subject: Wisconsin Gun Laws [print this page] Wisconsin has very strict gun laws; it is one of only two states that completely prohibits anyone from carrying concealed weapons. To openly carry a weapon, the owner must not be within 1000 feet of a school (unless on private property) and may not be in a government building, state park, or place where alcohol is sold. One of the most controversial gun laws in Wisconsin is the prohibition of loaded weapons in a vehicle. A loaded gun in a car is considered a concealed weapon, which is illegal. Guns in cars must be unloaded, which means there are no shells or cartridges in the chamber, and encased, which means it is zipped or enclosed into a case specifically intended for the weapon. The gun should also be out of reach. Carrying a concealed weapon (including other non-gun weapons such as knives) is a class A misdemeanor.
For some individuals, carrying any weapon openly is not allowed under any circumstances. This includes: a convicted felon, including someone who committed a felony as a juvenile; someone convicted of domestic violence or under a domestic violence restraining order; someone convicted of harassment or under a harassment restraining order; someone ruled legally mentally unstable; or an unsupervised minor. There are some exceptions with hunting with a minor. Anyone over the age of 12 may hunt with a firearm when accompanied by an adult and if they have successfully completed a Hunter Safety class. If anyone willingly provides a firearm to someone who is ineligible to have one, they are subject to a felony charge.
Other acts that are illegal include possession of a firearm while intoxicated, pointing a weapon at another individual (unless in self defense), and any type of negligent handling of a weapon. Despite some efforts from lawmakers, openly carrying a weapon is NOT considered disorderly conduct unless the owner is acting out in any of the above manners.
Law enforcement officers and military personnel are exceptions to most of these rules and are generally allowed to carry concealed weapons, especially in their vehicles.
