Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International
Wisconsin Bear Hunters’ Association
Wisconsin Chapters of National Wild Turkey Federation
Wisconsin Branches of the Quality Deer Management Ass.
Sporting Heritage Inc US Sportsmen’s Alliance
Fur Trappers Association, NRA

2011 Hunters’ Rights Coalition Summit
by: Calvin Ort

Plaza Hotel - Wausau, WI

The 4th annual HRC (Hunters Rights Coalition) meeting was held on February 11 & 12, 2011. Representatives from the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Fur Trappers Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin SCI chapters, NRA                 (National Rifle Association), Wis. WI-Force,  and individuals interested in the protection and preservation of our Hunting Heritage. The meeting was led by Mr. Greg Kazmierski, from SCI.

     Through out the day, the group heard from various speakers: Scott Gunderson- Executive assistant – WI DNR, Jeff Mursau - Chairperson Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Scott Suder – Assembly Majority Leader, Sen. Frank Lasee,
and our lobbyist Bob Welch.

     Agenda items discussed for the 2011 legislative session: Wetland Mitigation, Streamlining (simplifying) current hunting regulations, and recommending that the Conservation Congress stays within its boundaries.

     Other topics discussed were: the Bear Bill, Simplifying application fees for bear permits, Eliminate all earn a buck including the CWD zones & all special October hunts except the youth hunt, raising Deer goals, cross bows as lesser weapon, permit less carry – with reciprocal “shall issue” system, Castle Doctrine, gun/archery cases, lead studies, Pittman Robertson Act in regards to shooting ranges, and Land Owner Liability in regards to access & firearms.

     The HRC has become Wisconsin Preeminent Hunters Group. The HRC has worked to: create the Hunting Advisory Council, Overhaul CWD, Repeal the gun case law, conceal carry, and to guarantee hunter access on all new purchases of public land.

     Since the Anti- Hunting groups are very well funded and continually whittling away at
our hunting rights and seasons it is essential that groups and individuals keep up on the issues facing our sport. Collectively we can and will preserve our rights to hunt and continue the rich traditions and heritage given to us by the Forefathers of our country.

Here's how you can help:

• Join and support Hunters’ Rights organizations such as those noted above; maintain your membership.
• Recruit others; the larger our voice the more we will be heard.
• When you hear of legislation that erodes your rights, speak up. Write, or call, your representatives and tell them it is wrong. Legislators need to hear both sides of the issue. While lobbyist and organizations like SCI help, individual voter contact is essential in helping legislator’s form opinions. If they only hear from the anti’s, you have lost!
• When you hear of legislation that you support, again write or call your representatives; ALL OF THEM! Make them aware that you are watching.
• Support Hunters Rights issues outside of your area regardless of how small the issue seems. Small legal presidents from other states will be used to take your rights away. Today’s unbridled ‘puppy mill’ legislation may dictate how you must care for your household pet, and hunting dogs, and your ability to even have them.