LANSING — Michigan bow hunters are being encouraged to get their licenses early this year, since a potential state government shutdown would pause the issuance of licenses.
Justin Tomei, policy and government affairs manager for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, is recommending that those planning to hunt get their licenses by the end of September to avoid any potential complications if a government shutdown occurs.
The bow season starts on Oct. 1, the same day that the state government’s next fiscal year begins.
The government would shut down if lawmakers don’t reach an agreement on spending for the upcoming year.
Tomei says it’s not yet certain what state government functions would continue through a shutdown.
“But if you went off what happened last time, license vendors — licensing — was not deemed essential,” he said. “The last time there was government shutdown though, it only lasted like two hours, and was fixed by 3 a.m., and so it didn’t really affect anything. This shutdown has the potential to last, you know, a lot longer and actually impact some very serious services for the department.”
State parks and some other DNR services would also close during a shutdown, which hasn’t occurred since 2009.
Tomei says that anyone without a license would not be able to legally participate until they receive one, and that it’s not clear how long a potential shutdown could last.
”Plan for the worst, hope for the best,” he said. “Get out there, buy your licenses before Wednesday, Oct. 1. Just get them done this weekend, so that you it’s not an issue for you.”