Can I make an observation?
Greetings to my friends in Wisconsin.
From time to time I note well meaning people providing website links to websites that contain multiple errors.
There has been a great deal of discussion of Nevada Law. This discussion is not particularly relevant to Wisconsin Open or Concealed Carry, but the referenced websites provided contained multiple errors. I point this out only because any discussion geared toward how to shape a law in Wisconsin, as discussed in relation to the laws of other States, has to be based on accurate information.
Nevada Law does indeed allow open carry, but the right is not absolute; there are restrictions, particularly in the immediate vicinity of a school or Casino. Somewhat less repressive allowances are made for concealed carry permit holders, but only to the extent that they drop off students, faculty, or school employees into a school zone or casino and do not actually exit a vehicle themselves. Concealed carry with a permit is allowed in Casinos - open carry is not (trespassing violation), unless by a member of a security company registered with Nevada and hired by that Casino.
What Wisconsin needs is a Castle Doctrine Law with extension to personal vehicle and a "Make My Day" clause that allows a WI resident to "stand his/her ground" in any location that he/she has a legal right to be. (Examples: FL and UT). Then, I would love to see my home State adopt a "Constitutional Carry" statute that also included a permit system that allowed for reciprocity with the maximum number of States. For instance, Michigan will honor almost any other State's permit, but only if the permit holder has a resident permit. Thus, for my friends in Northern WI to cross the border of the UP while being law abiding Citizens concerned for the protection of self and family, they would need a Wisconsin residential permit. (Same for folks visiting New Hampshire, Colorado, Florida, Maine, and South Carolina.) Absent a Federal Law that makes all permits equal in all States, this is just an unpleasant fact that we must deal with. No amount of complaining will change this fact. (The irony here is that I, as a former Wisconsin Resident with a Utah resident permit, can carry concealed in Michigan while the family members I am traveling with cannot.)
We can bemoan the fact that Wisconsin remains a "black State" (right denied) when it comes to concealed carry, but as the States as a whole become more gun friendly, and particularly in light of McDonald v City of Chicago, my friends in Wisconsin are in a unique position - if you can be patient and then apply a "full court press" when a new legislature convenes with a new Governor - you may be delighted with the outcome.
For those of you old enough to remember the Helmet Law (all persons must wear a helmet on a motorcycle), you will also remember that it was the political pressure of THE PEOPLE who forced the legislators to reconsider. Now, if you can organize, or at least do a letter writing campaign, the time is RIPE to turn Wisconsin away from its' reputation as the People's Socialist and Liberal State of Wisconsin - into something that more accurately reflects the vision held my the Founding Fathers. There are a lot more hunters, sportsmen, and NRA members in Wisconsin than there were motorcycle riders in 1976 (WI Helmet law defeated).
While I support the rights of my friends in Wisconsin to Open Carry, I believe WI needs concealed carry as well. Bad guys may avoid Open Carry individuals because they want to commit robbery and avoid a gunfight. With concealed carry, more citizens benefit because the bad guys do now know who is carrying.
Thanks for allowing me to post.
Jim