Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

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 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

Democratic majorities in the House and Senate have voted to end the 2023 legislative session. This is the earliest the Legislature has adjourned in the last 55 years.

Democrats have ended all legislative work for the year after 10 months of destructive policies, leaving families, seniors, and small businesses with higher taxes and energy rates.

Rather than setting aside partisanship to work with Republicans and address the problems facing Michigan families, Democrats have adjourned the Legislature historically early. Lawmakers have a responsibility to work together to improve the quality of life for the hardworking people of our state.

Hunting has been a tradition for many Michigan families for generations. Our state offers vast opportunities for hunters, who play an important role in wildlife conservation and management.

Last year, over 586,000 deer hunters harvested more than 300,000 deer. With regular deer firearm season now open until Nov. 30, I wanted to pass along some useful information. Hunting digests, including the 2023 edition of the Michigan General Hunting Digest from the Department of Natural Resources, feature all current state rules and regulations. It is one of several digests available online that can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

All harvested deer must be reported within 72 hours or before transferring possession of the deer to another person, a processor or taxidermist. You can report a harvest by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or online at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport.

Remember to keep safety in mind. Most hunting-associated injuries and casualties are preventable. I wish you a happy hunting season.

As part of their black bear management program, the Department of Natural Resources is asking outdoor enthusiasts to help identify and report black bear dens. Black bears, found in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, typically enter dens in November and December. They tend to select dens in locations with dense vegetation, rock crevices, fallen trees or excavated holes that provide shelter from the elements while still allowing access to fresh air.

When the DNR receives a tip of a possible bear den, biologists will further investigate and decide if the animal is a good candidate for the ongoing bear management project. A bear selected for the program will be sedated and fitted with a collar and ear tags. Biologists will collect information from the bear including the sex, weight, body measurements and reproductive history, before carefully returning the bear to its den, where it will remain throughout the winter months. Wildlife biologists are currently monitoring six bears using radio-tracking equipment.

If you find what you believe is a black bear den, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the den or the bears inside. Record the location, using GPS coordinates if possible, and contact one of the following DNR staffers:

Learn more about bear management in Michigan at Michigan.gov/Bear.

Before the war for independence had been fought, before the Declaration of Independence had been signed or the Constitution had been written, the earliest settlers to North America paused to give thanks. This tradition of gratitude has continued for centuries and has become an important part of American culture and marks a season of gratitude and celebration.

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!