There were an enormous number of bills and proposals that affected hunters. SCI and the Hunters Rights Coalition (HRC) were very involved in the final outcome of these initiatives.
WINS
Youth Mentored Hunting Law – Passed and 12,000 new hunters were in the woods last fall.
Puppy Mill Bill – We fought the anti’s off and got a bill to regulate so-called “puppy mills” without endangering the legitimate breeders and outdoor dog owners.
Pittman Robertson (PR) Allocation – Out of the additional $4 million in new PR funds, we got $2 million allocated for deer population research and we got the bobcat and bear population studies fully funded.
Raffle Reforms – Passed 2 bills to make it easier to hold multiple raffles with one license (like we do with one set of tickets for several gun boards) and to allow sales over a distance (like mailing the ticket stubs out).
Stewardship Rules – Finally passed the rules to assure hunting access to lands purchased with Stewardship tax dollars. This was a huge fight with the Nature Conservancy types and DNR against us. Rules were sent back to DNR on the first round by Legislative Committees and revised to our satisfaction.
Earn a Buck Suspension – The very unpopular earn-a-buck management tool was suspended indefinitely outside of CWD area. Many other hunting groups were prepared to accept some additional earn-a-buck, but SCI stayed true to the hunter point of view and got this done.
Overwinter Deer Goals – SCI and HRC fought hard to increase the overwinter deer population goals. Although we did succeed in getting an increase, the change fell far short of what was needed. It seems like many in the DNR are only trying to keep enough deer to feed the wolves!
Range Protection Act – Strengthened provisions that prevent a local government from shutting down or harassing a shooting range and allows the range to expand or do renovations.
Bow Reforms – Now out-of-state hunters have the same crossbow rights as residents and you will no longer have to wait to get your bow license during archery season.
Wolves – Our Wisconsin DNR has now petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife for formal delisting of our wolves. SCI, together with our HRC partners has also filed a petition for delisting. This will give us legal standing to advance this request. Unfortunately, this looks to be a long process, so this “win” may take a while…
BILLS
WE OPPOSED THAT DIED
Thrill Kill Bill – This bill attempted to criminalize pretty much any taking of a wild animal. We fought hard and the author eventually dropped the idea.
HSUS Animal Rights Bill – The socalled “Windchill” bill, named after a small horse that died while on a neighbor’s farm, was the top priority of animal rights activists. Made it through Assembly, but died in the Senate.
Requiring Microchip Implants in every Runaway Dog – Fortunately a lot of people thought this one was crazy.
Requiring Microstamping of all Ammunition – Some Legislators seemed to think this crazy idea would actually work, but we still were able to kill this bill in committee.
Mandatory Gun Registration – This was the most anti-gun legislation introduced in Madison in decades. Fortunately it died in committee.
Mandatory reporting of Stolen Guns – This would have made the victim into a criminal if you failed to immediately report your stolen guns.
LOSSES
PROPOSALS WE SUPPORTED THAT FAILED TO PASS
Deer Season Reform – Overwinter population goals were revised upwards, but we will continue to push for a sustainable herd size, closer to 1 million deer.
We continue to work to improve the independence of the deer population studies and to push for a simplified statewide 9 day season, with tags allocated for herd management where needed. SCI continues to make deer season reform its #1 issue and continues to lead the debate for hunters.
Bear Bill – This was a tough one as this bill would have expanded bear hunting opportunities. It passed both housed of the Legislature without opposition, but was vetoed by Governor Doyle.
Gun Cases –Bill to allow uncased, but unloaded, long guns to be set on nonmoving vehicles. The bill also allows the transport of uncased, but unloaded, long guns during the regular hunting seasons by those who have a valid hunting license. Passed Senate, but died in Assembly.
It’s good to realize that not a single bill or proposal that we opposed ended up becoming law. So even though we didn’t go forward on all our issues, at least we didn’t have to take any steps backwards.
Last Word – This report is really just the highlights of the over 100 bills and proposals that we followed during the 2009-2010 Legislative Session on your behalf. The Welch Group maintains an office right across the street from the Capitol and is continuously monitoring all legislative and regulatory actions.
As always, if you hear of anything, or have a great idea for the cause feel free to contact us at 608-819-0150 or info@thewelchgroup.org.