Assembly Bill 117 aims to address the management and hunting of sandhill cranes in Wisconsin, while also providing support to agricultural producers affected by crop damage caused by these birds. 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 mandates that DATCP prioritize reimbursements based on specific criteria, including previous federal depredation permits and the vulnerability of the land to crane damage. Additionally, the bill creates a continuing appropriation of $1,875,000 for the program in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a regulated hunting season for sandhill cranes, contingent upon approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DNR will issue permits to control the number of hunters and cranes harvested, while implementing measures to protect breeding pairs and minimize the impact on other bird species. The bill also introduces a cumulative preference system for permit applications and sets permit fees at $20 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Revenue generated from these permits will be allocated to wildlife damage abatement programs and sandhill crane management initiatives. The bill includes various amendments and new provisions related to hunting permits and the wildlife damage surcharge, which will increase contingent upon the establishment of a hunting season.

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