Today Wisconsin Hunters got a big win from the Wisconsin State Senate in the passage of the "Youth Mentored Hunting" Bill.

This bill would create a new mentored hunting program for apprentices as young as 10 years old. The bill is authored by Senator Jim Holperin, Representative Ann Hraychuck, together with dozens of co-sponsors.

    If the bill becomes law, Wisconsin would be the 28th state to pass a law reducing barriers to hunting since 2004.

    "We are thrilled to see this important proposal advance," said Carl Schoettel, Vice President of the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association. "We would like to thank Senators Jim Holperin and Russ Decker for their leadership on this effort."

    "Over 280,000 new hunters have been added across the country by initiatives like this," said Greg Kazmierski, Legislative Chairman for the Wisconsin Chapters of SCI. "This proposal creates a safe way for youth or adults to experience hunting with a mentor before going through the necessary training to be able to hunt on their own."

    The bill does NOT lower the hunting age for hunting without adult supervision, nor does it change the requirement for hunter safety education. The bill also makes legal the common practice of children under 12 being able to target practice with their parents.

    Dean Hamilton, President of the State Chapter of NWTF said, "We have made passage of a mentored hunting bill our top priority because we know that our future as hunters is dependent on getting these kids out into the woods before they get hooked on video games or TV."

    The Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition was originally formed to pursue passage of this proposal. During the last 2 legislative sessions, the proposal did pass the State Assembly, but had never before had a vote on the floor of the State Senate.

    For more information contact our representative: Bob Welch.

Share Link: