Here is an interesting article from the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune about how Governer James Doyle quickly changed his position as soon as he removed himself from the re-election running. Some would say that this isnt a surprise.
MADISON -- Question: When can an elected official ignore his constituency at no risk to his political career?
Answer: When he no longer is a candidate.
Thus, Gov. James Doyle -- a lame duck in political parlance -- has vetoed Assembly Bill 138, which removes authority to appoint the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources from the governor's office and returns it to the Natural Resources Board.
Doyle announced this past summer that he would not seek re-election, then proceeded to veto the bill, irritating supporters of the legislation who have fought for years to take DNR leadership and decision-making out of the political arena.
"This is a bill that has been sought by hunters, anglers, trappers and others interested in the outdoors for the last 14 years," wrote George Meyer, head of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, an umbrella group encompassing more than 120 outdoor-related citizen organizations throughout the state.
Even more frustrating to the bill's proponents is that Doyle switched sides on the issue, even using his early support for restoring Natural Resources' Board control to his political advantage.
"Remind the governor that he fought to change to a governor's appointed secretary in 1995 when he was attorney general," Meyer urged his constituency in an e-mail.
"Also remind him that when he ran for governor in 2002 and 2006, he ran for office indicating he wanted the Natural Resources Board to appoint the DNR secretary."
Meyer pointed out that 85 percent to 90 percent of those voting at the state's annual fish and game spring hearings favored Natural Resources Board control of the secretary position.
"The governor has repeatedly appeared before the Conservation Congress and many other groups indicating that he would sign the bill," Meyer added.
So why has Doyle backtracked?
Apparently the view from the governor's chair does not provide the same perspective as a seat outside that arc of power.
Doyle has said the DNR is better off under gubernatorial control and that returning the secretary a Natural Resources Board position "harms a strong environmental agenda."
Proponents of the bill contend that when DNR's key administrator serves at the discretion of the governor, that official is subject to being swayed by initiatives likely to keep the governor in office.
It's no secret that DNR personnel feel less secure commenting on fish and wildlife issues than they did in the past. Agency personnel worry about offending key legislators, causing the governor to lose political capital.
Prior to gubernatorial control, it was common for the DNR secretary to take the lead role in addressing legislative initiatives affecting the agency or the hunting and fishing public. Rarely is the secretary heard these days.
Before the position became a gubernatorial appointee, the DNR secretary typically had a strong background in the natural resource field.
Since becoming governor, Doyle has appointed two DNR secretaries with little training in natural resources. His first selection was from the publishing industry and the current choice was an administrator in the criminal justice system.
Now we have a huge brouhaha over the DNR's deer management policies, which resulted in a 2009 gun deer season buck kill that is the lowest in nearly 30 years.
Deer hunters are upset. Should some of their ire be directed at the governor? After all ... he's been in charge of the agency for the past eight years.
Author: By Jim Lee • Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers • January 17, 2010
Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20100117/WRT0204/1170447/1835/WRT02
Showing posts with label whitetail hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whitetail hunting. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Hunting Gear for 2010
Below are some releases from various companies on upcoming hunting gear for 2010
Gore Develops New GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment Pattern for Hunting Whitetail Deer
W. L. Gore & Associates announced that it has developed a new GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment pattern specifically designed for tree stand hunting in wooded environments. Like the Big Game/Open Country pattern, the new Big Game/Forest pattern is based on how deer see, both spatially and colorimetrically. A new line of Sitka gear featuring the new pattern will be available at retail by summer of 2010.
Gore launched GORE OPTIFADE Concealment at retail in the summer of 2009. Developed by a group of experts, including an animal vision scientist and a leader in military concealment, the pattern was the first to consider how a hunter appears in the eyes of his prey.
GORE OPTIFADE Concealment incorporates a micro and a macro pattern. The unique micro-pattern considers the way a deer or other ungulate perceives color, the ratio of positive to negative space and other visual elements to create an effect that allows the hunter to blend with the animal's perception of the environment. The macro-pattern breaks up the symmetry of the human body so that if a hunter is detected, the animal will not be able to identify the hunter as a predator.
"GORE OPTIFADE Concealment is a game-changing technology in the sport of hunting," said David Dillon, hunting category leader at Gore. "Since the very successful launch of the Big Game/Open Country pattern, we have put our considerable scientific expertise toward developing gear and a concealment pattern that addresses conditions unique to tree stand hunting in a wooded environment."
Rest of Article: http://www.gore.com/en_xx/news/optifade-whitetail-deer.html
New Benelli Shotgun on Jan 19, 2010?
Sleek. Beautiful. Italian. She's the lightest auto-loading shotgun in the world. And she's coming January 19, 2010. On that day, the launch of Benelli's newest shotgun will be revealed at the SHOT Show and simultaneously unveiled on the Benelli USA website.
Evoking grace and beauty, the female form has inspired artisans since the dawn of time, and does so no less today. With Benelli's newest offering, Italian designers have blended art and function in a way that every sportsman will appreciate.
"At just under 5 pounds, this is lightest shotgun on the market, chambered in a gauge that many skilled hunters and sportsmen will find not only a delight to handle, but wonderful to shoot." said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA's VP of Marketing & Communications. "Benelli combined striking gun art with reliable function, the hallmark of all our products."
Source: http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/Hunting_Gear_and_Products/Benelli-to-Reveal-New-Shotgun--Jan-19-2010-12070902.html
New Primal Twin Track Cam Bow for 2010
Memphis, Mich., Quest BowhuntingTM, a division of G5 Outdoors, Introduces the new 2010 Primal Twin Track Cam bow. The new bow features the superior construction and quality G5 has built its reputation on, combined with an all new custom decorating process that is exclusive to the Quest Line of bows.
“We are very excited about the new DuraFuseTM process.” Stated CEO and Founder Lou Grace. “The new finishing process not only is tougher than most, it really makes the new line stand out”
The new bow also incorporates the new G5 Patent Pending DurafuseTM decorating process. This process delivers sharp, crisp camo detail and a finish that is more durable than traditionally dipped or painted bows.
In addition to improved durability the DurafuseTM process allows for different designs and looks that have never been seen in the bow industry. One new design is the GfadeTM - a fusion of camo limbs, pockets, and top of riser with a black center riser section. GfadeTM provides the ultimate in versatility for bowhunters. With the camo top and bottom the bow is concealed for tree stand hunting to stalking situations in the field. The black riser mid section makes it perfect for the blind. In the stand, crossing a ridge, or sitting in the blind you never will be out of place with the GfadeTM. The Primal bow is also available in full AP camo or all black.
...Rest of article: http://www.huntonly.com/hunting_news/new_2010_primal_twin_track_cam.html
Gore Develops New GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment Pattern for Hunting Whitetail Deer
W. L. Gore & Associates announced that it has developed a new GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment pattern specifically designed for tree stand hunting in wooded environments. Like the Big Game/Open Country pattern, the new Big Game/Forest pattern is based on how deer see, both spatially and colorimetrically. A new line of Sitka gear featuring the new pattern will be available at retail by summer of 2010.
Gore launched GORE OPTIFADE Concealment at retail in the summer of 2009. Developed by a group of experts, including an animal vision scientist and a leader in military concealment, the pattern was the first to consider how a hunter appears in the eyes of his prey.
GORE OPTIFADE Concealment incorporates a micro and a macro pattern. The unique micro-pattern considers the way a deer or other ungulate perceives color, the ratio of positive to negative space and other visual elements to create an effect that allows the hunter to blend with the animal's perception of the environment. The macro-pattern breaks up the symmetry of the human body so that if a hunter is detected, the animal will not be able to identify the hunter as a predator.
"GORE OPTIFADE Concealment is a game-changing technology in the sport of hunting," said David Dillon, hunting category leader at Gore. "Since the very successful launch of the Big Game/Open Country pattern, we have put our considerable scientific expertise toward developing gear and a concealment pattern that addresses conditions unique to tree stand hunting in a wooded environment."
Rest of Article: http://www.gore.com/en_xx/news/optifade-whitetail-deer.html
New Benelli Shotgun on Jan 19, 2010?
Sleek. Beautiful. Italian. She's the lightest auto-loading shotgun in the world. And she's coming January 19, 2010. On that day, the launch of Benelli's newest shotgun will be revealed at the SHOT Show and simultaneously unveiled on the Benelli USA website.
Evoking grace and beauty, the female form has inspired artisans since the dawn of time, and does so no less today. With Benelli's newest offering, Italian designers have blended art and function in a way that every sportsman will appreciate.
"At just under 5 pounds, this is lightest shotgun on the market, chambered in a gauge that many skilled hunters and sportsmen will find not only a delight to handle, but wonderful to shoot." said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA's VP of Marketing & Communications. "Benelli combined striking gun art with reliable function, the hallmark of all our products."
Source: http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/Hunting_Gear_and_Products/Benelli-to-Reveal-New-Shotgun--Jan-19-2010-12070902.html
New Primal Twin Track Cam Bow for 2010
Memphis, Mich., Quest BowhuntingTM, a division of G5 Outdoors, Introduces the new 2010 Primal Twin Track Cam bow. The new bow features the superior construction and quality G5 has built its reputation on, combined with an all new custom decorating process that is exclusive to the Quest Line of bows.
“We are very excited about the new DuraFuseTM process.” Stated CEO and Founder Lou Grace. “The new finishing process not only is tougher than most, it really makes the new line stand out”
The new bow also incorporates the new G5 Patent Pending DurafuseTM decorating process. This process delivers sharp, crisp camo detail and a finish that is more durable than traditionally dipped or painted bows.
In addition to improved durability the DurafuseTM process allows for different designs and looks that have never been seen in the bow industry. One new design is the GfadeTM - a fusion of camo limbs, pockets, and top of riser with a black center riser section. GfadeTM provides the ultimate in versatility for bowhunters. With the camo top and bottom the bow is concealed for tree stand hunting to stalking situations in the field. The black riser mid section makes it perfect for the blind. In the stand, crossing a ridge, or sitting in the blind you never will be out of place with the GfadeTM. The Primal bow is also available in full AP camo or all black.
...Rest of article: http://www.huntonly.com/hunting_news/new_2010_primal_twin_track_cam.html
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monster Whitetail Shot With Muzzleloader in Wisconsin
Is this the muzzleloader recordd for the State of Wisconsin? Unnoficial score was 203"
Here is the story from a fellow hunter:
This was shot south of LaCrosse with a muzzleloader last Tuesday (12/1/09). It was bedded along the fence line as the guy was tilling up his fields. It never moved in two passes so he left the tractor idling and went and got his muzzleloader. He snuck withing 50 yards downwind and whistled to get the buck to stand up. When he did, he dropped him. The best part is (a friend)Eric hunted this farm for 4 straight days through the gun season only seeing does and small bucks. But his treestand was in the background of one of the pictures that Chris saw.
Chris was told that the state record with a muzzleloader is somewhere around 196" and the world is around 201". This buck was first scored around 203".
Here is the story from a fellow hunter:
This was shot south of LaCrosse with a muzzleloader last Tuesday (12/1/09). It was bedded along the fence line as the guy was tilling up his fields. It never moved in two passes so he left the tractor idling and went and got his muzzleloader. He snuck withing 50 yards downwind and whistled to get the buck to stand up. When he did, he dropped him. The best part is (a friend)Eric hunted this farm for 4 straight days through the gun season only seeing does and small bucks. But his treestand was in the background of one of the pictures that Chris saw.
Chris was told that the state record with a muzzleloader is somewhere around 196" and the world is around 201". This buck was first scored around 203".
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hunters register 195,647 deer in November hunt
MADISON – A survey of Wisconsin deer registration stations conducted by the state Department of Natural Resources has yielded a preliminary tally of 195,647 for the just-ended, nine-day November gun deer hunt. This includes a buck tally of 86,251 and an antlerless tally of 109,396.
This number is preliminary and is expected change before a final report is published in late winter. It does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary harvest count in 2008 was 276,895.
“Deer populations are variable throughout the state,” said Keith Warnke, DNR’s big game biologist, “and we believe people when they say they did not see deer in their hunting area. We have also received reports from successful camps. As always, local populations make all the difference.
“Wildlife management and especially deer management is a process of continual adjustment. In response to hunter input we adjusted seasons this year to reflect lower populations across the north and central forests and suspended EAB in many areas.”
DNR wildlife officials anticipated the total harvest would be down due to changes in season structure that significantly reduced the antlerless deer harvest, lower fawn production and tough weather conditions for deer and hunters alike. In some northeastern units it was not possible to shoot an antlerless deer and in other northern region units the small supply of bonus antlerless deer tags did not meet demand. Careful adjustment of antlerless tag numbers is an important tool in managing deer numbers.
“There are still days to hunt in 2009 in herd control units where deer are above goal and in CWD units. The muzzleloader hunt is underway and the December antlerless hunt is around the corner.”
In February, DNR biologists will compare unit-level harvest numbers against overwinter population estimates and will adjust the recommended season structure for 2010 to address any significant trends.
“A pillar of Wisconsin deer management is the accurate harvest figures provided by hunters,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl. “Periods of stable deer populations have always been relatively short-lived in Wisconsin. Mandatory deer registration allows us to respond quickly to changing population levels. We have annually adapted our harvest strategies, and will continue to do so in consideration of what the 2009 harvest tells us about the deer population.”
“This year, in response to hunter input, we moved 29 units from earn-a-buck to herd control status and 38 units from herd control to regular unit status. The total number of regular units grew from 21 in 2008 to 59 this year.” said Warnke. “The result was inevitably less antlerless opportunity and lower antlerless harvest numbers.”
A table of county by county (pdf; 39kb) harvest broken down by DNR region, with a comparison to the 2008 preliminary harvest is available on the DNR Web site.
Young hunters prove themselves safe and responsible
“What is really exciting, is the 9,907 mentored hunting licenses purchased by 10- and 11-year olds,” said Diane Brookbank, chief of DNR’s licensing and customer service unit. “These are the future hunters and conservationists that will step into the woods in place of the hunting ‘retirees’ as our population ages.”
Wardens reported no firearm incidents among these young hunters.
Hunt fourth safest in history
DNR hunter education administrator and conservation warden Tim Lawhern said there were seven hunting incidents during the nine-day gun hunt. A possible eighth incident remains under investigation.
"Our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones suffered injury during the hunting season,” said Lawhern. “Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. Every incident is investigated to learn what happened so we can work to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Self-inflicted gunshot injuries accounted for 57 percent (4 of 7) of this season’s incidents. Deer drives contributed to 25 percent of all incidents. Both categories and all firearm related incidents can be attributed to failure to observe one of the basic rules of firearm safety according to Lawhern.
Still, noted Lawhern, hunting remains a safe sport and has gotten safer over time as more and more hunters are graduates of hunter safety education courses. This is especially true in Wisconsin where the incident rate for hunters is well below the national average. The incident rate for 2009 in Wisconsin was 1.11 incidents per 100,000 hunters – the national average is 3 per 100,000.
“This was the fourth safest season ever and the fourth time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents,” said Lawhern, “Nonetheless, our goal is zero incidents.”
More than 638,000 gun deer licenses sold
DNR’s automated License Issuance System, known as ALIS, peaked at 200 transactions per minute at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before gun season. The 638,040 gun licenses sold through the end of the season on Nov 29 represent a near identical number of hunters as in 2008 when 642,419 hunters hit the woods.
•Nearly one in five hunters age 15 and younger is female and women bought 8.6 percent of all gun licenses sold
•All 50 states are represented in license sales with the highest number of nonresident hunters coming from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
•The most licenses were sold in Dane County.
•All ages participate with over 54,000 hunters age 65 and older buying licenses.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1511
News Release Published: December 1, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
This number is preliminary and is expected change before a final report is published in late winter. It does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary harvest count in 2008 was 276,895.
“Deer populations are variable throughout the state,” said Keith Warnke, DNR’s big game biologist, “and we believe people when they say they did not see deer in their hunting area. We have also received reports from successful camps. As always, local populations make all the difference.
“Wildlife management and especially deer management is a process of continual adjustment. In response to hunter input we adjusted seasons this year to reflect lower populations across the north and central forests and suspended EAB in many areas.”
DNR wildlife officials anticipated the total harvest would be down due to changes in season structure that significantly reduced the antlerless deer harvest, lower fawn production and tough weather conditions for deer and hunters alike. In some northeastern units it was not possible to shoot an antlerless deer and in other northern region units the small supply of bonus antlerless deer tags did not meet demand. Careful adjustment of antlerless tag numbers is an important tool in managing deer numbers.
“There are still days to hunt in 2009 in herd control units where deer are above goal and in CWD units. The muzzleloader hunt is underway and the December antlerless hunt is around the corner.”
In February, DNR biologists will compare unit-level harvest numbers against overwinter population estimates and will adjust the recommended season structure for 2010 to address any significant trends.
“A pillar of Wisconsin deer management is the accurate harvest figures provided by hunters,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl. “Periods of stable deer populations have always been relatively short-lived in Wisconsin. Mandatory deer registration allows us to respond quickly to changing population levels. We have annually adapted our harvest strategies, and will continue to do so in consideration of what the 2009 harvest tells us about the deer population.”
“This year, in response to hunter input, we moved 29 units from earn-a-buck to herd control status and 38 units from herd control to regular unit status. The total number of regular units grew from 21 in 2008 to 59 this year.” said Warnke. “The result was inevitably less antlerless opportunity and lower antlerless harvest numbers.”
A table of county by county (pdf; 39kb) harvest broken down by DNR region, with a comparison to the 2008 preliminary harvest is available on the DNR Web site.
Young hunters prove themselves safe and responsible
“What is really exciting, is the 9,907 mentored hunting licenses purchased by 10- and 11-year olds,” said Diane Brookbank, chief of DNR’s licensing and customer service unit. “These are the future hunters and conservationists that will step into the woods in place of the hunting ‘retirees’ as our population ages.”
Wardens reported no firearm incidents among these young hunters.
Hunt fourth safest in history
DNR hunter education administrator and conservation warden Tim Lawhern said there were seven hunting incidents during the nine-day gun hunt. A possible eighth incident remains under investigation.
"Our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones suffered injury during the hunting season,” said Lawhern. “Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. Every incident is investigated to learn what happened so we can work to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Self-inflicted gunshot injuries accounted for 57 percent (4 of 7) of this season’s incidents. Deer drives contributed to 25 percent of all incidents. Both categories and all firearm related incidents can be attributed to failure to observe one of the basic rules of firearm safety according to Lawhern.
Still, noted Lawhern, hunting remains a safe sport and has gotten safer over time as more and more hunters are graduates of hunter safety education courses. This is especially true in Wisconsin where the incident rate for hunters is well below the national average. The incident rate for 2009 in Wisconsin was 1.11 incidents per 100,000 hunters – the national average is 3 per 100,000.
“This was the fourth safest season ever and the fourth time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents,” said Lawhern, “Nonetheless, our goal is zero incidents.”
More than 638,000 gun deer licenses sold
DNR’s automated License Issuance System, known as ALIS, peaked at 200 transactions per minute at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before gun season. The 638,040 gun licenses sold through the end of the season on Nov 29 represent a near identical number of hunters as in 2008 when 642,419 hunters hit the woods.
•Nearly one in five hunters age 15 and younger is female and women bought 8.6 percent of all gun licenses sold
•All 50 states are represented in license sales with the highest number of nonresident hunters coming from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
•The most licenses were sold in Dane County.
•All ages participate with over 54,000 hunters age 65 and older buying licenses.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1511
News Release Published: December 1, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Late Season Deer Hunting Tactics
Hunt the Early Season Stands - Many deer hunters during the regular season the first few days or weekends of the season and then bag their deer or run out of time. These hunting spots have been untouched for a period of time and the smartest of deer will know this. Areas you know that haven’t been hunted or have received little disturbance since early to mid season are great spots to check back into as these spot may seem obvious but rarely get hunted from the early season on.
Let the Moon be Your Guide - Even though there is a lot of talk about this during the early season, late season hunting will require you pay even more attention to the moon phases. Deer naturally become more nocturnal during the winter in part because of the energy benefits they receive by resting during the day when it’s a bit warmer and moving around to feed at night when the temperature is at its coldest. Pay special attention to the nights where there is less moonlight and nights with heavy cloud cover, deer will be making the move in the mornings to get back to bedding areas in the morning. Remember that during the late season, deer will require less food so bites to eat will become quicker and less frequent.
Hunting the Weather Fronts – Cold weather and cold fronts will push deer to look for food or a bedding area. Cold weather requires high energy consumption so watch for cold fronts coming through and either get out in front of it or grab that chilly morning to sit. Mature bucks may try to ride out the cold front but even mature bucks will need to replenish the energy they are spending to staying warm so consecutive nights of chilly weather will make the mornings a great time to catch that big guy looking for a quick bite to eat.
Deer Pattern You – Like I stated above, stands, or areas that you or others hunted in your area, get away from them and hunt the areas that have not seen pressure. Deer pattern people as much or more than people pattern deer. Find un-hunted travel corridors as well as wooded creeks and swamps that deer love. Mature bucks may walk across a property without being spotted, even if it means going across a wide open field where he knows you are not. Consider hunting untraditional areas at untraditional times, especially during a full moon. During a full moon, deer move more during mid-day, and if you are in the travel line less traveled, you may just get that big guy to walk right on by.
Post Rut Bucks - Although early winter creates harsh conditions with low temperatures, rain and snow, it is one of the few times during the year when bucks carrying trophy racks may be seen together. Because the rut is over the bucks are no longer antagonistic toward each other, and they often begin to reform the bachelor groups they were in before the rut. They are also in search of high quality foods, in order to gain back the weight they lost during the rut. This combination of factors provides late season hunters the opportunity to see several bucks, including some that are trophy class, together on a regular basis.
Let the Moon be Your Guide - Even though there is a lot of talk about this during the early season, late season hunting will require you pay even more attention to the moon phases. Deer naturally become more nocturnal during the winter in part because of the energy benefits they receive by resting during the day when it’s a bit warmer and moving around to feed at night when the temperature is at its coldest. Pay special attention to the nights where there is less moonlight and nights with heavy cloud cover, deer will be making the move in the mornings to get back to bedding areas in the morning. Remember that during the late season, deer will require less food so bites to eat will become quicker and less frequent.
Hunting the Weather Fronts – Cold weather and cold fronts will push deer to look for food or a bedding area. Cold weather requires high energy consumption so watch for cold fronts coming through and either get out in front of it or grab that chilly morning to sit. Mature bucks may try to ride out the cold front but even mature bucks will need to replenish the energy they are spending to staying warm so consecutive nights of chilly weather will make the mornings a great time to catch that big guy looking for a quick bite to eat.
Deer Pattern You – Like I stated above, stands, or areas that you or others hunted in your area, get away from them and hunt the areas that have not seen pressure. Deer pattern people as much or more than people pattern deer. Find un-hunted travel corridors as well as wooded creeks and swamps that deer love. Mature bucks may walk across a property without being spotted, even if it means going across a wide open field where he knows you are not. Consider hunting untraditional areas at untraditional times, especially during a full moon. During a full moon, deer move more during mid-day, and if you are in the travel line less traveled, you may just get that big guy to walk right on by.
Post Rut Bucks - Although early winter creates harsh conditions with low temperatures, rain and snow, it is one of the few times during the year when bucks carrying trophy racks may be seen together. Because the rut is over the bucks are no longer antagonistic toward each other, and they often begin to reform the bachelor groups they were in before the rut. They are also in search of high quality foods, in order to gain back the weight they lost during the rut. This combination of factors provides late season hunters the opportunity to see several bucks, including some that are trophy class, together on a regular basis.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hunters register 100,330 deer opening weekend of 2009 season
MADISON – Warm temperatures and heavy fog in many areas greeted hunters on the opening weekend of Wisconsin’s 158th gun deer hunt. Hunters participating in the traditional November 9-day gun deer hunt registered a preliminary tally of 100,330 deer over the first two days of the hunt.
The 2009 preliminary count compares to a similar opening weekend count of 133,828 from 2008. Buck harvest statewide in 2009 was 49,583 (52,477 in 2008) and antlerless harvest was 50,478 (81,351 in 2008)
“We want to remind folks that these preliminary numbers come from a staff call-around to deer registrations stations this morning,” said Tom Hauge DNR’s wildlife management director. “The final opening weekend tally will likely be somewhat larger, when all the registration stubs are entered into the data base over the next couple of months.”
A breakdown of the harvest by DNR Region and county is available in portable document format.
This fall, wildlife staff indicated that they expected lower total harvest numbers - especially antlerless deer harvest numbers - due to several factors including lower deer numbers in many areas of the state, fewer herd control units and no earn-a-buck units outside of the chronic wasting disease management zone.
“There was pretty dense fog until 10-11:00 a.m. opening morning,” reported Kris Belling DNR West Central Region wildlife expert. “The fog coupled with wet conditions, made it hard to hear anything coming and definitely impacted the morning hunt. Hunters I talked to (in West Central Region) enjoyed the mild temperatures and it was comfortable enough for them to stay out hunting, and that seems to have offset the original difficulties due to the fog. Overall, it was just a nice week-end to be out. Lots of interest in getting the deer butchered quickly.”
However, the weather improved later in the day.
“Many folks take this week off leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and given the slower start to the season, there should continue to be good opportunity out there in many areas. There is still a lot of hunting left,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist.
As of early Monday afternoon, 571 “opening weekend” hunting trip reports have been recorded on the department’s new online reporting database. Hunters reported seeing 796 total deer on those trips which translates to an average of 1.39 deer per trip. These numbers will also likely change as trip reports were still coming in at a rapid pace. Hunters wish to report their hunting experiences can do so from the DNR website.
Enthusiasm for hunting remains high
DNR Secretary Matt Frank visited several registration stations along the I-39, Saturday morning.
“At the stations I visited it was really gratifying seeing our next generation of hunters taking their place,” said Frank. “I especially enjoyed the chance to visit with the youngsters who brought in their first deer. Congratulations to all hunters for keeping our heritage strong. I wish them all success and an enjoyable and safe hunting experience during the remainder of the seasons.
The department’s license sales office reported 626,404 hunters hit the woods with a license to participate in the 2009 nine-day gun deer season. The number of gun hunting licenses included a new category this year, 9,592 10- and 11-year-old hunters who for the first time were able to participate as mentored hunters under Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law.
Deer license and tag sales will continue through the hunting seasons.
The long custom of buying a license on the way to deer camp is also intact. Over 43 percent – nearly half - of all deer hunters purchased a license in the eight days preceding the gun deer opener; 82,463 licenses were sold on Friday. At peak, which occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the DNR’s online licensing system – known as ALIS – was processing 212 transactions per minute.
Nearly 270,000 licenses were issued in the eight days preceding the season opener.
Of the hunters hitting the woods on Saturday:
Scott McCauley, Conservation Congress delegate from Wood County was hunting in Waupaca County and noted that for his party opening day was off to a promising start.
“Last year we had our best season ever taking nine deer. This year is looking even better with five people taking three deer and the season is just starting,” said McCauley.
Mike Riggle, Conservation Congress delegate from Taylor County called in, “Seven in camp now, including 11-year-old Austin Riggle hunting for his first time as a mentored hunter. Austin didn’t see anything but enjoyed being in camp and will be out again having a good time.”
Injury report
There were no confirmed fatal shooting incidents recorded during the first two days of the hunt but there were five non-fatal firearms-related incidents, reports DNR Hunter Education Administrator Tim Lawhern.
“We are grateful these five incidents were not fatal and wish a speedy recovery to the victims, but the fact remains that all five could have been prevented if strict firearm safety rules had been observed by the shooters and by the victims who wounded themselves.”
Three woundings occurred on Saturday. In Grant County a hunters was struck in the back of the leg by shrapnel when a hunting companion’s gun discharged into the door of a vehicle as he attempted to unload the gun.
In Price County, a hunter suffered a self-inflicted wound in the left hand from a handgun, and in Green County a hunter sustained a gunshot wound to his leg when he slipped crossing a stream on a log and his shotgun discharged
On Sunday a Barron County hunter was wounded in the thigh by a bullet, and in St Croix County a hunter sustained a self-inflicted gunshot would to the right hand from a .30-30 caliber rifle.
Hunter Safety Administrator Tim Lawhern noted that historically about half of Wisconsin’s shooting incidents happen during deer drives, usually because someone wasn’t where they were supposed to be or someone shot at a deer when they did not have a safe backstop or in a direction they should not have been shooting. “It is really important that hunting parties wanting to drive deer have a plan and that they follow that plan to the letter. Knowing where your hunting mates are and where safe shooting lanes are is critical,” he said.
Statistically, about half the hunting incidents happen during opening weekend. “I am hoping we buck that statistic and can avoid further incidents this year,” Lawhern said. “Compared to the ‘good ole’ days,’ hunting is safe and getting safer. In 1915, of the state’s 155,000 hunters then, 24 were killed and 26 were injured. That meant 1 in about 3,100 hunters could expect to be killed or injured. Today it’s 1 in 100,000 or better. Still any shooting incident is one too many. Hunters need to remember the shooting TAB-K safety rules and be careful with deer drives later this week,” he said.
The 2009 preliminary count compares to a similar opening weekend count of 133,828 from 2008. Buck harvest statewide in 2009 was 49,583 (52,477 in 2008) and antlerless harvest was 50,478 (81,351 in 2008)
“We want to remind folks that these preliminary numbers come from a staff call-around to deer registrations stations this morning,” said Tom Hauge DNR’s wildlife management director. “The final opening weekend tally will likely be somewhat larger, when all the registration stubs are entered into the data base over the next couple of months.”
A breakdown of the harvest by DNR Region and county is available in portable document format.
This fall, wildlife staff indicated that they expected lower total harvest numbers - especially antlerless deer harvest numbers - due to several factors including lower deer numbers in many areas of the state, fewer herd control units and no earn-a-buck units outside of the chronic wasting disease management zone.
“There was pretty dense fog until 10-11:00 a.m. opening morning,” reported Kris Belling DNR West Central Region wildlife expert. “The fog coupled with wet conditions, made it hard to hear anything coming and definitely impacted the morning hunt. Hunters I talked to (in West Central Region) enjoyed the mild temperatures and it was comfortable enough for them to stay out hunting, and that seems to have offset the original difficulties due to the fog. Overall, it was just a nice week-end to be out. Lots of interest in getting the deer butchered quickly.”
However, the weather improved later in the day.
“Many folks take this week off leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and given the slower start to the season, there should continue to be good opportunity out there in many areas. There is still a lot of hunting left,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist.
As of early Monday afternoon, 571 “opening weekend” hunting trip reports have been recorded on the department’s new online reporting database. Hunters reported seeing 796 total deer on those trips which translates to an average of 1.39 deer per trip. These numbers will also likely change as trip reports were still coming in at a rapid pace. Hunters wish to report their hunting experiences can do so from the DNR website.
Enthusiasm for hunting remains high
DNR Secretary Matt Frank visited several registration stations along the I-39, Saturday morning.
“At the stations I visited it was really gratifying seeing our next generation of hunters taking their place,” said Frank. “I especially enjoyed the chance to visit with the youngsters who brought in their first deer. Congratulations to all hunters for keeping our heritage strong. I wish them all success and an enjoyable and safe hunting experience during the remainder of the seasons.
The department’s license sales office reported 626,404 hunters hit the woods with a license to participate in the 2009 nine-day gun deer season. The number of gun hunting licenses included a new category this year, 9,592 10- and 11-year-old hunters who for the first time were able to participate as mentored hunters under Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law.
Deer license and tag sales will continue through the hunting seasons.
The long custom of buying a license on the way to deer camp is also intact. Over 43 percent – nearly half - of all deer hunters purchased a license in the eight days preceding the gun deer opener; 82,463 licenses were sold on Friday. At peak, which occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the DNR’s online licensing system – known as ALIS – was processing 212 transactions per minute.
Nearly 270,000 licenses were issued in the eight days preceding the season opener.
Of the hunters hitting the woods on Saturday:
- 592,287 (95 percent) were residents and 34,117 were nonresidents;
- More than 79,000 youth hunters under 18 years old participated in this year’s hunt, representing 13 percent of the total number of deer hunters;
- More than 54,000 hunters were age 65 or older, and over 191,000 (31 percent) are under 30-years-old;
- Females represent 8.5 percent of the total hunters, and 20 percent of new 10- and 11-year-old hunters;
- Hunters throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries purchased a Wisconsin gun deer license. The highest number of nonresident hunters came from Minnesota (16,413), Illinois (8,568), Michigan (1,078), and Florida (898);
- The most deer licenses were sold in Dane County (29,024), with Brown, Washington, Marathon and
- Waukesha counties following;
- More than 170,000 antlerless deer tags have been sold this year
Scott McCauley, Conservation Congress delegate from Wood County was hunting in Waupaca County and noted that for his party opening day was off to a promising start.
“Last year we had our best season ever taking nine deer. This year is looking even better with five people taking three deer and the season is just starting,” said McCauley.
Mike Riggle, Conservation Congress delegate from Taylor County called in, “Seven in camp now, including 11-year-old Austin Riggle hunting for his first time as a mentored hunter. Austin didn’t see anything but enjoyed being in camp and will be out again having a good time.”
Injury report
There were no confirmed fatal shooting incidents recorded during the first two days of the hunt but there were five non-fatal firearms-related incidents, reports DNR Hunter Education Administrator Tim Lawhern.
“We are grateful these five incidents were not fatal and wish a speedy recovery to the victims, but the fact remains that all five could have been prevented if strict firearm safety rules had been observed by the shooters and by the victims who wounded themselves.”
Three woundings occurred on Saturday. In Grant County a hunters was struck in the back of the leg by shrapnel when a hunting companion’s gun discharged into the door of a vehicle as he attempted to unload the gun.
In Price County, a hunter suffered a self-inflicted wound in the left hand from a handgun, and in Green County a hunter sustained a gunshot wound to his leg when he slipped crossing a stream on a log and his shotgun discharged
On Sunday a Barron County hunter was wounded in the thigh by a bullet, and in St Croix County a hunter sustained a self-inflicted gunshot would to the right hand from a .30-30 caliber rifle.
Hunter Safety Administrator Tim Lawhern noted that historically about half of Wisconsin’s shooting incidents happen during deer drives, usually because someone wasn’t where they were supposed to be or someone shot at a deer when they did not have a safe backstop or in a direction they should not have been shooting. “It is really important that hunting parties wanting to drive deer have a plan and that they follow that plan to the letter. Knowing where your hunting mates are and where safe shooting lanes are is critical,” he said.
Statistically, about half the hunting incidents happen during opening weekend. “I am hoping we buck that statistic and can avoid further incidents this year,” Lawhern said. “Compared to the ‘good ole’ days,’ hunting is safe and getting safer. In 1915, of the state’s 155,000 hunters then, 24 were killed and 26 were injured. That meant 1 in about 3,100 hunters could expect to be killed or injured. Today it’s 1 in 100,000 or better. Still any shooting incident is one too many. Hunters need to remember the shooting TAB-K safety rules and be careful with deer drives later this week,” he said.
Article Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource
Article Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1505
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wisconsin Whitetail Gun Deer Season: Getting Ready
Hunters are starting to hang their orange yet and its a good time to throw out some tips to help with preparing for the Wisconsin Whitetail gun deer season.
Sight in your Rifle
Ok, so this one is an easy one to remember but here is the tip that most may not know about. When you sight in your rifle don’t be afraid to take some shots from several different stances. I see a lot of hunters set up at a range sit at a picnic table or gun table, take 10 – 12 shots and call it a day. How often are you sitting at a picnic table or gun table when shooting at a deer? Stand up, take a knee, or even sit down on the ground. Rifle ranges are set up to allow for hunters to shoot from different positions. Remember the rifle range is good for practice so we are safe in the field.
Prepare for Weather:
When packing for the season, thing of two things seasons that are in transition for Wisconsin. Summer and Winter otherwise known as fall. What this means is that we are most likely going to get one form of an extreme or another one or more of the days during the season. Start you packing by packing for the warm 60 degree weather we may get and then pack for the extreme Arctic’s. When you are packed for both you can almost assume you are done as you should be able to mix and match for the weather that pops up. Don’t forget, it will most likely rain or sleet one of the days so an extra pair of boots wont hurt.
Plan to Get Lost:
Note: The most experienced hunters tend to be the most vulnerable to get lost. Forget your pride and carry a compass. Becoming lost with the woods when you have favoring weather conditions is one thing. Becoming lost when the weather is 5 – 10 degrees below zero, that becomes very dangerous. If you got lost and its cold you will need to start a fire. Pack a zip lock bag of matches, a canteen, and a couple granola bars. This may be the bare necessities, but at least you will get through the night.
Plan to Communicate
With today’s radio, cell phone, GPS, etc…there should be no reason why you and your hunting party cannot stay in contact. As a party, come up with a communication plan and don’t be afraid to use it. You won’t scare deer away if it’s the simple use of a ear phone stuck in your ear. Having fun during the season is what it’s all about so don’t turn fun into tragedy because a party member is lost.
Safety First
Know your shooting lanes! Wear your safety harness! Don’t drive your ATV with a loaded gun! Know your surroundings! Be safe and enjoy this years whitetail season.
Sight in your Rifle
Ok, so this one is an easy one to remember but here is the tip that most may not know about. When you sight in your rifle don’t be afraid to take some shots from several different stances. I see a lot of hunters set up at a range sit at a picnic table or gun table, take 10 – 12 shots and call it a day. How often are you sitting at a picnic table or gun table when shooting at a deer? Stand up, take a knee, or even sit down on the ground. Rifle ranges are set up to allow for hunters to shoot from different positions. Remember the rifle range is good for practice so we are safe in the field.
Prepare for Weather:
When packing for the season, thing of two things seasons that are in transition for Wisconsin. Summer and Winter otherwise known as fall. What this means is that we are most likely going to get one form of an extreme or another one or more of the days during the season. Start you packing by packing for the warm 60 degree weather we may get and then pack for the extreme Arctic’s. When you are packed for both you can almost assume you are done as you should be able to mix and match for the weather that pops up. Don’t forget, it will most likely rain or sleet one of the days so an extra pair of boots wont hurt.
Plan to Get Lost:
Note: The most experienced hunters tend to be the most vulnerable to get lost. Forget your pride and carry a compass. Becoming lost with the woods when you have favoring weather conditions is one thing. Becoming lost when the weather is 5 – 10 degrees below zero, that becomes very dangerous. If you got lost and its cold you will need to start a fire. Pack a zip lock bag of matches, a canteen, and a couple granola bars. This may be the bare necessities, but at least you will get through the night.
Plan to Communicate
With today’s radio, cell phone, GPS, etc…there should be no reason why you and your hunting party cannot stay in contact. As a party, come up with a communication plan and don’t be afraid to use it. You won’t scare deer away if it’s the simple use of a ear phone stuck in your ear. Having fun during the season is what it’s all about so don’t turn fun into tragedy because a party member is lost.
Safety First
Know your shooting lanes! Wear your safety harness! Don’t drive your ATV with a loaded gun! Know your surroundings! Be safe and enjoy this years whitetail season.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hunting age from 12 to 10 in Wisconsin?
Below you will find the Wisconsin Senate bill that is on its way to assembly allowing for the hunting age to be lowered from 12 to 10 years old. Of course its more than just changing the age, there are some restrictions like hunting with a "mentor" within "arms reach" and that between the mentor and youth hunter they may jointly carry only one firearm.
I am having a tough time understanding the difference between ages 10 and 12 and why this is a benefit to our state or sport. I do understand that getting kids to hunt at an early age is a great way to get them outdoors and to teach them the sport. However, I am worried this may be an accident waiting to happen.
To read the full bill go to: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-167.pdf
2009 − 2010 LEGISLATURE
2009 SENATE BILL 167
2009 SENATE BILL 167
April 14, 2009 −
AN ACT to renumber and amend 29.304 (5); to amend 29.063 (5), 29.184 (6) (b) 1., 29.235 (1), 29.304 (1) (b), 29.304 (2) (a), 29.304 (2) (b) 1., 29.304 (3) (a) 1., 29.304 (3) (b) 1., 29.563 (2) (a) 4., 29.563 (2) (a) 5g., 29.563 (2) (a) 8m., 29.563 (2m), 29.563 (4) (a) 1m., 29.563 (4) (a) 2m., 29.563 (4) (b) 1m., 29.563 (4) (b) 2m., 29.593 (1) (a), 169.20 (1) (a), 169.20 (2) (a) and 169.33 (2) (d); and to create 29.304 (4m), 29.304 (5) (b) and 29.592 of the statutes; relating to: the minimum age for hunting and for possessing a firearm, restrictions on hunting and on possessing a firearm while hunting, establishing a hunting mentorship program, and granting rule−making authority.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill makes various changes to the laws relating to restrictions on hunting and firearm possession and establishes a hunting mentorship program.
Accompaniment by parent or guardian
Under current law, a person who is the minimum hunting age but under the age of 16 may hunt or have a firearm in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by a parent or guardian and if he or she meets certain other requirements. This bill specifies that such a person may also hunt or have a firearm
SENATE BILL 167
in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by an individual who is at least 18 years old and who has been designated by the person’s parent or guardian.
Mentorship program
Current law requires, with certain exceptions, that every person who obtains a hunting approval must have a certificate of accomplishment issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicating that he or she has successfully completed the hunter education program or bow hunter education program established by DNR. Current law also generally prohibits hunting and firearm possession by any person under the age of 12. For persons who are at least 12 years old, but under the age of 16, current law allows hunting and firearm possession but imposes certain restrictions that vary depending on the person’s age. This bill creates a new exception to the general requirement that a person obtain a certificate of accomplishment in order to obtain a hunting approval. The bill also lowers the minimum hunting age from 12 years of age to ten years of age for persons who hunt under the hunting mentorship program established in this bill. The bill authorizes a person who is at least ten years of age to hunt without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment and to possess or control a firearm while hunting if the person has a valid hunting approval and is hunting with a qualified mentor. Under the hunting mentorship program, to qualify as a mentor, a person must be 18 years of age or older and be the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or be authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as the mentor. The bill provides that at all times when serving as a mentor, the mentor must be within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor, must have a current valid hunting approval, and must have obtained a certificate of accomplishment or be exempt from the requirement to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. The bill provides that a mentor may take only one person hunting at a time and specifies that a mentor and a person who is hunting with the mentor may jointly have only one firearm or crossbow while hunting.
Other provisions
Under current law, a person who is 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or bow and arrow on that person’s land or on land owned by his or her family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land. This bill allows such a person also to hunt with a crossbow on that land.
The bill also creates a new exception to the general restrictions that apply to firearm possession by persons who are under a specified age. The bill provides that those age restrictions do not apply to a person who uses a firearm in target practice if the person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian. 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 3 −
SENATE BILL 167
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 29.063 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.063 (5) The department may exempt deer hunters from obtaining a license under this chapter for the hunting of deer in an area that the department has designated by rule as a chronic wasting disease control zone. Deer hunters that are exempted under this subsection shall be at least 12 10 years of age, except that aperson born on or after January 1, 1973, may not hunt deer under this subsection unless he or she complies with ss. 29.304 and 29.593. A deer hunter exempted under this subsection who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592. The department shall by rule establish eligibility criteria and application procedures for receipt of an exemption under this subsection, including
a method for obtaining a permit to hunt deer without a license under this subsection.
SECTION 2. 29.184 (6) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.184 (6) (b) 1. The applicant is at least 12 10 years old. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 3. 29.235 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.235 (1) ISSUANCE. A resident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to ss. 29.024 and 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d. by the department to any resident 12 10 years old or older who applies for the license. A nonresident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to s. 29.024 by the department to any person 12 10 years old or older who is not a resident, and who applies for the license. A 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 4 − LRB−1558/2 RNK:kjf:ph
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 3
conservation patron license issued to a person who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 4. 29.304 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (1) (b) Restrictions on possession or control of a firearm. No person under 12 years of age may have in his or her possession or control any firearm unless he or she is enrolled in the course of instruction under the hunter education program and he or she is carrying the firearm in a case and unloaded to or from that class under the supervision of a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian, or is handling or operating the firearm during that class under the supervision of an instructor.
SECTION 5. 29.304 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (a) Restrictions on hunting. No person 12 years of age or older but under 14 years of age may hunt unless he or she is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 6. 29.304 (2) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian; or
SECTION 7. 29.304 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (a) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 8. 29.304 (3) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 9. 29.304 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:
2009 − 2010 Legislature − 5 − LRB−1558/2
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 9
29.304 (4m) HUNTING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. The prohibition specified in sub. (1) (a) and the restrictions specified in subs. (1) (b) to (d), (2), and (3) do not apply to a person who is hunting with a mentor and who complies with the requirements specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 10. 29.304 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 29.304 (5) (a) and amended to read:
29.304 (5) (a) Notwithstanding subs. (1) to (3), a person 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or, bow and arrow, or crossbow on land under the ownership of the person or the person’s family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land.
SECTION 11. 29.304 (5) (b) of the statutes is created to read:
29.304 (5) (b) The restrictions on the possession and control of a firearm under sub. (1) do not apply to a person using a firearm in target practice if he or she is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 12. 29.563 (2) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 4. Small game issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $6.25.
SECTION 13. 29.563 (2) (a) 5g. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 5g. Deer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 14. 29.563 (2) (a) 8m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 8m. Archer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 15. 29.563 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:
2009 − 2010 Legislature − 6 − LRB−1558/2
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 15
29.563 (2m) HUNTING APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. The fees for hunting approvals for a 12 to 17 year−old person who is under 18 years of age, who is not a resident, and who exhibits proof that his or her parent is a resident shall be the same as the fees for hunting approvals for residents under sub. (2) (a) and (c).
SECTION 16. 29.563 (4) (a) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $32.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 17. 29.563 (4) (a) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $70.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 18. 29.563 (4) (b) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $33.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 19. 29.563 (4) (b) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who under than 18 years of age: $72.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 20. 29.592 of the statutes is created to read:
29.592 Hunting mentorship program. (1) A person who is at least 10 years of age may hunt in this state without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 and may, while hunting, possess or control a firearm if all of the following apply: (a) At all times when hunting, the person is within arm’s reach of a mentor who meets the qualifications under sub. (2).
2009 − 2010 Legislature − 7 − LRB−1558/2
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 20
(b) The person holds a hunting approval.
(2) No person may serve as a qualified mentor for a hunter unless the person meets all of the following requirements: (a) The person is 18 years of age or older. (b) The person is the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or is authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as a mentor. This requirement does not apply to a person serving as a mentor for a person who is 18 years of age or older. (c) At all times when serving as a mentor, the person is within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (d) The person has been issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 or, if serving as a mentor for hunting elk, under s. 29.595 unless the person was born before January 1, 1973, and is not required to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. (e) The person holds a current valid hunting approval. (3) A person who is authorized to hunt with a mentor under this section and a mentor under this section with whom that person hunts may jointly have only one firearm, or if hunting with a crossbow is authorized under s. 29.171 (4) or 29.193 (2), only one crossbow in their possession or control while hunting. (4) A mentor under this section may take only one person hunting at a time for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (5) The requirements under subs. (1) (b) and (2) (e) do not apply to a person who is authorized to hunt without a hunting approval under s. 29.337 (1), 95.55 (5), or 169.19 (5).
AN ACT to renumber and amend 29.304 (5); to amend 29.063 (5), 29.184 (6) (b) 1., 29.235 (1), 29.304 (1) (b), 29.304 (2) (a), 29.304 (2) (b) 1., 29.304 (3) (a) 1., 29.304 (3) (b) 1., 29.563 (2) (a) 4., 29.563 (2) (a) 5g., 29.563 (2) (a) 8m., 29.563 (2m), 29.563 (4) (a) 1m., 29.563 (4) (a) 2m., 29.563 (4) (b) 1m., 29.563 (4) (b) 2m., 29.593 (1) (a), 169.20 (1) (a), 169.20 (2) (a) and 169.33 (2) (d); and to create 29.304 (4m), 29.304 (5) (b) and 29.592 of the statutes; relating to: the minimum age for hunting and for possessing a firearm, restrictions on hunting and on possessing a firearm while hunting, establishing a hunting mentorship program, and granting rule−making authority.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill makes various changes to the laws relating to restrictions on hunting and firearm possession and establishes a hunting mentorship program.
Accompaniment by parent or guardian
Under current law, a person who is the minimum hunting age but under the age of 16 may hunt or have a firearm in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by a parent or guardian and if he or she meets certain other requirements. This bill specifies that such a person may also hunt or have a firearm
SENATE BILL 167
in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by an individual who is at least 18 years old and who has been designated by the person’s parent or guardian.
Mentorship program
Current law requires, with certain exceptions, that every person who obtains a hunting approval must have a certificate of accomplishment issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicating that he or she has successfully completed the hunter education program or bow hunter education program established by DNR. Current law also generally prohibits hunting and firearm possession by any person under the age of 12. For persons who are at least 12 years old, but under the age of 16, current law allows hunting and firearm possession but imposes certain restrictions that vary depending on the person’s age. This bill creates a new exception to the general requirement that a person obtain a certificate of accomplishment in order to obtain a hunting approval. The bill also lowers the minimum hunting age from 12 years of age to ten years of age for persons who hunt under the hunting mentorship program established in this bill. The bill authorizes a person who is at least ten years of age to hunt without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment and to possess or control a firearm while hunting if the person has a valid hunting approval and is hunting with a qualified mentor. Under the hunting mentorship program, to qualify as a mentor, a person must be 18 years of age or older and be the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or be authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as the mentor. The bill provides that at all times when serving as a mentor, the mentor must be within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor, must have a current valid hunting approval, and must have obtained a certificate of accomplishment or be exempt from the requirement to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. The bill provides that a mentor may take only one person hunting at a time and specifies that a mentor and a person who is hunting with the mentor may jointly have only one firearm or crossbow while hunting.
Other provisions
Under current law, a person who is 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or bow and arrow on that person’s land or on land owned by his or her family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land. This bill allows such a person also to hunt with a crossbow on that land.
The bill also creates a new exception to the general restrictions that apply to firearm possession by persons who are under a specified age. The bill provides that those age restrictions do not apply to a person who uses a firearm in target practice if the person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian. 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 3 −
SENATE BILL 167
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 29.063 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.063 (5) The department may exempt deer hunters from obtaining a license under this chapter for the hunting of deer in an area that the department has designated by rule as a chronic wasting disease control zone. Deer hunters that are exempted under this subsection shall be at least 12 10 years of age, except that aperson born on or after January 1, 1973, may not hunt deer under this subsection unless he or she complies with ss. 29.304 and 29.593. A deer hunter exempted under this subsection who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592. The department shall by rule establish eligibility criteria and application procedures for receipt of an exemption under this subsection, including
a method for obtaining a permit to hunt deer without a license under this subsection.
SECTION 2. 29.184 (6) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.184 (6) (b) 1. The applicant is at least 12 10 years old. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 3. 29.235 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.235 (1) ISSUANCE. A resident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to ss. 29.024 and 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d. by the department to any resident 12 10 years old or older who applies for the license. A nonresident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to s. 29.024 by the department to any person 12 10 years old or older who is not a resident, and who applies for the license. A 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 4 − LRB−1558/2 RNK:kjf:ph
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conservation patron license issued to a person who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 4. 29.304 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (1) (b) Restrictions on possession or control of a firearm. No person under 12 years of age may have in his or her possession or control any firearm unless he or she is enrolled in the course of instruction under the hunter education program and he or she is carrying the firearm in a case and unloaded to or from that class under the supervision of a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian, or is handling or operating the firearm during that class under the supervision of an instructor.
SECTION 5. 29.304 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (a) Restrictions on hunting. No person 12 years of age or older but under 14 years of age may hunt unless he or she is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 6. 29.304 (2) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian; or
SECTION 7. 29.304 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (a) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 8. 29.304 (3) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 9. 29.304 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:
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29.304 (4m) HUNTING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. The prohibition specified in sub. (1) (a) and the restrictions specified in subs. (1) (b) to (d), (2), and (3) do not apply to a person who is hunting with a mentor and who complies with the requirements specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 10. 29.304 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 29.304 (5) (a) and amended to read:
29.304 (5) (a) Notwithstanding subs. (1) to (3), a person 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or, bow and arrow, or crossbow on land under the ownership of the person or the person’s family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land.
SECTION 11. 29.304 (5) (b) of the statutes is created to read:
29.304 (5) (b) The restrictions on the possession and control of a firearm under sub. (1) do not apply to a person using a firearm in target practice if he or she is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 12. 29.563 (2) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 4. Small game issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $6.25.
SECTION 13. 29.563 (2) (a) 5g. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 5g. Deer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 14. 29.563 (2) (a) 8m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 8m. Archer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 15. 29.563 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:
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29.563 (2m) HUNTING APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. The fees for hunting approvals for a 12 to 17 year−old person who is under 18 years of age, who is not a resident, and who exhibits proof that his or her parent is a resident shall be the same as the fees for hunting approvals for residents under sub. (2) (a) and (c).
SECTION 16. 29.563 (4) (a) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $32.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 17. 29.563 (4) (a) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $70.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 18. 29.563 (4) (b) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $33.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 19. 29.563 (4) (b) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who under than 18 years of age: $72.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 20. 29.592 of the statutes is created to read:
29.592 Hunting mentorship program. (1) A person who is at least 10 years of age may hunt in this state without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 and may, while hunting, possess or control a firearm if all of the following apply: (a) At all times when hunting, the person is within arm’s reach of a mentor who meets the qualifications under sub. (2).
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(b) The person holds a hunting approval.
(2) No person may serve as a qualified mentor for a hunter unless the person meets all of the following requirements: (a) The person is 18 years of age or older. (b) The person is the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or is authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as a mentor. This requirement does not apply to a person serving as a mentor for a person who is 18 years of age or older. (c) At all times when serving as a mentor, the person is within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (d) The person has been issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 or, if serving as a mentor for hunting elk, under s. 29.595 unless the person was born before January 1, 1973, and is not required to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. (e) The person holds a current valid hunting approval. (3) A person who is authorized to hunt with a mentor under this section and a mentor under this section with whom that person hunts may jointly have only one firearm, or if hunting with a crossbow is authorized under s. 29.171 (4) or 29.193 (2), only one crossbow in their possession or control while hunting. (4) A mentor under this section may take only one person hunting at a time for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (5) The requirements under subs. (1) (b) and (2) (e) do not apply to a person who is authorized to hunt without a hunting approval under s. 29.337 (1), 95.55 (5), or 169.19 (5).
SECTION 21. 29.593 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
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29.593 (1) (a) Except as provided under subs. (2), (2m) and (3), and s. 29.592 (1), no person born on or after January 1, 1973, may obtain any approval authorizing hunting unless the person is issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591.
SECTION 22. 169.20 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.20 (1) (a) The department shall issue a bird dog training license to any individual who is at least 12 10 years of age who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee. If the department issues a bird dog training license to an individual who is under 12 years of age, the individual is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 23. 169.20 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.20 (2) (a) The department shall issue a hound dog training license to any individual who is at least 12 10 years of age who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee. If the department issues a hound dog training license to an individual who is under 12 years of age, the individual is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 24. 169.33 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.33 (2) (d) An individual who applies for a bird dog training license or a hound dog training license shall be at least 12 10 years of age. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s.29.592.
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