Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson addressed a group of House committees on Wednesday, calling for increased accountability from Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The discussion involved input from musician and outdoorsman Ted Nugent, as well as local business owners affected by DNR regulations.

"This hearing provided tremendous insight into the different ways that the DNR is hampering outdoor recreation and livelihoods in Michigan," said Beson. He highlighted discrepancies between state policies and priorities, pointing out how regulations discourage hunting and hinder small businesses.

Beson, who previously owned a meat market and grocery store offering deer processing services, shared his experiences with DNR regulations. "A lot of processors are out of business because of the regulations that the DNR imposes," he testified. He described how processors are burdened with law enforcement responsibilities due to DNR's reluctance to update informational materials.

The representative also criticized recent requirements for online reporting of deer kills within 72 hours, citing excessive paperwork and data entry demands on processors. "We're double-entering (the data)," Beson noted, arguing that complex licensing and regulation drive businesses underground and create unsafe conditions.

Beson's testimony was part of a joint hearing involving multiple House committees at the state Capitol in Lansing. He presented documentation illustrating the reporting burdens faced by deer processors despite hunters already fulfilling reporting requirements.

Ted Nugent joined Beson in advocating for reduced regulation to preserve Michigan's tradition of conservation and outdoor activities.