Game regulators blast Ted Nugent for ‘insulting’ Capitol testimony

• In June, Michigan-born rockstar-turned-conservative activist Ted Nugent complained about state policies on deer baiting, feral pigs, sandhill cranes and mourning doves
• On Thursday, a member of the state’s Natural Resources Commission criticized Nugent’s appearance as ‘appalling’ and under-informed
• Nugent’s comments came amid a larger battle brewing between state House Republicans and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

One of the commissioners who oversees Michigan hunting and fishing regulations on Thursday criticized Ted Nugent’s June appearance at the state Capitol as “appalling,” saying the rocker-turned-conservative activist was under-informed and disrespectful to conservation officers.

“I was frankly insulted by Ted Nugent and his testimony for a variety of reasons,” Michigan Natural Resources Commissioner John Walters said during a commission meeting on Thursday.

Nugent testified before three state House committees last month, accusing state wildlife regulators of being “the enemies of conservation” and railing against state bans on deer baiting raising certain breeds of pigs deemed invasive, among other grievances.

Nugent also reportedly carried a concealed firearm into the state Capitol despite a weapons ban in the building. 

Nugent’s remarks came amid a brewing battle between state House Republicans, many of whom have complained about state fish and game policies, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, whose leaders want lawmakers to boost their budget by raising fish and game license prices.

Walters defended existing DNR regulations at the Thursday meeting, noting that the ban on deer baiting was informed by department findings showing chronic wasting disease can spread at bait sites and saying wild hogs are “incredibly destructive.”

RELATED: 

• As GOP targets Michigan DNR, Ted Nugent blasts agency’s ‘insane’ regulations
• Michigan eyes hunting, fishing, boating fee increases
• Report warns fatal deer disease could jump to humans. Unlikely, Michigan says

Walters also objected to Nugent insinuating that “it’s (the DNR’s) fault we are not able to hunt mourning doves.” 

In 2006, Michigan voters rejected making mourning doves a game species.

“Frankly, if he wants to effectuate change, he can certainly come before the commission, as can all of you,” Walters said. “He did not do that. Instead, he chose to grandstand in front of the Legislature.”

Walters also defended conservation officers in charge of enforcing DNR regulations — whom Nugent characterized as overreaching — saying he’s never found an officer that is “disrespectful and misguided and overreaching.”

“To disparage the professionals who carry out that work is really, really unfair and very unfortunate and unprofessional, in my opinion," said commission Chair Becky Humphries.

Walters ended his comment by inviting Nugent to speak before the commission.

“I welcome his call or his email,” Walters said. “My contact information is on the NRC website.”