Hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
The bill is impactful as it introduces a reimbursement program that compensates eligible agricultural producers for crop damage caused by sandhill cranes. This program is crucial for farmers who suffer financial loss due to wildlife interference. Through this, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will administer reimbursements covering up to 50% of the costs related to protective measures for crops. Additionally, the financial appropriations specified in the bill support this initiative, allocating nearly $1.9 million over two years. The establishment of this program reflects a shift toward greater acknowledgment of the challenges faced by farmers due to wildlife interactions.
Assembly Bill 117 seeks to establish a structured approach for managing sandhill crane populations in Wisconsin through regulated hunting and a reimbursement program for farmers affected by crane damage. The bill provides provisions that would allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue hunting permits for sandhill cranes once approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is seen as a necessary measure to manage the population of sandhill cranes, which have been known to cause significant damage to agricultural crops, particularly corn. The bill aims to create a sustainable hunting framework by incorporating education on responsible hunting practices and safeguarding breeding populations.
Notable points of contention surrounding AB117 involve concerns over wildlife management and the ethical implications of hunting. Proponents argue that managed hunting can help maintain a balance in crane populations while preventing agricultural damage. However, opponents fear that allowing sandhill crane hunting could have adverse effects on the population dynamics, particularly for breeding pairs, which are essential for sustaining populations. Moreover, some stakeholders may express apprehensions regarding the effectiveness of hunting as a management tool and whether it aligns with conservation goals for migratory birds like the sandhill crane.