Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
None

Lobbying Interests:
Any issues/regulations dealing with hunting, dogs, firearms, conservation, and land use.

Contact
RW
Robert Welch
16 N Carroll St, Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
608 819 0150
bob@thewelchgroup.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
Robert Welch Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/3/2023 Withdrawn On N/A
Jim Steineke Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On N/A

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 75
Assembly Bill 75
Relating to: mistreating an animal and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 84
Assembly Bill 84
Relating to: possession of dogs by certain felony offenders and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 137
Assembly Bill 137
Relating to: establishing a statewide wolf population goal.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/18/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 157
Assembly Bill 157
Relating to: Department of Natural Resources habitat work plan.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 168
Assembly Bill 168
Relating to: designating the Henry All-Weather .45-70 as the state rifle.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 216
Assembly Bill 216
Relating to: passenger restrictions on all-terrain vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/27/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 217
Assembly Bill 217
Relating to: whip lights on all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/27/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 368
Assembly Bill 368
Relating to: sales and transfers of firearms and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
8/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 468
Assembly Bill 468
Relating to: prohibiting firearms merchant category codes in payment card transactions, prohibiting government lists of firearm owners, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/12/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 512
Assembly Bill 512
Relating to: hunting wild animals with the aid of a dog, dog training on wild animals, and dog trialing on wild animals in the northern portion of the state.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
12/4/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 632
Assembly Bill 632
Relating to: defining muzzle-loading firearm for hunting purposes.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
11/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 633
Assembly Bill 633
Relating to: hunting with an airgun, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
11/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 649
Assembly Bill 649
Relating to: seasonally maintained highways.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/20/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 673
Assembly Bill 673
Relating to: grants for firearm buyback programs and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/30/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 686
Assembly Bill 686
Relating to: possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under the age of 18.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/30/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 957
Assembly Bill 957
Relating to: preemption of certain local animal ordinances.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/19/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 1038
Assembly Bill 1038
Relating to: the wildlife damage abatement program and the wildlife damage claim program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/13/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 1199
Assembly Bill 1199
Relating to: eliminating the preemption on local government regulation of firearms.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/22/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 1204
Assembly Bill 1204
Relating to: eliminating depredation payments for hunting dogs injured or killed by wolves.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/16/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 65
Senate Bill 65
Relating to: mistreating an animal and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 79
Senate Bill 79
Relating to: possession of dogs by certain felony offenders and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 139
Senate Bill 139
Relating to: establishing a statewide wolf population goal.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/18/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 159
Senate Bill 159
Relating to: Department of Natural Resources habitat work plan.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 66

For
Notification Date
4/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 165
Senate Bill 165
Relating to: designating the Henry All-Weather .45-70 as the state rifle.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 216
Senate Bill 216
Relating to: whip lights on all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/20/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 217
Senate Bill 217
Relating to: passenger restrictions on all-terrain vehicles.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/20/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 372
Senate Bill 372
Relating to: sales and transfers of firearms and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
8/10/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 466
Senate Bill 466
Relating to: prohibiting firearms merchant category codes in payment card transactions, prohibiting government lists of firearm owners, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/12/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 545
Senate Bill 545
Relating to: hunting wild animals with the aid of a dog, dog training on wild animals, and dog trialing on wild animals in the northern portion of the state.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/26/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 586
Senate Bill 586
Relating to: hunting with an airgun, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 115

For
Notification Date
11/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 587
Senate Bill 587
Relating to: defining muzzle-loading firearm for hunting purposes.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 116

For
Notification Date
11/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 612
Senate Bill 612
Relating to: seasonally maintained highways.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/20/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 638
Senate Bill 638
Relating to: grants for firearm buyback programs and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/30/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 892
Senate Bill 892
Relating to: preemption of certain local animal ordinances.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/12/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 999
Senate Bill 999
Relating to: vehicle access to roads and trails on open managed forest land, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 1006
Senate Bill 1006
Relating to: the wildlife damage abatement program and the wildlife damage claim program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/13/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 1100
Senate Bill 1100
Relating to: eliminating the preemption on local government regulation of firearms.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/22/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

Gray wolf harvest regulations
Agency Name
Department of Natural Resources (NR)
Subject
Gray wolf harvest regulations
Scope Statement
SS 027_21
Other
Notification Date
8/21/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Gray wolf harvest regulations
Agency Name
Department of Natural Resources (NR)
Subject
Gray wolf harvest regulations
Scope Statement
SS 045_21
Against
Notification Date
11/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

The 2021 Bureau of Wildlife Management housekeeping rule amending chs. NR 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, and 27, Wis. Admin. Code
Agency Name
Department of Natural Resources (NR)
Subject
The 2021 Bureau of Wildlife Management housekeeping rule amending chs. NR 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, and 27, Wis. Admin. Code
Scope Statement
SS 101_21
Against
Notification Date
11/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

The 2023 wildlife management spring hearing rule
Agency Name
Department of Natural Resources (NR)
Subject
The 2023 wildlife management spring hearing rule
Scope Statement
SS 013_23
Against
Notification Date
11/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Proposals dealing with animal welfare
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Proposals dealing with animal welfare

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
8/30/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

The confirmation of Adam Payne for Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
The confirmation of Adam Payne for Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/14/2023
First Communication Date
3/14/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

The Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
The Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Regulation and management of wolves
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Regulation and management of wolves

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Stewardship Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Stewardship Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

All matters related to hunting laws and regulations
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
All matters related to hunting laws and regulations

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$15,000.00
2023
July - December
$15,000.00
2024
January - June
$15,000.00
Total $45,000.00
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
43.50
2023
July - December
42.25
2024
January - June
54.00
Total 139.75
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
40.50
2023
July - December
31.00
2024
January - June
13.50
Total 85.00

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: hunting wild animals with the aid of a dog, dog training on wild animals, and dog trialing on wild animals in the northern portion of the state.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: preemption of certain local animal ordinances.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: the wildlife damage abatement program and the wildlife damage claim program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: preemption of certain local animal ordinances.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: the wildlife damage abatement program and the wildlife damage claim program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
20%
2023
July - December
20%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 14%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
30%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 11%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 3%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
20%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 7%

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
50%
2023
July - December
50%
2024
January - June
50%
2024
July - December
Total 50%

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures