Current bill to restrict boating practices likely to change

lschultz • March 20, 2019

On March 13, House Bill 4362 was introduced by Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) of the 56th district. The bill was referred to the House Government Operations Committee (which he chairs), and it has not had a hearing as of yet. As introduced, this bill would limit the operation of a vessel on public inland waters between the hours of sunset and 8 a.m.

We would like to thank everyone who has engaged and been involved with this bill, your voices have been heard by MUCC and the sponsor’s office.

MUCC has been, and will remain, in contact with Rep.Sheppard’s office. His staff has indicated that his intent is not to impact hunters and anglers.

See below for his written statement:

I recently introduced legislation that has caused some concern among the boating and fishing communities. I would like to clarify my intent for House Bill 4362.

I have observed over the years that many inland lakes have set their own hours, through DNR rules, for activities such as high-speed boating and water skiing. These activities are prohibited in many lakes from the hours of 6:30pm until 10am the following day. Many of these rules were adopted in the mid-1960s. Clearly, these hours do not represent today’s families and their schedules.

I introduced HB 4362 to allow for more time to enjoy on Michigan’s inland lakes—unfortunately, the way the bill was written does the opposite. Please know that I am in the process of drafting alternative language to more clearly attain my goal of making our state’s waters more accessible to all.”

MUCC is supportive of Representative Sheppard’s intent to preserve and even expand boating access for hunters and anglers, as put forth in his statement, and we look forward to working with him to insure that the words on the paper match the intended purpose of the bill.

In its current form, however, MUCC opposes the bill because of the impact it would have on bowfishers, walleye and catfish anglers, duck hunters and many others whose pursuits involve boating from sunset until 8 a.m.

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch July 17, 2025
Beekeeping
By Katelyn Helsel July 15, 2025
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, MUCC hosted another successful Manistee River Cleanup at High Bridge Boat Launch in partnership with Steelhead Manifesto, USDA Forest Service, and the Michigan DNR. This annual event has taken place for the last 11 years, with MUCC having been involved from the very beginning. This is also one of our highest attended events with around 60 volunteers each year committed to cleaning up the river for all to enjoy. 
By Justin Tomei July 14, 2025
July 2025 NRC Recap
More Posts