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, with a cap of $6,250 per planting season. The bill also mandates that DATCP prioritize reimbursements based on specific criteria, including prior 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 each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

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 also implementing measures to protect breeding pairs and minimize the impact on other bird species. The bill introduces a cumulative preference system for permit allocation, ensuring that unsuccessful applicants can accumulate preference points for future seasons. It also raises the wildlife damage surcharge on hunting approvals to fund wildlife damage abatement programs, with the increases contingent on the establishment of a sandhill crane hunting season. Overall, the bill seeks to balance agricultural interests with wildlife management and conservation efforts.

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