As we celebrate the hard-won victory of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agreeing to repeal its rule banning the possession or control of firearms while on the waters, banks, or shores used for fishing, we must acknowledge the empowerment this brings to law-abiding citizens. The repeal ensures the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, who will now be able to carry firearms for self-defense while engaging in the peaceful activity of fishing. This change is a beacon of hope against administrative overreach and an important milestone in protecting individual liberties.
The Unconstitutional Rule
The existing rule was unconstitutionally all-encompassing, as it prohibited the possession of any firearm that “might be used for the purpose of fishing,” effectively banning all firearms. Violations carried fines of $544.50, including court costs. This blanket ban infringed upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners and further exemplified how administrative agencies can often overstep their authority.
The Legal Challenge
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) challenged this rule with a lawsuit, arguing that it was unconstitutional. The DNR has now agreed to begin the repeal process, and both parties have submitted a joint motion to dismiss the case. This marked a crucial step in ensuring that gun owners can exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary and oppressive restrictions.
Safety Remains a Priority
The Wisconsin DNR emphasizes firearm safety, such as the TAB-K formula for basic firearm safety rules. While this repeal marks a significant victory for gun rights advocates, it is crucial to remember that firearm safety remains a paramount concern.
Victory for Individual Liberties
This repeal marks a significant victory for gun owners and for the protection of individual liberties against overreach by administrative agencies. It underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding our constitutional rights and serves as a testament to the power of legal activism in promoting a culture of liberty.
“Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has agreed to drop a ban on carrying firearms while fishing.”
Celebrating the Success
As gun owners and advocates for individual liberties, we must celebrate this success as a milestone in the path to fully realizing the Second Amendment. This repeal ensures that our right to bear arms, enshrined in the Constitution, remains unfettered by arbitrary rules and regulations.
Sources and Citations:
- Wisconsin agrees to drop ban on carrying firearms while fishing following challenge
- “Nobody really knew it was a rule.”
- DNR will repeal rule barring firearms while fishing after legal challenge
- Wisconsin Agrees to Drop Ban on Carrying Firearms While Fishing Following Challenge
- Wisconsin anglers will soon be able to carry firearms while fishing
