WISCONSIN (WBAY) — Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R – Oconomowoc) the husband of Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor Rebecca Kleefisch, has introduced a measure that would eliminate Wisconsin’s minimum hunting age.

Currently under Wisconsin law, children as young as 10 can hunt in Wisconsin without passing a safety course if they’re accompanied by a mentor, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Under, Kleefisch’s bill (AB411), children of any age would be allowed to hunt with a firearm provided the child is accompanied by a mentor.

Supporters of the bill say parents should have a say in when their children can hunt.

“I think it should be up to the families to determine when children are ready,” said Michael Whelan, the Executive Director of Fur Commission USA.

On the other side of the fence, count Green Bay based hunting safety instructor Christopher Jonet, who is the owner of Kinetic Archery.

“Common sense dictates I don’t think this bill is a wise decision,” Jonet said.

According to Jonet, while most Southern states currently have similar legislation, 10 years old is a safe age and it should remain that way in Wisconsin.

“Kids under 10 often aren’t strong enough. Children develop at different ages,” he added.

But Kleefisch maintains safety is a top priority and said similar hunting programs in other states is allowed, as Jonet mentioned.

According to Jonet, under Wisconsin mentor rules, a mentor and his/her student must only have one weapon, and the mentor must be within an arm’s reach from the student.

The bill was introduced back in October and has a number of sponsors and co-sponsors.

Bill Sponsors:Rep. Scott Allen (R – Waukesha) Rep. Mary Czaja (R – Irma) Rep. James Edming (R – Glen Flora) Rep. Bob Gannon (R – Slinger) Rep. David Heaton (R – Wausau) Rep. Daniel Knodl (R – Germantown) Rep. Scott Krug (R – Nekoosa) Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R – Crivitz) Rep. John Murtha (R – Baldwin) Rep. Keith Ripp (R – Lodi) Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R – Fond du Lac) Rep. Paul Tittl (R – Manitowoc)Co-Sponsors: Senator Terry Moulton (R – Chippewa Falls) Senator Howard L. Marklein (R – Spring Green)

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