Could Michigan Be the Next State to Propose a Ban on Hunting and Fishing?

A complete ban of all forms of hunting and fishing?

It could actually be on the ballot later this year in one U.S. state.

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A petition circulating in the state of Oregon is just a few thousand signatures away from putting the issue before voters this November.

What Exactly Is Oregon’s PEACE Act?

It's called Initiative Petition 28 in Oregon, nicknamed the "PEACE Act" by supporters. In plain English, it would remove exemptions in that state's animal cruelty laws, effectively criminalizing a whole bunch of things that are currently legal. It would ban most hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock slaughter, and even a lot of pest control. There would be specific exceptions for things like self-defense and certain veterinary practices.

Why Supporters Say This Measure Is Necessary

Supporters argue it's about extending protections beyond pets to animals "on farms, in research labs, and in the wild."

Could this initiative actually pass and become law?

Probably not. At least not now.

READ MORE: Michigan Moves Deer Baiting Bill Forward

Even the chief petitioner, David Michelson, has been pretty blunt that it's "highly unlikely" Oregon voters are ready to move away from killing animals. He says it's more about getting the conversation started in the hopes of getting the ball rolling and changing things many years down the road.

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You can pretty much imagine how organizations like the Oregon Hunters Association are reacting to the proposal. They're looking forward to handing it a historic defeat if it makes the ballot.

Could Something Like This Ever Happen in Michigan?

Could such a measure ever be proposed in Michigan? Never say never. It would probably go over like a lead balloon though. Michigan's got hunting and fishing baked into its DNA. We even have a state law recognizing the right to hunt and fish (subject to regulation).