Apparantly the Senators in Michigan feel that out of state residents are taking advantage of Michigan and our Michigan Marijuana Law. In a state that is well known as struggling and leading the nation in residents leaving the state, we are going to make another hurdle to attracting out of state residents. Senator Jones and Schuitmakker are drafting legislation that would require one year of Michigan residency before obtaining a Michigan Medical Marijuana card.

If there is actual proof of this going on, I could see taking this measure as a precaution. Unfortunately, there is none. As of now the requirement for obtaining a card is a Michigan driver’s license. The “threat” is out of state residents renting homes in Michigan. The rental receipts are then used to obtain a Michigan driver’s license….OH NO. These people would be investing in Michigan including paying taxes. Let’s just turn them away! This seems more like a political move by republicans to show their stand against MMA law. You really think this will sove the problem? I think not.

Although there are no changes regarding the Michigan snagging regulations, I feel I need to refresh everyone’s memory. As an avid outdoorsman and fisherman in this very state, I feel people need to be reminded that snagging negatively affects the overall fishery. Snagging in Michigan rivers is still illegal! I feel this has been a hot topic lately since the salmon run is just about full swing in Michigan lakes and rivers. I was lucky enough to take a trip up to the Manistee River for a few days two weeks ago and was astounded by the number of people “snagging”.

There are many anglers who follow the rules and still catch tons of fish! In fact I would argue learning the proper techniques and methods would actually increase your catch. The problem is that river fishing ain’t easy. I spent my first year or two river fishing completely lost. If not help from some fellow anglers I probably would have quit due to frustration. My advice is to talk with fellow anglers and absorb as much information as they are willing to give. Hiring a guide while still learning is the best thing you can possibly do if affordable. You will save yourself a years worth of trouble and frustration.

Unfortunately in my time up north, the “snaggers” outnumbered the traditional anglers. This isn’t just a problem at the Manistee, just about every river I’ve fished in Michigan snaggers could be spotted. How am I so certain that illegal snagging is taking place?

Anglers using large treble hooks with a stainless steel wire leader is a pretty good indicator. It’s also obvious when passing by floating downriver. Quick jerks and rapid reeling really sticks out since its not part of a traditional river technique. I hate to stereotype, but alot of the snaggers I have witnessed come out late at night with headlamps, heavy duty yellow rods, and don’t talk too much. Presumably because there is less chance of getting caught in the dark.

Anyways, I KNOW that illegal snagging is going on and I’ve never witnessed a single arrest, although I hear about them on internet fishing forums. I try to stay away from the hot spots due to huge amounts of fishing pressure, yet I still see a major problem. So lets protect the viability of our fishery which is in enough trouble as it is due to pollution, invasive species, and bait die-offs.

A new auto insurance bill has been introduced and proposed to Michigan legislature. As of today, Michigan is the one and only state that requires unlimited personal injury coverage for residents seriously injured in a car accident. This new bill proposes to change this structure and allow limited personal injury coverage. Although this will make insurance for motorists a little cheaper, the new policies will range in protection from $1/4 mill. to $5 million instead of uncapped.

This may seem like a good idea, but you must also think of the consequences. I mean who doesn’t like cheaper auto insurance rates right? Lets say you opt for the $250,000 and you are seriously hurt in an accident. Believe it or not your costs will most likely exceed this 1/4 mill amount. You are lucky to be alive, but unfortunately you now have serious serious financial trouble. For the rest of your life you are left with multiple lingering injuries and an insurmountable debt. Those slightly cheaper rates sure sound good until it’s you or a loved one that are involved in a serious accident.

Just when you think there is no other way to recieve social security disability benefits in Michigan, Douglas McCallum has indeed found a clever new way to receive disability benefits. After years of being denied his benefits, Douglas had enough. He was so fed up that he decided to drive his van into a Social Security office in Traverse City, MI. He backed the van into the entrance of the Social Security Office. The good news is that he is now approved for benefits, the bad news is that he’s facing criminal charges for crashing his van into a federal office. McCallum is being charged with malicoius destruction of property. This paticular charge can have a maximum punishment of up to five years in prison. Although he got approved for benefits, he created another hurdle for himself. Disablity payments are usually suspended if in jail or prison.