Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club Continues to Thrive Thanks to Dedicated Volunteers and Staff
July 2, 2026
Archery Club News | July 2026
July 2, 2026
The Conservation Corner | July 2026
Greetings fellow club members,
I have three things to report on this month. First, an update on the commercial fishing bills. Then, a laughable proposal that we better take seriously, and finally, some news regarding the role we previously called the “MUCC representative.”
HB 5801 and HB 5802:
The two Michigan House bills that would allow for commercial fishing (netting) of walleye, perch, lake trout, and other species are still alive, but hopefully close to being dead. In the last month, multiple co-sponsors of the bills, both Democrats and Republicans, have rescinded their co-sponsorship and reversed their
endorsement to now oppose the bills.
The Michigan DNR also opposes the bills, as do over 170 Michigan conservation organizations like OCSC (this according to the newly formed “Michigan Angler Consortium”).
After a committee hearing and some outstanding written and verbal testimony, it seems as if the likelihood of a vote by the
full legislature is low. We can stop it if we act.
We are not over the finish line yet on this issue. Have you ever written to your elected representatives? It’s very easy. You can do it via email, and you will get a response back.
I contacted my State Representative (Donni Steele) and my State Senator (Ruth Johnson) to register my objection to these bills.
If you want to be a conservation advocate, you too can take this small action so easily. Please do it! Today. And please mention that you are a member of OCSC.
Oregon Ballot Proposal
In case you’ve ever wondered how bad it could get for us out-doors-people, consider this: enough signatures have been collected in Oregon to place a proposal on the November ballot that would make the intentional harming, killing, or forcing of sexual relations by animals (i.e. breeding) a felony.
This is not a joke.
This proposal would make it illegal to engage in activities including farming, ranching, fishing, hunting, dog-breeding, animal research, and many veterinary practices.
There are multiple out-of-state anti-hunting and “animal rights” organizations getting behind this proposal, hoping it will be a template for other states. So far, they have been successful. That is, they got enough signatures to get it on their statewide ballot. To me, this is very alarming. There really are people out there who want to prevent us from living the outdoor lifestyle we cherish.
New Title
I would like to extend my appreciation to the OCSC Board of Directors for their support at the most recent board meeting. Two motions were presented: one to establish the position at OCSC of “Director of Conservation Advocacy” and second, to appoint me to that position.
Both the board and you, the general membership, have expressed the opinion that we should be aware of threats to our natural resources, that we
should be aware of actions we can take, and that we should in fact ACT when necessary. Our club’s Constitution and Bylaws list seven objectives for why the club exists.
The first of those seven is to “encourage and safeguard conservation in all of its aspects.” That objective will be the guiding principle of the role of Director of
Conservation Advocacy. Additionally, this monthly column will be called the “Conversation Corner,” a title that has been used by the club for some years, including on our website.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on any conservation (and 2nd amendment) issues.
Dave Budnick – Director, Conservation Advocacy, Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club
(248) 978-3454 davebudnick@comcast.net davebudnick.com
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