This indeed is a big step towards choice of carry. What is interesting is the potential implications on hunting. Statute 941.23 applies to all dangerous weapons, a cornicopia of implements, including knives. In fact knives with blades exceeding 3 inches has been declared by ordinance in Milwaukee county as dangerous weapons. The Shultz case specifically involves knives which gives our arguments new life because it serves as a departure from the stereotype that 941.23 applies only to firerms. What is interesting concerning the activity of hunting is that if this case is appealed and reversed it could mean that the carry of hunting knives while hunting will be implicated. It may be illegal to carry a "hunting knife" inside your outer coat, or carry one of the folding type knives, i.e. the kind made by Buck, in your pocket. In other words the carry of knives during hunting may be subject to the same limitations as firearms. In other words they must be carried in the open at all times. The common connection between knives and guns and hunting is in Article I section 25 itself, i.e. security, defense, hunting, recreation etc. Article I section 25 does not state "keep and bear firearms--". It reads "keep and bear arms--" which includes knives. Therefore any judicial decision concerning the constitutionality of 941.23 as it applies to knives applies equally to firearms and vice versa. Stay tuned. This may get interesting. My opinion.
