10 year old's can't carry the gun. They can only fire the weapon at point of kill. Honestly, at 12 years old, my dad handed me a gun and said go sit over there, how safe does that sound without any practice? I would prefer to teach my son when he's 10 and 11 how to conduct himself in the woods before reaching 12 when he can carry a gun for himself. I see it like I see drivers ed, (schools seem to be taking that away now - great idea there), it's a chance to be taught at 10 and 11 before the full power is put in your hands at 12.

The main reason the govt. votes yes and approved this new bill is because the DNR's budget is the lowest in history and major cuts are coming their way and by allowing more younger hunters to get a license puts more money into their pockets. This whole thing is not about allowing younger hunters to hunt but about money troubles the DNR, etc. is having. Even an idiot can read between the lines here. If I was in the legislator, I would set the idiots who do not agree with me straight and if they didn't like it too bad, but I'd probably get fired shortly thereafter. At least I tell the truth and not cover up and be wishy washy about issues and debate over items for months, even years, and still not get anything done and waste taxpayer money day in and day out which is what they are doing now and have in the past. When is all the B.S. going to stop! Governor 'cookiedough' to the rescue????

dqandhallie, I was wondering who the one person was who took Glenn Beck seriously.

cookiedough and bobb: LOL,well put...

bobb1951,

I agree 110%. Is this new law for youngsters being able to carry a gun with a parent present going to prevent an accidental death to happen - NO! Will it happen - YES! only a matter of time. Is this new law worth taking the risk for even 1 child to die needlessly - NO! A 10 year old cannot handle a shotgun or rifle even with a parent involved next to him/her. I have a 11 and 8 year old and I know they are not weak by any means and even I know enought that they as smart as they are cannot handle firing a rifle or shotgun and don't expect them to. It is like the legislator is ignorant (or worse) and then the same legislative branch FOR KIDS ATVS 90CC OR LESS MADE FOR YOUTHS UNDER 12 BANNED ALL YOUTH ATV SALES FOR KIDS UNDER 12 RIDING UNDER 90CC ATVS DUE TO LEAD BEING ON THE ENGINE AS IF THE CHILD WILL LICK THE ENGINE. HECK, LET'S DO THIS BY BANNING YOUTH ATV SALES DUE TO FEAR OF DEATH BY CHILDREN LICKING LEAD OFF A ATV ENGINE BUT LETS' PUT A GUN IN THEIR HANDS. Fricking stupid idiots we have running this country.

I've seen people alot older than age 10 using weapons recklessly. I say give it shot - literally. I'm not overly excited about this but why not try it for a year and see the response. There were plenty of chances to voice opinions on this bill before today.

My opinion is why would you want to put a loaded gun in a childs hand? This is as dumb as the state law that says you child can sit and drink with you in a bar. Hey son lets go get us some canadian geese and then lets go have a canadian club and water. Just plain stupid

its about time that we start teaching the young ones how to handle fire arms; god knows we will be needing it in the near term if this liberal government is allowed to stand and do their evil.

Cool, that should help cull the herd.

I was/am a hunter who started hunting with a gun at age 15 a long time ago, 24 years ago to be exact. I can tell you for a darn near fact that 99% of 10 year olds CANNOT and SHOULD NOT carry a gun whether with their parent or not. I was a big kid at age 12 when I felt I was responsible enough to carry a gun, but my parents did not have the money to get me a gun at age 12, so I waited until 15, maybe 14? can't remember, been a long time ago. Nevertheless, anyone under 12 (or 13 I believe) should NEVER carry a gun, especially 10 or 11 or even 12 in my opinion EVER. REASON: I don't care what anyone says, 99% of 10-12 year olds are not capable enough mentally or physically to handle a rifle or shotgun, let alone maybe a .22 caliber. Just wait, you will see 1 death this year, if not more, from a 10 or 11 year old who is not capable to handle a rifle or shotgun. Let's all hope the parents are the ones carrying the gun around for their young kids and ONLY letting the child use the gun to shoot at the animal. Kids that age are not responsible enough to carry a gun - end of story and true!

Good information, but how is this to monitored? I can just hear it now - "You just go on, Son. I'm right behind ya". DNR isn't going to be everywhere to uphold this.
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I personally think that 10 is just a bit too young. A couple of years can make a big difference.

Here is a link to the WI DNR pamphlet with some really good info.

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt...

How nice for the government to allow parents to take responsibility for their children at a younger age.

Do they have to take hunter's safety before they can hunt?