State Rep. Dave Prestin of Cedar River has announced his plan to allow Michigan bow hunters to carry a pistol with them for personal protection.

Prestin says “Hunters can face many dangers in the woods, especially from close encounters with predator species like bears, wolves, and cougar.”  “Bow hunters are very limited in their ability to respond if one of these animals becomes aggressive and decides to attack them.”

Under Michigan law, bow hunters are only permitted to carry a pistol if they possess a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL), whether concealed or not.  Prestin’s plan  would allow bow hunters to legally carry their sidearm into the woods to defend themselves. This would not allow hunters to use firearms to take game but would allow them to use the weapon if faced by an aggressive animal.