The state Assembly passed legislation Friday that would allow 8-year-olds to be legally permitted to operate loaded hunting weapons.
Assembly Bill 586, authored by state Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, passed with a 79-19 vote in the Assembly.
AB 586 would change current law by permitting parents or legal guardians to select mentors for their 8-to-11-year-old children to accompany them on hunting trips.
The proposed bill also stipulates that the hunting mentor must be within an arm's length of the child and both the child and mentor must share the weapon.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said he does not approve of AB 586 . He said not only is the young age a bad idea, but the bill also throws out safety guidelines and regulations.
'The biggest problem I have with the bill, the age being only a part of the problem, is that it eliminates the hunter's safety requirement,' Black said.
According to Black, the state has traditionally maintained a very good safety record, largely in part because of the safety requirements.
'Hunter safety classes have really made the hunt much safer in Wisconsin,' Black said.
Black also said even though the young child would be required to hunt with an approved mentor, the mentor does not necessarily have to be educated in hunter safety.
'I'd like to see the hunting tradition continue strong in Wisconsin, but I think eight is just too young,' Black said.
