Capitol News

State Representative Dave Prestin has announced new legislation aimed at improving safety for Michigan bow hunters. The proposal would allow these hunters to carry a pistol for personal protection while in the woods.

“Hunters can face many dangers in the woods, especially from close encounters with predator species like bears, wolves, and cougar,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Bow hunters are very limited in their ability to respond if one of these animals becomes aggressive and decides to attack them.”

The announcement follows an incident last year in which a young bow hunter in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula was attacked by a black bear accompanied by three cubs. The hunter managed to fend off the animal and was rescued after two hours but required 40 stitches due to injuries sustained during the encounter.

Currently, Michigan law restricts bow hunters from carrying pistols unless they have a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL), regardless of whether the weapon is concealed or openly carried. Gun owners who can otherwise legally open-carry handguns lose that ability when entering the woods with a bow.

“My plan would allow bow hunters to legally carry their sidearm into the woods to defend themselves,” Prestin said. “This would not allow hunters to use firearms to take game but would allow them to use the weapon if faced by an aggressive animal. This bill is just simply about safety, self-defense, best practices, and keeping our hunters safe in the woods.”