News Summary
Guitarist and activist Ted Nugent appeared before a Michigan House committee to express strong criticism of the Department of Natural Resources, labeling their hunting regulations as ‘immoral’ and ‘insane.’ The hearing included discussions about declining hunter participation and proposed changes to regulations. Nugent’s remarks sparked divisions among lawmakers, with strong reactions from both parties regarding the DNR’s management of hunting practices and budget allocations.
Michigan House Committee Hearing Filled with Controversy as Ted Nugent Criticizes DNR
On June 25, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan, guitarist and conservative activist Ted Nugent appeared before a joint meeting of three Michigan House committees to express his concerns about the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its hunting regulations. Nugent described the DNR’s regulations as “immoral” and “insane,” claiming they have deterred responsible hunters from engaging in the sport.
During his testimony, Nugent labeled DNR officials as “jackbooted thugs” and accused them of being “enemies of conservation.” His appearance was facilitated by State Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) and was part of a greater effort by Representative David Martin (R-Davison) to highlight alleged abuses within the department. The focus of the hearing included a critique of the DNR’s enforcement of a ban on deer baiting, a regulation Nugent argues contributes to the decreasing number of hunters in Michigan.
The statistics reveal a troubling decline in participation, with the number of deer hunters dropping from over 850,000 licenses sold in 1995 to just 604,088 in 2024. This has raised significant concerns about the future of hunting in the state, prompting Nugent to claim that strict DNR regulations are driving families away from the tradition of hunting.
Nugent’s testimony comes against the backdrop of budget negotiations as the Michigan Senate passed its budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, while the GOP-led House is still in discussions regarding funding for state government. Only 1% of the state budget currently goes to the DNR, which some lawmakers perceive as a target for criticism and potential budget cuts.
Contentious Issues Surrounding DNR Regulations
Among the contentious issues Nugent raised were the DNR’s measures regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD), which he claims rely on misinformation and unduly restrict hunting practices. He asserted that families often approach him with stories of fines they receive for improper use of salt blocks on farms, which the DNR links to potential disease spread among deer populations.
During the hearing, other individuals echoed Nugent’s sentiments, alleging overreaching enforcement by DNR officials and claiming that some officials resorted to using false identities to hunt on private properties. This testimony added to the charged atmosphere of the meeting and intensified scrutiny on DNR practices.
Nugent’s proposed changes to DNR policies included expanding hunting seasons, lifting restrictions on the shooting of Russian boar, and offering free hunting licenses for individuals under the age of 16. He posited that such changes could help reclaim Michigan’s status as the nation’s top hunting state, a title that has slipped in recent years.
Political Response and Perspective
The hearing did not go without pushback. Several Democratic representatives voiced outrage, arguing that Nugent’s testimony diverted attention from pressing legislative matters, including state budget priorities. Representative Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) condemned the committee’s decision to prioritize this presentation over more significant issues facing the state.
In response to Nugent’s claims, Ed Golder, a spokesperson for the DNR, stated that the department looks forward to providing factual insights regarding hunting policies. Golder’s remarks highlight the DNR’s commitment to addressing public concerns while maintaining its regulatory responsibilities.
This hearing, emblematic of the ongoing debates surrounding wildlife management and hunting in Michigan, encapsulates the divisions within local politics about how best to preserve the state’s natural resources, manage hunting practices, and ensure public confidence in regulatory agencies. The future of hunting in Michigan remains a hot-button issue amid calls for regulatory revisions and budget discussions that will shape the department’s funding and authority.
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