Senator votes against hunting bill citing overwhelming opposition from constituents

The 2024 Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes convened on December 10, 2024, to discuss the potential for a hunting season for the species. A significant focus of the meeting was the public opinion surrounding the proposed hunt, as expressed by committee members.

One senator highlighted the results of a legislative survey conducted in their district, revealing that 63.3% of constituents opposed a Sandhill Crane hunt, while only 18% supported it. This senator emphasized the importance of representing constituents' views in their voting decision, stating, "I’m here to represent my district while doing what's best for the state." They expressed skepticism about the necessity of a hunt, noting that their district did not want one.

The senator also acknowledged improvements in the current bill compared to previous hunting proposals but expressed disappointment over the committee's lack of consensus-building. They criticized the process, suggesting that the committee's goal seemed to prioritize advancing a hunting bill rather than seeking unanimous agreement. "It became pretty clear that the goal of this committee was not to get to unanimity," they stated.

The senator ultimately voted against the combined bill and the standalone hunting bill, expressing concern that the committee's work might not lead to any actionable legislation. They hoped that the information gathered could serve as a foundation for future discussions on the topic.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over wildlife management and public sentiment regarding hunting practices in Wisconsin, particularly as it relates to the Sandhill Crane population. The committee's discussions reflect the complexities of balancing ecological considerations with public opinion and legislative action.