Wisconsin ends ban on carrying firearms while fishing

Wisconsin is ending its long-standing rule that banned carrying firearms while fishing after facing a legal challenge.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources agreed to end the ban on anglers, or those who fish recreationally, from carrying firearms Wednesday. The DNR was facing pressure from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, a conservative law firm in the state, over its challenge to the ban on the basis of constitutionality.

“This action by the DNR properly restores the liberties provided by our Constitution to our client and thousands of Wisconsin fisherman,” WILL associate counsel Skylar Croy, who brought the case forward, said in a statement. “Mr. Kobs and the many law-abiding gun owners can once again exercise their constitutional right without fearing unlawful enforcement.”

Since 1999, the DNR had prohibited carrying  “any firearm” that “might be used for the purpose of fishing.” The WILL argued that the rule was the equivalent of a complete firearm ban.

The changes will be implemented “as soon as possible” and both sides have agreed to a joint motion to dismiss the lawsuit, according to the Associated Press.

With the rule change, anglers will still be prohibited from using their firearm to shoot at fish.