Deer Hunting and Firearm Negligence - Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino

Deer hunting season is right around the corner (you can find the dates here if you’re interested), and hunters all over Wisconsin are gearing up to get the biggest bucks.

But while you’re hunting, it’s your responsibility to use your gun in a manner consistent with Wisconsin law. If you don’t, you could be convicted of a crime.

Endangering Safety and Firearm Negligence While Hunting

The law says that if you endanger another person’s safety “by the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous weapon,” you’re guilty of a crime.

It also says that if you operate (or are even armed with) a firearm while you’re under the influence of an intoxicant, you’re in serious hot water. That includes alcohol and controlled substances.

If you’re hunting on someone else’s property, you’re not allowed to discharge a firearm within 100 yards of any building “devoted to human occupancy” unless you have the owner’s express permission.

What Happens if You’re Convicted of Firearm Negligence or Endangering Safety?

As you can see, “endangering safety” can be a pretty broad term. You could end up being charged with a Class A misdemeanor and convicted if the jury feels as if that’s what you did.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Hunting and Firearm Negligence Charges?

If you’ve been accused of endangering safety or operating a firearm while you were under the influence, you may want to talk to a weapons defense attorney in Wisconsin as soon as possible. We can give you case-specific legal advice and answer all your questions.

Call us at 414-383-6700 for a free case review today.

Carlos Gamino