H.B. 4162: FIRST ANALYSIS - WHITE-TAILED DEER

House Bill 4162 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Jessie Dalman

House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Recreation

Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Date Completed: 5-28-97

RATIONALE

The white-tailed deer, or Odocoileus virginianus, is found on all islands of Michigan, including Drummond Island and Beaver Island. Photographers, tourists, and nature enthusiasts have been known to enjoy and admire the white-tailed deer, which also is popular with hunters. In response, it has been suggested that the white-tailed deer should be established as a symbol of Michigan.

CONTENT

The bill would create a new act to establish the white-tailed deer as the official game mammal of Michigan.

ARGUMENTS

(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument

The bill would establish the white-tailed deer as the official State game mammal. The distinction of this animal, more than other animals, would idealize and reflect the State's background of forest and wildlife resources. Further, the white-tailed deer plays a significant role in Michigan's economy through the tourism industry and hunting. The mammal attracts many photographers and nature enthusiasts as well as deer hunters. This prized animal would be an appropriate choice for this distinction. Under the bill, the white-tailed deer would joint the following as an official State symbol: The apple blossom (State flower), the robin (State bird), the white pine (State tree), the Petoskey stone (State stone), the Isle Royale Greenstone (State gem), the brook trout (State fish), the Kalkaska Soil Series (State soil), and the painted turtle (State reptile).

- Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

H9798\S4162A

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.