Wisconsin wakesurfing bill change would authorize sandhill crane hunt

Wisconsin wakesurfing deal allows crane hunting

A last-minute push to regulate wakesurfing in Wisconsin took an unexpected turn. The statewide debate over wakesurfing has split the Republican Party down the middle. So on Thursday, the sponsor of a bill favored by the boating industry found a way to get more republicans on his side. He added a last minute amendment authorizing the hunting of sandhill cranes.

MADISON, Wis. - A last-minute push to regulate wakesurfing in Wisconsin took an unexpected turn Thursday, and a surprise development had Democrats yelling in objection on the Assembly floor.    

Wakesurfing regulation

The backstory:

Wakesurfing is a sport that relies on boats that create artificial waves big enough to surf. It's become a controversial issue in Wisconsin: critics say they damage lakes, while supporters say those concerns are overblown.

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A Wisconsin Senate committee spent the day hearing hours of testimony on a pair of competing wakesurfing bills. One favored by boat manufacturers, the other more restrictive bill supported by a coalition of more than 100 groups from across the political spectrum.

Wisconsin Capitol, Madison

A bill favored by wakesurfers would require wakeboats to stay 200 feet away from shore, while critics wanted 500 feet and a 20-foot depth restriction.

On Thursday, the less restrictive bill came up for a vote on the Assembly floor with an unexpected addition that State Rep. Lisa Subeck, a Madison Democrat, said "substantially changed" the bill.

Sandhill crane hunt?

What they're saying:

Robert Brooks, a Saukville Republican, offered an amendment to the wakesurfing bill that authorizes the hunting of sandhill cranes in Wisconsin. It's something Republicans have long wanted and Democrats have staunchly opposed.

The statewide debate over wakesurfing had split the Republican Party down the middle. The amendment helped supporters garner just enough votes to pass the industry-favored wakesurfing bill that was just introduced a few days ago.

"When Madison operates at warp speed, something’s wrong," said Fred Prehn with Lakes at Stake.

Ongoing decision

What's next:

It's still unclear which side will prevail, but one thing is clear: the outcome will make a splash. The bill that passed the Assembly on Thursday would set a 300-foot distance restriction for wakesurfing, but no depth restriction. It would also authorize a sandhill crane hunt.

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However, that bill still needs Wisconsin Senate approval – not to mention the governor's signature. At last check, the Senate Transportation Committee was in its sixth hour of testimony on competing wakesurfing bills Thursday.

See the bills

Dig deeper:

Below, you'll find the bills that lawmakers are considering:

• 2025 Assembly Bill 1033 (favored by wakesurfing industry)
• Amendment to Assembly Bill 1033 (to authorize sandhill crane hunt)
• 2025 Senate Bill 1024 (favored by wakesurfing opposition)
• 2025 Senate Bill 1025 (favored by wakesurfing industry)