Safari Club International (SCI) proudly announces Michigan State Senator Jon Bumstead as its 2026 State Legislator of the Year Award recipient in recognition of his leadership, steadfast support for hunting and conservation, and advocacy for science-based wildlife management.
Senator Bumstead currently represents Michigan's 32nd Senate District and has served the people of western Michigan for more than 15 years. Throughout his legislative career in both the Michigan House and Senate, he has consistently championed policies that strengthen conservation funding, protect sportsmen's traditions, and promote responsible wildlife management.
Senator Bumstead is a Safari Club International Life Member and the former president of SCI's Michigan Chapter. He has previously received the Legislator of the Year Award from SCI's Michigan Chapters in 2025.
"Senator Jon Bumstead exemplifies the values and leadership that this award represents," said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. "From founding the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus to advancing legislation that supports conservation funding and hunter education, Senator Bumstead has always been First For Hunters."
As the founder and Senate Co-Chair of the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, Senator Bumstead has led bipartisan efforts to advance sportsmen-focused policy. He has introduced legislation to strengthen funding for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, helped create the Michigan Wildlife Council, and is working to expand Hunter Education courses in Michigan schools.
Senator Bumstead currently serves on the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee, including the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Outside of public service, he owns and operates a construction company he founded after high school and lives in Norton Shores, Michigan, with his wife Cyndi. He has three children and five grandchildren.
Background:
For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.