Wisconsin bans hunting by Internet

Wisconsin State Assembly passed Bill 179. This billchallenged persons and communicate them to the
reads "relating to: being physically in possession of aDepartment.
firearm, bow, or crossbow while hunting captive deer- To advance research and design, policy and
or other captive wild animals. This bill is intended tolegislative changes to improve accessibility of agency
stop the surge of Internet hunting in Wisconsin.programs and properties.
A Texas businessman owns a web site that allows- To communicate with individuals and other
people to shoot game animals on his ranch. This isorganizations and agencies with similar purposes in a
done with specially mounted cameras on rifles. Thecollaborative process to improve accessibility
"hunter" can view the entire process online and tellThe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is
the person holding the rifle to shoot live game on hisalso part of a nationwide program named "Open the
ranch. He claims the site was intended for disabledOutdoors". "Open the Outdoors" is a nationwide
people so that they can also enjoy hunting andeffort to provide disabled individuals with a
target shooting.user-friendly means of accessing recreation
Generally in Wisconsin, disabled persons are given theopportunities.
opportunity to hunt and enjoy the outdoorThe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is
experience. The Wisconsin Department of Naturalcommitted to providing greater access and more
Resources objective is to provide a variety ofprograms for persons with disabilities. The intent is to
hunting, fishing, and recreational use permits designedmake it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, fish and
to help people with disabilities enjoy the state'spursue other outdoor activities.
natural resources.Source: Wisconsin Department of Wisconsin Web
Wisconsin's Disabled Advisory Council for theSite.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has 4Supporters of this bill include sportsmen who believe
main objectives.hunting is being outdoors and being an actual part of
- To advise the Department of Natural Resources onthe hunting experience and that using the Internet
matters pertaining to the accessibility of allisn't hunting at all.
department programs and services by physicallyAt this time, at lease 14 other states are working on
challenged persons.similar legislation for preventing Internet hunting.
- To identify and evaluate needs of physically