Today, Reps. Adam Jarchow (R-Balsam Lake), Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma), Romaine Quinn (R-Rice Lake), and Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) circulated LRB 3737/1.
This bill would prohibit law enforcement from enforcing any federal or state laws related to managing the state’s wolf population. It also prohibits the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from using any funds for the purpose of managing wolves in Wisconsin.
“If Congress refuses to act – we will. It is clear that Congress will not be solving Wisconsin’s wolf issue anytime soon, therefore we must take matters into our own hands.” said Rep. Jarchow. “It is heartbreaking to hear about a farmer losing livestock or a family losing its pet to a pack of wolves. Thank you to my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate for standing with the citizens of Northern Wisconsin by joining me in attempting to solve this issue once and for all,” Jarchow continued.
Since the wolf has been put on the Endangered Species List, the increase in the number of wolves in this state has proven to be a nightmare for Northern Wisconsin, the legislators said. If the Legislature passes this bill, Congress will have no choice but to de-list the wolf in Wisconsin, just like it did for Idaho in 2011, they added. In 2011, Idaho Governor Butch Otter issued an executive order which would have had similar implications to this bill. Congress responded by de-listing the wolf in Idaho.
“During the Great Lakes Wolf Summit last fall, we heard dozens of people tell their stories about how the overpopulation of wolves has affected their lives. It is time for Wisconsin to once again manage our own wolf population and this bill will allow us to do just that,” said Senator Tiffany.
“I’m tired of telling constituents that there is nothing the state can do. There is, and this legislation is it. If the Federal government wants to enforce a ridiculous judicial ruling, let them pay for it themselves,” said Rep. Quinn.