Dog training, backtags and more changing for Wisconsin bear hunters

DOG TRAINING, BACKTAGS AND MORE CHANGING FOR WISCONSIN BEAR HUNTERS

June 28, 2011

Several changes in bear hunting, dog training laws, takes effect this weekend

MADISON -- Changes are coming this week for Wisconsin bear hunters under legislation signed into law this month by Gov. Scott. Walker.

More dog training opportunities and a license-free weekend are among the changes to take effect Saturday, July 2. Bear hunters and dog trainers should note the new law is not included in the current bear hunting rules pamphlet printed in December 2010. However, bear hunters should review the changes on the hunting and trapping regulations page of the DNR website..

The major changes include:

Dog training: One big change increases the opportunity to train dogs to track or to trail bear. The statewide bear dog-training period remains July 1 through August 31. The new law allows trainers to work with their dogs in bear-hunting zones A, B and D when the season is open for hunting bear with dogs. This combined training, hunting period will be from September 7 through October 4.

License-free weekend: Normally, a Class B bear license has been needed to participate in bear dog training or placing bait for bear hunting and dog training. The new law allows individuals to participate in these activities on one weekend each year without the need for a Class B bear license. This free weekend will be the third Saturday and following Sunday of August each year. This year the free weekend will be August 20 and 21. All participants must still comply with all other rules that regulate these activities.

No license for under 16: Previously, youth under age 12 could participate in activities requiring a Class B bear license without the need to purchase or hold license. This license exemption now includes those under age 16. The activities authorized by a Class B bear license have included allowing the license holder to place bait for bear, train dogs to track or trail bear, and assist a Class A bear license holder locate bear for the Class A bear license holder to harvest.

Do more with Class B: The Class B bear license authority has been expanded to allow the holder of the license and anyone age 10-15 who do not need a Class B bear license to shoot a bear in one specific situation. If a bear has been shot, but not killed, by a Class A bear license holder and the killing of the bear is necessary to protect human safety, a Class B bear license holder may shoot to kill the bear. Both the Class A and B license holders must be a member of the same hunting party and both present at the point of kill. A bear license holder must ensure the Class A bear license holder immediately attach their validated bear carcass tag to the bear. While youth under age 10 can participate in bear dog training and bear baiting, and assisting a Class A bear license holder locate a bear, they may not possess a firearm for hunting or shoot a bear.

Mentorship and adult supervision rules apply: Youth ages 10-11 must obey all the Hunting Mentorship Program requirements. All youth ages 12-13 and ages 14-15 who have not completed hunter education must be within visual and voice contact of a parent or adult guardian to possess a firearm for hunting or to shoot a bear.

Backtag changes: For Class A bear licensees - your back tag is required to be attached to the center of your outermost layer of clothing above the waist where it is clearly visible while hunting bear. However, Class A hunters do not need to wear their backtags when not hunting bear or when only placing bait or training dogs to track or trail bear. Class B bear license holders will no longer be required to wear a backtag during any activity authorized by his license. Class B bear licenses sold after July 1 will no longer include a backtag. Class B bear backtags issued before July 2011 will serve as the person's license and must be kept and carried when participating in any activities requiring the license.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Van Haren, law enforcement regulations and policy specialist, 608-266-3244 or Scott Loomans, wildlife management regulations specialist, 608-267-2452.

Last Revised: Tuesday, June 28, 2011