Whitmer Signs Bills Decriminalizing Minor Hunting, Fishing Violations

House Bill 4149 decriminalizes fishing with more than the authorized number of lines and decriminalizes failure to attach the fisher’s name and address to tip-ups. Tip-up ice fishing is a method of fishing that allows anglers to set multiple baited lines below the ice. Under this bill, these infractions will no longer be considered misdemeanors and instead will result in a civil infraction with up to a $150 fine.

“The fish in Michigan’s rivers and lakes present world-class opportunities for all anglers,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “However, with some fishing law violations, the penalty is clearly harsher than necessary, threatening a criminal record and jail time for small errors. I’m a firm believer in the principle that the punishment should fit the crime. My plan will tackle these over-the-top penalties and ensure more reasonable enforcement of the law.”

The law reclassifies two misdemeanors as civil infractions: failure to attach one’s name and address to an ice fishing tip-up, and fishing with more lines than authorized. Previously, the maximum punishment for either offense was 90 days imprisonment and a $500 fine. Damoose’s plan caps the penalty at a $150 fine.The governor signed Damoose’s plan after it passed both the House of Representatives and Senate unanimously. The new law takes effect immediately.

House Bill 4151 decriminalizes the failure to exhibit a hunting, fur harvester, or fishing license when one is required. Under this bill, failure to exhibit the required license on demand would no longer be a misdemeanor charge, and instead would be a civil infraction with up to a $150 fine.

House Bill 4149 was sponsored by Rep. John N. Damoose, R – Harbor Springs and House Bill 4151 was sponsored by Rep. Steven Johnson, R – Wayland, and copies can be found here and here.