 of 2013, which I sponsored during my time as a state representative. That legislation simplified the structure of Michigan’s hunting licenses by reducing the number of licenses from 227 to roughly 40.
Due to the Department of Natural Resources’ ongoing and growing annual deficit, additional funding is necessary to ensure the future of Michigan’s outdoor recreational spaces and programs.
Sen. John Cherry and I have introduced Senate Bills 276 and 277 to update the hunting and fishing fees in the state. We worked hand-in-hand with the DNR and several stakeholder groups to come up with legislation that would benefit all.
As proposed, changes would only impact residents and nonresidents who purchase a hunting or fishing license. Maintaining the user fee structure ensures that this is not a tax on all Michigan residents. Our proposal would retain the 60% senior discount and dedicate new funding for hunting and fishing education and recruitment programs. Additionally, SBs 276 and 277 would reduce the cost of an antlerless deer license by 75% and dedicate new funds to a cold-water subaccount for cold-water fisheries habitat management, hatcheries production and dam removal.
A breakdown of the current license fee structure, the proposed executive recommendation changes, regional averages, and the changes as proposed in our legislation can be viewed in the table below:
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SBs 276 and 277 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. At this time, no further movement has occurred. To learn more about this legislation and to stay updated on the legislative process, visit the Michigan Legislature website.
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Free services available to veterans and their families
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The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can help veterans obtain a free copy of their DD-214 Report of Separation and connect them with their earned benefits.
The DD-214 is an important document veterans use to prove their service history. The document is necessary for a veteran to access many of the benefits they’ve earned through their service, including GI Bill benefits, VA home loans, disability claims and veteran-specific hiring programs.
Veterans and their dependents can connect with an accredited Veteran Service Officer to help them file claims or review their current benefits. For a full list of VSOs, visit Michigan.gov/VSO. To connect with the MVAA, call 800-MICH-VET (642-4838) or visit Michigan.gov/MVAA.
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No-cost preschool now available for all families
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Preschool enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open.
Michigan’s PreK for All program is available for children beginning at age 4, at no cost to their families, through programs like the Great Start Readiness Program, Head Start and developmental kindergarten. A variety of programs are available statewide, including full-day, part-day, four-day and five-day options. Some areas of the state are even able to provide transportation.
Visit MiPreKforAll.org to learn more and find a program in your area.
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State campgrounds and overnight lodging sites now open
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The March ice storm impacted nearly 1 million acres of state-managed lands, including 19 state parks, 54 state forest campgrounds, 169 boating access sites, 3,290 miles of state-managed trails and 3,400 miles of state roads.
Thanks to fast action from DNR crews across the state, all state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations can reopen within days of their scheduled spring opening dates.
Visitors are encouraged to check the DNR’s interactive map and dashboard for status updates on accessibility at state parks, trails, campgrounds and boating access sites.
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Get ready for the season ahead by subscribing to the weekly fishing report for current conditions from around the state. Trout and northern pike seasons are now open in the Lower Peninsula and walleye and northern pike possession seasons open May 15 in the Upper Peninsula.
An all-species fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 17 to fish in Michigan. Annual and short-term licenses are available at MDNR-elicense.com, participating retailers or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app.
The 2025 Michigan Fishing Guide is now available and includes current rules, regulations and license information. New regulations began on April 1.
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Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend is just around the corner! On June 7-8, all fishing license fees will be waived, and state parks and boating access points are open to visitors without Recreation Passports. Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish for any species of fish. All fishing regulations and laws apply.
Before you plan your next fishing trip, use the interactive Family Friendly Fishing Waters map to find fishing spots across the state with easy access and a high likelihood of catching fish. Locations can be filtered by the type of fish you want to catch, what kind of fishing you are looking for, and which amenities, like bathrooms or swimming, you prefer.
If your fishing adventure will include boating, visit the newly revamped Michigan Boating Facility Finder. The interactive tool makes it easy to find boat access sites and quickly identify essential information about each site, such as the number of lanes, parking info, closures, and more.
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Updates for the 2025 hunting season
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Antlerless deer bow hunting will be permitted throughout the entire Upper Peninsula. After several harsh winters, restrictions were put in place in 2015 and partially reinstated in 2019. |
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Hunters who participate in the Liberty and Independence Hunts can now harvest an antlerless deer or a buck. Previous rules limited these hunts to antlerless deer. |
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Michigan’s 2025 archery season begins on Oct 1. Visit this link for more information about the NRC, including upcoming meeting agendas and past meeting minutes.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Bring It Out Bash!
Monday, June 2
4:30 — 6 p.m.
Muskegon Community College
Main Campus
221 S. Quarterline Road
Muskegon
Description: This family-friendly event welcomes all prospective students to explore what Muskegon Community College has to offer with free food, tours, prizes and more. Learn more here.
White Lake Community Library Blood Drive
Thursday, June 5
1:30 — 6 p.m.
White Lake Community Library
3900 W. White Lake Drive
Whitehall
Description: Donate and receive a one-of-a-kind Midwesterner T-shirt, while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome. Learn more here.
Love Ludington Street Party
Friday, June 6
6 — 9 p.m.
Legacy Plaza
112 N. James St.
Ludington
Description: Celebrate Ludington with live music, kids’ games, food, drinks and more. Click here to learn more.
Battle in the Sands
Friday, June 6 — Sunday, June 8
Silverback Offroad Speedway
7186 E. Deer Road
Mears
Description: To review the race schedule and learn more, click here.
Back to the Bricks car show
Monday, June 9
3 — 7 p.m.
Downtown Ludington
South James Street
Ludington
Description: Browse approximately 250 classic cars on South James Street — between Ludington Avenue and Danaher Street — during this event! Learn more by clicking here.
Feeding the Soul of the City
Tuesday, June 10
12:15 — 12:45 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
1006 Third St.
Muskegon
Description: The final performance of the Feeding the Soul of the City concert series will feature the jazz sounds of the Blue Coast Quartet with Don Giacobassi. Learn more here.
Interns on Deck
Thursday, June 12
3 — 5 p.m.
AquaStar Cruises
560 Mart St.
Muskegon
Description: Hosted aboard the AquaStar cruise ship, this event offers a unique blend of networking, community engagement and scenic exploration. Learn more here.
National Asparagus Festival
Saturday, June 14
Downtown Hart
16 S. State St.
Hart
Description: Join us for the longest-running asparagus festival in the country. To learn more about all happenings, click here.
Friends and Family Day
Saturday, June 14
Noon — 8 p.m.
YMCA Camp Pendalouan
1243 E. Fruitvale Road
Montague
Description: Alumni, friends and new families are invited to come together for a fun-filled day packed with exciting activities! Enjoy swimming, boating, pony rides, target sports, rock climbing, zip-lining, outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, campfires, dinner and more. Learn more here.
Dune Wildflower Hike
Wednesday, June 18
10 a.m. — noon
Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
Old Baldy trailhead
M-22
Arcadia
Description: This is a 2.5 mile hike with gradual elevation change on mostly firm trails. Click here to learn more.
Journey from Invasive Ornamentals to Native Plants
Wednesday, June 18
7 — 8:30 p.m.
Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia
Description: Hear presenter Andrea Walworth discuss her work to convert her yard from a blend of invasive plants to primarily ones native to her area. Click here to learn more.
Country Dairy’s 25th Annual Ice Cream Social
Saturday, June 21
11 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Country Dairy Farm Store
3724 S. 80th Ave.
New Era
Description: Come together to support local charities through a day full of delicious fun. Learn more here.
White River Light Station 150th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 21
Noon — 7 p.m.
Fruitland Township Hall
4545 Nestrom Road
Whitehall
Description: The historic White River Light Station and Museum is turning 150 years old; come celebrate in grand style! To learn more, click here.
Scottville Clown Band Patriotic Concert
Tuesday, June 24
7 — 9 p.m.
Waterfront Park
391 S. William St.
Ludington
Description: This concert is all Americana, in the spirit of Independence Day. Learn more here.
Misty Acres Farm Tour
Thursday, June 26
10 a.m. — noon
Misty Acres Farm
11593 N. Manistee County Line Road
Benzonia
Description: This tour will take about two hours on a mostly paved trail with occasional rough terrain on uneven surfaces. The site demonstrates multiple projects integrating agriculture with conservation goals and techniques to balance these mutually beneficial goals. Learn more here.
Summer Soirée
Thursday, June 26
6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Book Nook & Java Shop
8744 Ferry St.
Montague
Description: A Summer Soirée benefiting the 2025 White Lake Chamber Music Festival! Learn more here.
Take a Kid Fishing and Nightcrawler Hunt
Friday, June 27 — Saturday, June 28
Friday at 9:30 p.m. — Saturday at 1 p.m.
Mineral Springs Park
512 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: Learn how to catch your own bait and then try your luck at fishing. A great outdoor adventure for kids and families. To learn more, click here.
Trinity Health Seaway Run
Saturday, June 28
7:00 a.m. — noon
Heritage Landing
1050 Seventh St.
Muskegon
Description: A scenic race along the beautiful Muskegon lakeshore with something for everyone! Choose from a 5K, 10K, half marathon or community walk, all with stunning views and an unforgettable experience. Learn more here.
Lakeshore Art Festival
Saturday, June 28 — Sunday, June 29
9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food and fun in beautiful downtown Muskegon. Learn more here.
Puppets Playhouse
Monday, June 30
10:30 — 11:30 a.m.
Montague Library
8778 Ferry St.
Montague
Description: See these vivid tales come to life with Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Theater Players and their puppet friends. Learn more here.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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