By Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D.

             Here in Wisconsin we have a rich heritage of hunting, fishing and many other family-oriented outdoor traditions.  During this year’s hunting season, our families and friends will come together to share yet another successful and safe experience in our bountiful woods, fields and streams.

            All of us remain committed to protecting our natural resources so we may enjoy these traditions for generations to come.  Likewise, I am committed to protecting our Second Amendment rights.  Our freedom to hunt carries with it the responsibility of being safe.

            I hope you will enjoy and use your essential freedoms and that you are doing everything possible to improve your safety this hunting season.  I encourage you to participate in hunter education and training classes, which have been proven to decrease accidents.  The National Rifle Association Training Department develops safe, ethical and responsible shooters through its network of instructors, coaches and training counselors.  These NRA programs exist to help you, your family and friends to better understand proper firearm safety and allow you to keep up-to-date on the latest hunting regulations.

            Educated hunters are more important than ever.  Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Program has sold over 10,000 licenses allowing children 10 years and older to actively participate in the hunt.  These young hunters must be within an arms reach of adult licensed hunter and the one gun-one bow rule must be in place.  Because of our persistent vigilance, firearm accidents remain at an all time low and gun owners are safer today than ever before.  Working together, we will continue this tradition as well.

            Thank you for participating in these educational programs and for your ongoing contributions to your community.  Throughout Wisconsin, hunters have been providing healthy food for their families and feed the needy through donations of venison to local food banks.  The Wildlife Damaged Deer Donation program, run by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is marking its 10-year anniversary this fall.  Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated nearly 70,000 deer processed into over 3.1 million pounds of ground venison.

            Here in Wisconsin, we take pride in being great stewards of our environment.  In this spirit, we hope you will continue to enjoy our state’s natural beauty.  I will keep you apprised of both your rights and responsibilities and will continue to protect our freedoms under the Second Amendment.

            Be safe this hunting season and enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors!