WI AB117

Authorizes sandhill crane hunting in Wisconsin upon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, with DNR issuing permits at $20 for residents and $100 for nonresidents using a cumulative preference system

Requires hunters to complete a free DNR sandhill crane education program and pass a test annually before hunting, covering species identification, regulations, and methods to avoid taking whooping cranes

Creates DATCP-administered reimbursement program for corn farmers to recover up to 50% of seed coating costs (maximum $6,250 per applicant per season) to deter sandhill crane damage

Appropriates $1,875,000 annually for seed coating reimbursements plus $85,000 annually for program administration, with applications accepted March 1 through June 15 each year

Increases wildlife damage surcharges on hunting licenses upon federal approval of crane hunting: resident approvals from $2 to $3, nonresident approvals to $4, resident conservation patron licenses from $4 to $6, nonresident conservation patron licenses to $8