Hunters contribute more than $2 BILLION to Michigan's economy annually.

– FUNDING CONSERVATION:
Hunting licenses and taxes on hunting equipment provide money for most conservation efforts in Michigan
The money is used to manage land and wildlife.
– Growing the Economy:
Wildlife watchers spend $1.2 billion each year on trips and equipment. Hunters spend more than $2 billion on the same. Those purchases help grow a healthy economy in local communities.

CONSERVATION FIRST

Michigan has a rich history of “conservation first.” When you see wildlife, you can thank the sportsmen and sportswomen who view themselves as conservationists first, and hunters and trappers second. They help protect Michigans natural resources so we can continue to enjoy them.
– What is conservation?
Conservation is guarding our natural resources, including water, land, air, wildlife and more. Protecting them includes making wise decisions about how to sustainably use them.

– Pioneers in conservation
Trappers were some of the earliest conservationists.
They pushed for laws that would limit how many animals could be trapped.

A Tool for Biologists

Did you know that wildlife biologists who work for the Department of Natural Resources use hunting and trapping as an important tool? Hunting and trapping help biologists manage wildlife populations. Part of managing wildlife is keeping the number of animals at healthy levels so the animals have places to live and food to eat. This can help prevent wildlife damage to young trees in forests, people’s homes, crops or livestock. Information gathered by hunters and trappers is also very useful to biologists as they study wildlife.