State Rep. Jennifer Wortz, R-Quincy, on Tuesday unveiled a plan to support Michigan hunters by overriding a bureaucratic order that prohibits deer baiting.

An order issued by Michigan’s unelected Natural Resources Commission generally prohibits laying bait to attract deer in the Lower Peninsula. The commission purportedly issued the order to limit deer congregating and spreading diseases, although the ban on baiting has only caused deer to congregate in crop fields, where they destroy crops.

Wortz’s plan to revoke the baiting ban comes as deer overpopulation has increased crop damage and vehicle collisions. Wortz recently introduced a plan to incentivize doe hunting to reduce the size of Michigan’s deer herd.

“For years, unelected bureaucrats have interfered with Michigan deer hunters in the most ridiculous ways,” Wortz said. “The ban on deer baiting robs hunters of freedom and takes away a commonsense hunting tactic. This over-the-top mandate makes even less sense right now, with deer overpopulation wreaking havoc for farmers, gardeners, and drivers across Michigan. My plan will stop government overreach and restore freedom for hunters.”

Wortz’s House Bill 4445 would allow hunters to deposit, distribute, or tend feed to assist in taking deer.

HB 4445 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism.