Bill Introduced to Expand Deer Hunting Rights for Disabled Veterans in Wisconsin
A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 505 on October 2, aiming to broaden hunting opportunities for disabled military veterans by allowing them to hunt white-tailed deer of either sex during any firearm hunting season.
Currently, this provision benefits active military members, permitting them to harvest bucks or does across all firearm deer seasons. The bill seeks to extend this same privilege to disabled veterans with a disability rating of 50% or higher, or those receiving disability compensation due to unemployability.
Legislators Behind the Bill
- Sponsors include Senators Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), Dianne Hesselbein (D-Madison), Andre Jacque (R-New Franken), and Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi)
- Co-sponsors include Representatives Russell Goodwin (D-Milwaukee), Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz), Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee), Angela Stroud (D-Ashland), and Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison)
Legal and Wildlife Management Context
Under current Wisconsin law, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues licenses that regulate hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. Presently, residents on active military duty outside Wisconsin who hold a resident deer license can hunt either sex deer during all firearm seasons.
Implementing similar benefits for disabled veterans recognizes their service while accommodating their specific needs. White-tailed deer biology plays a role here, as the ability to hunt does, or antlerless deer, is critical for managing population balances and ensuring healthy herd dynamics across the state.
Practical Impact and Wildlife Considerations
A notable example underscoring the bill’s significance is Dan Agen, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Palmyra, who hunted using an all-terrain wheelchair in Kettle Moraine State Forest during the 2022 gun deer season.
The bill’s passage would allow disabled veterans to legally harvest antlerless deer where permitted firearm hunting seasons are open—irrespective of local antlerless permit availability, which varies annually depending on deer population management goals.
Since white-tailed deer populations fluctuate across regions and years, the ability to harvest does plays a vital role in preventing overpopulation, habitat degradation, and disease spread. This legislative change aligns deer management strategies with expanded accessibility for veterans with disabilities.
Next Steps for Senate Bill 505
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage. As of October 3, no hearing date has been scheduled. While no formal estimate exists for the number of disabled veterans likely to utilize these expanded rights, the initiative is anticipated to receive broad support from both conservation and veteran advocate groups.
Additional Wisconsin Wildlife News
Separately, the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory has secured a permanent office and research site at Afterglow Farm near Port Washington. This 220-acre property, established in 1929 by Joseph and Ilma Uihlein and currently owned by Milwaukee philanthropist Lynde Bradley Uihlein, is noted for its ecological diversity, providing new opportunities for long-term avian research.
Additional reporting and sources from: Legislators introduce bill to expand deer hunting options for disabled military veterans
