UNDATED (WSAU-Wheeler News) Dozens of hunters have urged a state committee to beef up a law that makes it illegal to interfere with hunters, anglers, and trappers. The Assembly’s Sporting Heritage panel held a public hearing yesterday (Wednesday) on a bill to prohibit people from photographing hunters, being in their lines-of-sight, and confronting them.
Assembly Republican Adam Jarchow of Balsam Lake introduced the bill after anti-wolf hunting activists filmed hunters last year in Wisconsin and Montana. They were looking to document illegal activities. A federal judge later ended the wolf hunts and placed the animals back on the endangered species list.
Now bear hunters fear the same types of harassment.
Jarchow says he’s heard horror stories of protestors standing in front of bait to ruin hunts. He also says activists have written harassing messages online.
Those who oppose the bill say hunters are already protected by laws against stalking.
