Doyle vetoes tweaks to bear hunting rules

MADISON (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle has vetoed a bill that would have expanded Wisconsin's bear hunting regulations.

The measure would have allowed a Class B license holder to shoot and kill a bear that had been wounded by a Class A license holder in the same party. Under current regulations Class B license holders are allowed to assist in a bear hunt but can't kill any.

The bill also would let children under age 16 perform Class B activities without a license and anyone to undertake Class B activities without a license during the third weekend in August.

Doyle says wardens would have a hard time determining whether a Class A or Class B licensees shot the bear first and bill would increase conflicts between hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Tags: bear hunting, sports, outdoors, superior, hunting