A bill that would lower the legal age to hunt big game with firearms in Michigan has stalled while sponsors seek a version that could win support from Governor Jennifer Granholm.

The bill would lower the age requirement to hunt deer, elk, and bear from 14 to 12. The state Department of Natural Resources originally supported the bill but is now opposed because of safety concerns.

Granholm sees no compelling reason to change the age requirement, a spokeswoman said.

The bill's sponsor is state Representative Susan Tabor. She says she will try to reach a compromise with the DNR but is prepared to move forward without its support.