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For over 100 years hunters and anglers of Wisconsin were able to access some of the very best hunting and fishing in the state simply by walking directly across a set of railroad tracks. From De Soto Bay to the Wolf River, from the marshes of Buffalo County to the grasslands of Walworth and Racine Counties, hunters and anglers relied on these crossings to get to their favorite public hunting and fishing grounds.
All of this changed in 2006 when, citing the need for public safety, the legislature acted to withdraw the exemption from the trespassing law that allowed these crossings. This call for action was not accompanied by any examples of hunter or anglers being hurt or killed while crossing the tracks, despite more than a century of data. Overnight, the simple act of walking to a favorite fishing spot as they had for generations, became illegal. It was one of the largest reductions in public access to hunting and fishing areas in the history of the state.
The effects of this law are most acutely felt along the Mississippi River. The Wisconsin DNR has identified nearly 200 access points to recreational opportunities that no longer exist due to this change. For much of that stretch, anglers are trusted to dodge cars on State Highway 35, but cannot be trusted to keep an eye out for trains while crossing the BNSF railway. One of the crown jewels of Wisconsin hunting and fishing has been tarnished for the simple want of being able to walk 20 feet without fear of being cited for trespassing.
The effects of this law are not limited to the Mississippi alone. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation has identified 121 state owned properties that are bisected by railroads. It is important to note that this number does not include either federal lands or county properties that are open to hunting and fishing.
About two months ago, we asked for your help while members of our legislature circulated a proposal to overturn this law. Over 600 of you responded. We need your help again. The bill has been introduced in the Assembly as AB 248. A hearing has been scheduled for this Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in front of the Transportation Committee. The railroad interest groups are lining up in their opposition to the bill. We need you to contact your representatives as well as the members of the Transportation committee to let them know that the time for this law to be overturned has come.
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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
http://www.backcountryhunters.org/ |
