The 2025 Senate Bill 112 aims to address issues related to the hunting of sandhill cranes and the damage they cause to agricultural crops, particularly corn. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to establish a reimbursement program for farmers who purchase seed treatments to deter sandhill cranes from consuming corn seeds. Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% reimbursement for their seed treatment costs, capped at $6,250 per planting season. The bill also creates a continuing appropriation of $1,875,000 for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support this program, along with provisions for administrative expenses and the establishment of a DATCP position to oversee the program.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to permit sandhill crane hunting in Wisconsin, contingent upon approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It establishes a permit system to regulate the number of hunters and cranes harvested, while also implementing measures to protect breeding pairs. The bill includes a hunter education program and sets permit fees at $20 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Furthermore, it raises the wildlife damage surcharge on hunting approvals, which will fund wildlife damage abatement programs, contingent on the approval of the sandhill crane hunting season. The bill also includes various amendments and new sections to existing statutes to facilitate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(5)(fq), 20.370, 29.179(4), 29.179