UP Gazette

State Representative Karl Bohnak, a Republican from Deerton, has expressed opposition to a federal proposal introduced by U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar. The proposed legislation seeks to ban bear baiting across the United States.

Thanedar's proposal aims to prohibit the practice in all 50 states, including Michigan, which has a significant bear population. Bohnak criticized the measure as a "one-size-fits-all approach" that overlooks regional needs such as those in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

"The Upper Peninsula is home to a significant and growing black bear population, and bear baiting is a responsible and effective wildlife management tool that helps maintain a healthy balance," said Bohnak. He warned of potential consequences without bear baiting, such as increased human-bear conflicts leading to property damage and threats to public safety.

"We cannot treat the U.P. the same way we treat suburban towns or cities like downtown Detroit," he added. "Different regions face different challenges, and this bill fails to respect that reality."