BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
The Michigan Senate has approved legislation that would name the gray wolf and 38 other animals as game species in Michigan. The measure would also circumvent a referendum next year on wolf hunting in the Upper Peninsula.
The ballot campaign turned in more than 250 thousand petition signatures. If and when they're certified, the wolf hunting law will be suspended until after the November 2014 election.
State Senator Tom Casperson said he respects the right of Michigan voters to challenge laws they don't like. But he said wildlife decisions, especially those that affect public safety, should be left to experts with the state Department of Natural Resources.
"Let's take it away from biology through referendum." Casperson said.
Opponents of wolf hunting said lawmakers should let voters decide, and not do an end run around their referendum on the earlier law. A budget expenditure that would make this new bill referendum-proof was removed just before the Senate's final vote.
Copyright 2013, MPRN