Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson has advised Michigan hunters to obtain their licenses ahead of the fall hunting season and before the state budget deadline on October 1. Beson expressed concern that ongoing budget negotiations could affect the timely issuance of hunting and fishing licenses.

“As the DNR has continued pushing for things like massive increases to hunting and fishing licenses and mandatory recreation passports for every vehicle, the House continues to advocate for a responsible, balanced budget plan that doesn’t raise taxes and provides people with the best value for tax dollars,” said Beson, who represents Bay City. “The issuance of hunting and fishing licenses would be disrupted if an agreement is not hammered out before Oct. 1, and even if a deal is reached there may be some delay in getting licenses to hunters.

“The state says it wants more people to hunt deer, but the fact is we’ll have far less people who are able to legally take deer if they can’t get a license and some will just skip the season altogether. I’ll continue fighting for our hunters and the many men and women across our communities and state who enjoy our great outdoors.”

Bow season for deer in Michigan starts on October 1 and runs through November 14, then resumes from December 1 through January 1, 2026. Other designated seasons for species such as pheasant and grouse also begin shortly after October 1.

Beson serves Michigan’s 96th House District, which covers Bay City, Essexville, and several surrounding townships.