The state would drop its requirement that a child be at least 10 years old to participate in a hunting mentorship program under legislation the Senate approved Tuesday.
AB 455 would also allow hunters and mentors to have more than one weapon between them while hunting.
The chamber passed it on a 21-12 vote over Dem opposition. All Dems — except for Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Ashland, voted against it.
Calling it the “toddler hunting bill,” Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, said the bill was unnecessary and current law is in place to protect children and other hunters.
“We put age limits on activities children shouldn’t participate in all the time,” he said. “We don’t let them drive until they’re 16, we don’t let them drink until they’re 21.”
But Sen. Terry Moulton, R-Chippewa Falls, said the bill would align Wisconsin with 34 other states.
The Assembly previously signed off on the bill last week Thursday. The bill now heads to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk.
