State Rep. Timmy Beson has introduced common-sense legislation that will allow hunters to transport their firearms safely and sensibly while encouraging continued participation in time-honored Michigan traditions.

House Bill 5164 allows hunters to legally transport their firearms, including rifles and shotguns, in vehicles as long as they are unloaded and either taken down, in a case, or in the vehicle’s trunk. This also covers pneumatic guns, which use compressed air and are used by many hunters for small game.

The plan also makes a key “while in operation” delineation to reduce confusion for hunters who may fall under transport rules even briefly within a parked vehicle. With Beson’s plan, hunters can prepare their gear and load or unload safely without potentially breaking the law in a stationary vehicle.

“This clarity recognizes that we want to make sure hunters are handling firearms safely while also helping them avoid accidental violations while traveling to hunt, going to the shooting range or from one property to another, or simply gearing up at the start of the day in their car or truck,” Beson said. “Hunting numbers in Michigan are declining. When we have laws for this that people don’t understand where they could be charged, more people are just going to avoid the activity entirely. We don’t want that. We need participation and conservation. We need future generations of hunters. To help encourage that, we need more practical laws that respect the people.”

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently disclosed there has been a decline of more than 200,000 hunters in the state over the past 20-25 years.

Beson’s plan comes as regular firearm season for deer runs from Nov. 15-30. Designated hunting seasons for other species like pheasant and grouse began earlier this fall.

HB 5164 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.