Wisconsin: Public Hunting Lands Threatened!

Please Contact Your State Legislators!

Last week, an amendment was adopted to the current state budget to remove an important provision in the Stewardship authorization program.  The amendment would remove the requirement that ALL lands purchased with stewardship dollars be made available for hunting, fishing, and trapping unless there are issues related to public lands safety, endangered species, or usership patterns.   The provision the legislature eliminated in the budget was part of an agreement reached by many sportmen, hunting, and conservation groups during the 2007-2009 budget process and received strong bipartisan support from members of the legislature and the Governor. 

We cannot allow our hunting lands to be taken away, especially lands purchased with public funds.  It is critically important that you call your legislators in the Assembly and Senate and urge them to oppose this amendment to the budget.  Tell them that all public lands purchased with stewardship funds must remain open to hunting.  We still have time to stop this attack on our hunting rights, but immediate action is necessary.  The budget will be taken up for consideration by both chambers and amendments can be offered to reinstate this provision.  The bill could be heard as early as next week. 

Your State Senator can be reached by phone at (608) 266-2517. You can reach your State Representative at (608) 266-1501.  To identify your legislators and to find more contact information, please click here.