State Reps. Ken Borton and David Martin today announced that they have worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Green Way Conservation Club to preserve duck hunting drawings at four managed waterfowl areas.  

The DNR drew complaints from outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state when it announced last week that it would limit the number of drawings, claiming shortages in staff. 

“Our sportsmen are entitled to the resources that their licensing fees are paying for,” said Borton (R-Gaylord). “Everyone involved was upset by these reductions, and I’m very grateful that everyone was willing to come to the table to find a real solution. We have reached a deal that ensures that waterfowl hunters across the state continue to have full access.” 

After discussions between legislators, DNR officials, and conservation club members, a solution was identified. The DNR will hire eight seasonal workers to help manage the drawings, and they will be paid by money raised by the Green Way Conservation Club. 

“State Rep. Ken Borton and State Rep. David Martin were passionate about helping Michigan duck hunters and moved quickly to help us resolve the issue,” said Kyle Green, a founder of the Green Way Conservation Club. “I am excited about the future with these representatives and the DNR.” 

Following the initial announcement from the DNR regarding the plan to limit the number of drawing days, Martin wrote a letter to Michigan DNR Director Scott Bowen advocating for hunters across the state who were deeply concerned about these limitations. 

“I’m glad the DNR heard us and is fixing this,” said Martin (R-Davison). “Michigan hunters put their hard-earned money into this system, and they deserve to get what they pay for. We gave the department more funding and more staff, so it didn’t make sense to turn around and give hunters fewer opportunities. I appreciate the DNR listening to our concerns and taking another look at this. At the end of the day, restoring these drawing days is the right thing to do for Michigan hunters.”