Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1076

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/26
• Refer: 2/26/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 29.192 (4) (a), 29.563 (14) (a) 1. and 29.563 (14) (a) 3.; to create 20.370 (1) (hy) and 29.192 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The bill will significantly impact wildlife management policies by increasing the processing fee for sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits from $2.75 to $9.75. The new fee structure designates $7 of this fee for direct contributions to managing and conducting research activities related to sharp-tailed grouse. This financial boost is expected to enhance conservation efforts, although it may raise concerns among hunters about higher costs associated with hunting permissions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1076 aims to amend regulations surrounding the issuance of sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits in Wisconsin. Currently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) operates under a cumulative preference system, prioritizing applicants based on their preference points. However, this bill proposes to replace the existing system with a lottery for permit allocation, effective five years after enactment. This change is intended to simplify the process and make it more equitable for new applicants while reducing the obstacles faced by less experienced hunters.

Conclusion

If enacted, AB1076 will replace existing permit issuance protocols for sharp-tailed grouse hunting, thus fostering both opportunities and challenges within the hunting community. It reflects a broader trend towards adjusting wildlife management frameworks to both engage and balance the interests of new and existing hunters, ultimately highlighting the need for stakeholders to adapt to these significant regulatory changes.

Contention

While proponents of AB1076 argue that the lottery system will increase accessibility and fairness for aspiring hunters, critics may view the elimination of the preference system as detrimental to seasoned hunters who have invested years in accumulating preference points. The concern arises that more experienced hunters may be at a disadvantage, losing their established priority for permits during the transition to a lottery system, which prioritizes randomness over merit.