Bills in the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly that would have eliminated restrictions on the state’s popular mentored hunting program died last week without receiving a vote in either chamber. Assembly Bill 411, sponsored by Rep. Joel Kleefisch, and Senate Bill 301, sponsored by Sen. Terry Moulton, would have allowed parents to decide the age at which their kids begin to hunt.
Known as “Mentored Hunting,” the concept has been adopted by 39 states across the country and safety data gathered over the last 10 years demonstrates that mentored hunters are actually five times safer than regularly licensed hunters.
In addition, Wisconsin is one of only four states that do not allow the mentor to carry a firearm or bow on a mentored hunt. This “one gun” restriction is a disincentive to many potential mentors who have precious few days in the field, but want to share some of that time taking newcomers hunting.
Unfortunately, the bills did not receive a vote in either chamber. Because the Wisconsin Assembly is not returning for session dates later in the year, both measures effectively died.
“It’s a shame to see bills fail that make it easier to introduce newcomers to hunting,” lamented Evan Heusinkveld interim president and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “We thank Representative Kleefisch and Senator Moulton for bringing the issue to the forefront, and hope that the legislature will move quickly in 2017 to implement these important measures.”
The bills are part of a nationwide campaign called Families Afield, which seeks to lower barriers that prevent the introduction of hunting to the next generation. The coalition was launched by the Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation in 2005. The coalition is also supported by the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
In Wisconsin, AB 411 and SB 201 were supported by the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association and Wisconsin chapters of Safari Club International.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance:The Sportsmen’s Alliance is a 501 (c) 4 organization that protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization that supports the same mission through public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
