Wisconsin: Youth/Mentored Hunting Bills Heard in Madison

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Assembly Bill 222 and Senate Bill 167 were both heard in committee on Wednesday, April 29.  AB222 was heard in the House Committee on Fish and Wildlife and SB167 was heard in the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.

These bills would establish a mentored hunting program in the Badger State.  They are similar to last year’s mentored hunting bill in that they would provide first-time hunters a “try before you buy” opportunity to get the full experience of hunting before committing to a hunter education course.  AB222 and SB167 would require a new hunter to be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age, who is always within arms reach and only one firearm will be allowed between the two of them.  These bills would also lower the hunting age in Wisconsin from 12 to 10 for individuals participating in the mentored hunting program.  

Statistics show that states that allow hunters to start at earlier ages have a better safety record than states with higher minimum ages.  AB222 and SB167 would ensure Wisconsin’s hunting tradition for generations to come, as states with lower age minimums also have a higher rate of hunter participation and retention, which helps the state in wildlife conservation efforts.