New bill aims to help Wisconsin hunters with limited disability

The State Assembly just passed a bill authored by Representative John Spiros of Marshfield, which will allow people with limited disability the chance to hunt from a car with a lift.

"It means the world to me. It actually is a difference for me of sitting home in my chair, or being out here breathing fresh air and having the comfort of my truck so I can stretch my legs," said Greg Stetzer, a disabled hunter.

For disabled hunters, like Stetzer, there's a permit available that gives them the chance to hunt. But for people who cannot climb a tree stand, and are not eligible for the permit, their hunting options are limited.

"Someone who's elderly, if they're not disabled, would not be able to use the lift, you'd actually have to be a disabled person," said Rep. Spiros.

Thanks to a bill authored by Rep. Spiros, hunters with limited mobility could enjoy the sport with the use of a lift on their car.

"It's a vehicle with a lift, and that lift is just like you would look at any lift, it starts at the bottom and comes up. And when it's up, it looks like a normal deer stand," said Rep. Spiros.

He said this is a very simple bill, and that all the same rules apply for hunters, disabled or not.

"None of the rules change. This just gives another option, like anybody else who might have a disability that's been able to use a lift in the past, this opens it up for somebody that's just not able to get in a stand any longer," said Rep. Spiros.

"I currently enjoy hunting from my vehicle. But that on some days, and most days, is the only way I can get out in nature and enjoy the outdoors and have the opportunity to bag a deer," said Stetzer.

The bill will now head to the Senate. If it passes there, it will head to Governor Scott Walker's desk for his signature.