On Thursday, January 10, State Representative Scott Gunderson (R-83) introduced AB672, legislation to establish a Youth/Mentored hunting program in Wisconsin.  Thanks to activism by NRA members, this legislation was able to obtain enough co-sponsors to be enrolled as a bill and receive a public hearing on Wednesday, January 16 by the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources.

AB672 is similar to last year’s Youth/ Mentored hunting bill in that it will provide first-time hunters a “try before you buy” opportunity to get the full experience of hunting before committing to a hunter education course.  The bill requires a new hunter to be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age, and who is always within arms reach, with only one gun allowed between the two of them.  This bill will also lower the hunting age in Wisconsin from 12 to 10.  

States that allow hunters to start at earlier ages have a better safety record than states with higher minimum ages.  States with lower age minimums also have a higher rate of hunter participation and retention, which helps the state in wildlife conservation efforts.

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 16 at 10:00 AM in 417 North (GAR Hall) at the State Capitol.  Please make plans to attend this hearing to show support for this important legislation.  It you are unable to attend, please contact the members of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and respectfully urge them to support AB672 to ensure Wisconsin’s hunting heritage.

Committee on Natural Resources

State Representative Scott Gunderson, Chairman (R-83)
(608) 266-3363, (888) 534-0083
Rep.Gunderson@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Jim Ott, Vice-Chair (R-23)
(608) 266-0486, (888) 534-0023
Rep.OttJ@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Garey Bies (R-1)
(608) 266-5350
Rep.Bies@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Daniel LeMahieu (R-59)
(608) 266-9175, (888) 534-0059
Rep.LeMahieu@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Mary Williams (R-59)
(608) 266-7506
Rep.WilliamsM@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Terry Moulton (R-68)
(608) 266-9172
Rep.Moulton@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Lee Nerison (R-96)
(608) 266-3534, (888) 534-0096
Rep.Nerison@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Jeffrey Mursau (R-36)
(608) 266-3780
Rep.Mursau@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Spencer Black (D-77)
(608) 266-7521
Rep.Black@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Louis Molepske (D-71)
(608) 267-9649, (888) 534-0071
Rep.Molepske@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative John Steinbrink (D-65)
(608) 266-0455
Rep.Steinbrink@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Ann Hraychuck (D-68)
(608) 267-2365
Rep.Hraychuck@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Gary Hebl (D-46)
(608) 266-7678
Rep.Hebl@legis.wisconsin.gov 

State Representative Cory Mason (D-62)
(608) 266-0634
Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov