Update 12/17/2013 Crossbows Now Legal in Wisconsin 2014
Wisconsin Crossbow bill AB 194 passes the Assembly and moves on to the Senate
On Thursday June 6, the Wisconsin Assembly passed AB 194, to create Crossbow Hunting Licenses –
From the Assembly official site
AB 194
BY CZAJA
CREATE CROSSBOW HUNTING LICENSES
PASSAGEAYES – 95 NAYS – 0 NOT VOTING – 4 PAIRED – 0
Wow, I did not expect a unanimous vote. Is this what happens when special interest groups stand down? The Wisconsin Bowhunters who were the opposition lobbyists and the NRA who are the proponents of hunter freedom and choice agreed to not lobby for or against crossbill bill 194, the Senate’s version or the Governor’s signature. So the legislators were left to hear from their constituents without any group lobbying. This demonstrates that there is widespread support for crossbow hunting that cuts across party lines all across the state of Wisconsin. It will be interesting to see the how the Senate vote goes.
The bowhunter’s crossbow
Assuming this crossbow bill AB 194 becomes law in Wisconsin bow hunters will have a chance to try a crossbow while deer hunting for their first time. They’ll find there is a “crossbow” learning curve. Hunting with a crossbow is the same yet different than a regular bow. Many bow hunters have heard the stories and claims made about crossbows being so much easier than current legal archery, it will be interesting to talk with those first time hunters about their perceptions verses actual experience. I for one can’t wait.
Dave says
You incorrectly state “Assuming this crossbow bill AB 194 becomes law in Wisconsin bow hunters will have a chance to try a crossbow while deer hunting for their first time”
What you mean to say is Assuming this crossbow bill AB 194 becomes law in Wisconsin crossbow hunters will have a chance to try a crossbow while deer hunting for their first time. They wont be bowhunters, they will be corssbow hunters. The two are different. A bowhunter is a very specific person and he is not somebody that uses a crossbow.
Also, AB194 is now stalled and unimportant. The senate bill is the only one that matters. Once it get improved, it will be heard this fall and if passed this fall would create crossbowing for 2014. Crossbowers will have to wait another year for the season and license for what it is they will do to be created. Its more important to get this done right than it is to get this done fast. That is why there was 100% support for the assembly bill since the lawmakers knew is was a moot point since the Senate bill is where the change will come and be the bill that matters. 😉
charlie elk says
One of my main criteria for the approval of comments is they need move a discussion forward. I appreciate your continued comments but you have made your point previously about bow hunters who choose a crossbow. Please understand that I strive to bring fresh material my readers here.
SB 185, the senate bill, is currently in committee and may or may not be out for a vote before the end of summer. I have spoken with some Senators who expressed optimism it will be voted on by the end of July in spite of news reports to the contrary. There seems to be widespread support among Senators of both parties.
A unanimous vote on anything is a BIG deal because these days nearly everything splits along party lines. Usually if one party is for something the other is simply against for that reason alone.
The Assembly has more members 100 verses the Senate 19, meaning Assemble Representatives are closer to their constituents than Senators. That’s just due to the smaller size of an assemble district. The unanimous assemble vote does in fact have the attention of the State’s Senators.
leonard ziech says
All I can say is I’m for AB194 100percent
Randy Herman says
I too totally support the bill allowing anyone to use a crossbow if they chose to, disabled or not. I hunted with a long bow for several years, then graduated to a compound bow and then became disabled so I tried a crossbow and found it to be a fun and enjoyable method. What puzzles me is organizations like WBA initially being against the bill because it would “taint” bowhunting. Taint it? Did the introduction of the much faster compound bow taint bowhunting? Of course not and I can’t find anything about the WBA fighting it at least online. It appears to me the WBA is a purist organization and one who is afraid when more deer are taken, there won’t be as many for them. Kind of selfish…what organizations like the WBA should be whining about is the ever decreasing land available to hunt on. This will hurt the WBA more than a crossbow.
charlie elk says
WBA is not officially opposed some of their members support crossbow legalization. It is my opinion WBA does not or can not win a continuing crossbow ban so they officially are neutral on this bill at this time. WBA representatives pushed to have 194 amended during the Senate public meeting to allow crossbow hunting during a 2 year test period. After this 2 year period the WDNR is required to review the deer harvest and then may change the crossbow season without legislative approval.
WBA is clearly a well connected organization and in 2 years will work with their contacts inside the DNR to modify and/or greatly restrict crossbow hunting in WI.
jeff ircink says
as a bowhunter, i do NOT want to be in the woods with any hunters using a crossbow. at 100 yards with a scope…might as well use a gun. the deer herd will be devastated.
i am adamantly against combining crossbow hunters with bow hunters AND i am against crossbow hunting other than what the previous laws stipulated.
charlie elk says
What?! Are you telling us in 2014 when crossbows are legal for all WI hunting you are going to quit hunting?
Isn’t that being a bit extreme?
yup says
Go ahead and keep your mind closed. I hunt to provide for my family and already purchased a cross bow. You will just be 1 less person I see…