Thank you for taking a few minutes to read my e-update. As the leaves begin to turn and legislature begins what I expect to be a busy fall session, please feel free to contact my office to share your thoughts on issues before the legislature. I look forward to hearing from you.
Protecting Our Trophy Deer
In Wisconsin, deer hunting is one of our most important sporting traditions. Each fall thousands of people take to the woods in search of that trophy buck. Before the hunt, many hunters spend a great deal of time, energy, and money preparing for the season. When someone poaches a deer they are taking an opportunity away from a law-abiding hunter.
With the importance of deer hunting in our state, poaching of trophy deer should not be a profitable activity in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, poachers can collect thousands of dollars on the black market for selling antlers and other parts of a trophy buck, while the punishment remains minimal.
One of the penalties that can be imposed under current law is the wild animal protection surcharge. However, this surcharge is currently set at a mere $43.75 for poaching a deer, regardless of the age or size of the animal.
On Tuesday, I testified before the Committee on Environment & Forestry in favor of my bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 416, which will increase this surcharge for trophy-size deer as follows:
For any deer with antlers measuring at least 125 inches but less than 150 inches - a surcharge of no less than $43.75 and no more than $2,000
For any deer with antlers measuring at least 150 inches but less than 170 inches - a surcharge of no less than $2,001 and no more than $5,000
For any deer with antlers measuring 170 inches or more - a surcharge of no less than $5,001 and no more than $10,000
The bill would also require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a method for measuring the size of the antlers. They may consider adopting the Boone and Crockett Club's long-established system of measuring big game, which has been effectively used for similar purposes by Iowa and Minnesota.
AB 416 is a great step in deterring the illegal harvest of trophy deer while protecting our state's hunting heritage. It's time to show poachers that we will not stand for their actions anymore.
The new Wisconsin Blue Books are in and they are ready to go out to residents of the 87th Assembly District. As an added bonus, because this year marks the Capitol Centennial, the 2017-2018 Blue Books have been completely updated with a new, sleeker design and unique covers.
For those who may not be aware, the Wisconsin Blue Book is a fantastic biennial publication that our Legislative Reference Bureau puts out. It contains information on the government, economics, demographics, geography, and history of Wisconsin.
Click here or the picture below to fill out a Blue Book request form on my website, and we will send you the book free of charge!
Click on the picture to request your blue book today!
Under the Dome
People First Wisconsin
This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jessica Nell, a wonderful, intelligent woman from People First Wisconsin. We had a great discussion about different ways that Wisconsin can promote integrated employment for persons with disabilities. She was happy to share about her career goals and how she earned her Masters Degree in Social Work.
Rep. Edming with Jessica
Challenge Academy Cadets
This Wednesday, I had the privilege of talking with cadets from the Challenge Academy about the state government process and how they can get involved. It is always great to see so many promising cadets working towards a bright future.
Around the 87th
Honoring the Fallen in Rusk County
I was pleased to attend the Rusk County Disabled Veterans Honor the Fallenevent this past weekend. There were numerous items for sale to help raise funds to support our veteran community. I was happy to help by purchasing this incredible eagle for my office in Madison, which was carved by Darrell Ducummon.
MowMaster Race Champions
As a part of the Honor the Fallen event, I also attended the Jump River Valley MowMasters race this past weekend. What a fun way to get outdoors and spend the day honoring our veterans! Congratulations to the winners:
Jesse Wojcik (#9)
Lance Johnson (#7)
Andy Holman (#72x)
Fall Color Report
If you are planning on traveling or going out and enjoying the great outdoors, be sure to check out the Fall Color Report from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. This interactive map of Wisconsin shows you where the leaves have started to turn and where you can find some magnificent fall colors.
Photo: Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Stay Up to Date
One of the best ways to stay up to date with what is going on in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking service. This service allows you to follow legislative activity in Madison. Once you create a free account you can sign up to receive notifications about specific bills or committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject area (i.e. agriculture, veterans). You can sign up for this service at notify.legis.wisconsin.gov.
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If you have any thoughts regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
State Capitol Room 109 West - PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0087 or (608) 266-7506 Email: Rep.Edming@legis.wisconsin.gov