Today, Governor Scott Walker (R) joined NRA President David Keene and members of the NRA State Association WI-FORCE at their annual meeting in Wausau. Governor Walker took this opportunity to announce a number of policy initiatives his administration will seek to continue his unwavering support for Wisconsin’s rich hunting and sporting heritage. Speaking during a meet and greet at the WI-FORCE annual meeting, Governor Walker outlined three important goals for the coming legislative session.
One of the most important actions the Governor announced today is the full implementation of the list of recommendations produced by the independent study of Wisconsin’s deer management strategy. In past years, Wisconsin’s abundant deer populations declined due to mismanagement and ineffective wildlife policies. From the start, Governor Walker heard the cries of Wisconsin’s hunters and commissioned national deer management expert, Dr. James C. Kroll, to study the state’s declining deer populations and to suggest improvements. Dr. Kroll’s final report included 62 conclusions and recommendations on how to restore Wisconsin’s deer population to its once thriving past. Governor Walker has pledged to implement these recommendations fully.
In addition, Governor Walker announced his plan to lower the cost for hunters who wish to hunt wolves in Wisconsin. The cost for a wolf tag during last year’s season was $100. The Governor has proposed lowering the license fee to $50, ensuring that financial means will not be a disincentive to participation in this newly created season.
Finally, Governor Walker announced that he has allocated $50,000 in his annual budget to improve and expand hunter education. Thanks to two highly successful programs championed by the Governor – the state’s new Right-to-Carry law and Sporting Heritage Act – the demand for hunter safety classes has exploded and tens of thousands of new hunters have joined the state’s ranks of sportsmen and more than 150,000 now have a license to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense.
Governor Walker has again shown his strong commitment to gun owners, hunters and sportsmen in Wisconsin. The members of the National Rifle Association along with the more than 600,000 licensed hunters who enjoy time afield in the Badger State applaud the Governor, and thank him for remaining a shining example of leadership on hunting and sporting issues.
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