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DNR looks to redefine gun definitions

State specialists worry some modern weapons may be needlessly cruel to animals

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to clarify and define which weapons may be used in hunting environments throughout Wisconsin in hearings scheduled throughout the state next month.

The regulation would require emerging weapons technologies be approved by the DNR prior to hunting use. Current weapons regulations allow only weapons discharged from the shoulder and handguns of equivalent caliber to be used for hunting proposes.

One of the concerns with the unbridled use of unregulated weapons technologies is they may have inadequate power to take down medium- to large-sized game, leading to unnecessary and inhumane injury of wildlife, according to Tom Van Haren, a natural resources regulation specialist at the DNR.

Van Haren added the regulation would be an improvement over the current standard that allows emerging technologies to be freely used before being examined and approved by the DNR.

The regulations would only define which types of weapons are permissible for specific hunting applications and would have no effect on gun ownership rights in general, Van Haren said.

Concerns over gun regulations arose when two calls from Wisconsin hunters inquired whether rail guns, which use electromagnetic propulsion rather than explosive charges, were permitted for hunting.

In response to this proposal, Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said the DNR is overreaching their administrative role.

“[The DNR should] regulate and manage wildlife, not decide which types of firearms we use,” Suder said.

Suder added the authority to regulate guns lies strictly with the Legislature.

Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said such hunting regulations are clearly within the authority of the DNR, just as they currently have the authority to regulate hunting seasons.

“[The DNR has] the authority to regulate firearms — they do already,” Black said. “It’s a longstanding authority.”

In addition, he stressed caution when addressing new weapons technologies emerging today that may pose excessive dangers due to their heightened capabilities.

Hearings on weapon regulations and other wildlife related issues will be held in all 72 Wisconsin counties on April 13.