Michigan Law Decriminalized Private Bird Feeders
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in 2025 that removed criminal penalties for backyard bird feeding.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Bird Watching
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On July 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4350 into law, effectively decriminalizing bird feeding on private property. The new legislation permits residents to maintain feeders within 300 feet of a home with a two-gallon limit on feed.
Why it matters
The change was designed to ensure families can enjoy feeding local wildlife without the risk of facing criminal charges. This legislation replaces a prior system that classified backyard bird feeding as a misdemeanor offense.
The previous law allowed for misdemeanor charges carrying fines between $50 and $500. Offenders could also face up to 90 days in jail for maintaining a bird feeder on their property.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer is the current Governor of Michigan who signed the legislation into law.
Ken Borton
Ken Borton is a state representative who introduced the bill after personally receiving a ticket for a bird feeder in 2010.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife that opted to take no formal position on the legislation.
The details
Introduced by Representative Ken Borton, House Bill 4350 eliminates the criminal classification for maintaining bird feeders on private land. The law standardizes the practice by establishing clear distance requirements from residences and limits on the total quantity of feed provided at one time.
Timeline
In 2010, Ken Borton was issued a ticket for his bird feeder.
In 2021, Governor Whitmer vetoed a similar bird feeding exemption.
On April 22, 2025, Representative Ken Borton introduced House Bill 4350.
On June 12, 2025, the DNR issued a memo stating no position on the bill.
On July 21, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4350 into law.
Culture Shift
This law reflects a broader legislative move to balance state wildlife management protocols with the personal property rights of residents. It signifies a shift away from criminalizing hobbyist activities that were previously caught under broader anti-wildlife feeding statutes.
Michigan residents can now set up feeders within 300 feet of their homes without the risk of fines or jail time. Owners should ensure they do not exceed the two-gallon limit to stay within the bounds of the new regulations.
The takeaway
This change removes the threat of criminal prosecution for a common backyard hobby. Residents should maintain their feeders within the specified distance and volume limits to remain fully compliant with state law.
Further reading
For more on how local policies affect hobbyists, visit our guide on Bird Watching.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Michigan Capitol Confidential.
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