New Bill Would Prevent Harassment Of Wisconsin’s Hunters

A western Wisconsin lawmaker wants to ban animal rights groups from following and harassing hunters.

State Rep. Adam Jarchow, R-Balsam Lake, said that he has gotten complaints about a group called Wolf Patrol following and filming bear hunters and their dogs this summer. The group aims to protect wolves, and also opposes hunting bears with dogs.

Jarchow has introduced a bill that would make it illegal to follow, photograph or record hunters, among other things.

“If you don’t like hunting or you disagree with the tactics or whatever you want to do, protest. Write letters. Go on TV. Do whatever you want to do, but do not go out in the woods and intentionally follow hunters around and harass hunters. Because not only is it obnoxious, it’s actually really dangerous,” he said.

Penalties included in Jarchow’s bill include fines up to $10,000 and nine months in jail.